How long can you expect it to take for new hardwood floors to be professionally installed? This depends on a number of factors such as the size of the project, (the number and size of the rooms you will be renovating), and the type of hardwood flooring you select. Keep in mind, every project and home is unique. However, on average it takes 7-10 days to install hardwood flooring once it has arrived at your home. You will need 3-7 days for acclimating the hardwood and 1-3 days for the installation. This information is important because installing new hardwood floors can disrupt your daily life. To help you understand the process better, here is a breakdown of the installation steps and the factors that can make the installation take more or less time than average.
Hardwood Acclimation
Days 1 – 7
Hardwood flooring acclimation is crucial to avoid a wood flooring nightmare. This is the process of adjusting the moisture content of the hardwood floor to match the environment in which it is expected to perform in. How do you adjust the moisture? By bringing the boxes of hardwood floor into your home to expose the planks to the air and humidity. If this step is not completed and your hardwood floor is installed when it is either drier or wetter than the rest of your home, there can be some serious consequences. If the hardwood floor is too dry the floor will absorb moisture from the subfloor and air, causing the planks to expand. This would result in cupping and bulging of the wood. If it is too wet it will lose moisture and dry out, causing the planks to shrink and pull away from one another leaving unwanted gaps.
When acclimating your hardwood floor, a minimum of 3-7 days is recommended. During this period, it is a good time to remove old flooring and inspect your subfloor for any needed repairs. This proactive approach will save time and prevent unexpected delays later in the installation process.
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Why acclimation may be shorter or take longer?
Depending on the product you selected, acclimation may not be necessary at all. Engineered flooring for example is designed to be more stable with little expansion or shrinking. If you are unsure whether your flooring needs to acclimate, speak to your local Nufloors expert.
Solid hardwood flooring on the other hand can take up to 2 weeks to acclimate. Other factors that may affect the length of time it takes to acclimate hardwood are, the species of hardwood, the plank size (planks are getting longer and wider which may lead to longer acclimation times) as well as the local environment conditions.
Other variables that may affect the length of time it takes for the hardwood to climatize include the current temperatures and the time of season and how the material is transported and stored can determine the overall process. If the flooring is transported and stored in a controlled environment, it could cut the acclimation time down significantly.
Tips for Acclimation
- Stable environment: Maintain a consistent indoor climate with your normal living conditions. This means a temperature range of 60-80F (15-26C) as well as ensuring the humidity level remains in between 30-50%.
- Adequate Airflow: Ensure there is good airflow around the planks.
How do you know if your new floor is finished acclimating?
Thankfully, there are a number of tools and methods used to determine if your floor is finished acclimating to ensure there are no issues once it is installed.
- Check Moisture Levels: A moisture meter is used to measure the moisture content of both the hardwood flooring and the subfloor. The hardwood is acclimated when its moisture content is within 2-4% of the subfloor’s moisture content for plywood subfloors or within 2% for concrete subfloors.
- Compare Readings Over Time: Moisture readings are taken at the beginning and periodically throughout the acclimation period. The readings should stabilize and show minimal fluctuation over several days.
- Visual Inspection: Ensure there are no signs of warping, cupping, or gaps in the wood planks. The wood should lie flat and look uniform.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Follow the specific acclimation guidelines provided by the flooring manufacturer, as different types of hardwood may have varying requirements.
- Consult a Nufloors Professional: Your Nufloors installation team will know when the flooring has acclimated properly and is ready for installation.
Hardwood Flooring Installation
On average it takes 1-3 days to professionally install hardwood floor. The actual laying of the hardwood flooring can vary based on the size of the area, the type of hardwood, and the complexity of the installation (e.g., patterns & borders).
Why it might be shorter?
It will take less time to install hardwood flooring if the space is smaller than 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. Smaller spaces typically require less preparation, such as moving furniture or removing old flooring, which will speed up the overall process. Also, if the space is wide open and free of obstacles it can take less time. Installers can work more efficiently and move across the floor quickly without having to make intricate cuts and fit the floor around objects. Not only are they able to work faster by laying floor in long uninterrupted rows with fewer obstacles, but there is also less time spent measuring and cutting each piece of hardwood.
Why it might take longer?
Larger areas naturally take more time to install and with more flooring comes a higher chance of encountering varied challenges and complexities throughout the space. Complexities include obstacles such as fireplaces, fixtures, cabinets and staircases, which alone can take up to an entire day. When obstacles are present, it requires more measurements, intricate cuts and precise fitting, which can disrupt the flow of the installation. Also, requesting a pattern such as a parquet or herringbone can take two to three times longer to install compared to straight laid planks. This is because patterns require precise alignment and fitting therefore the installer must spend more time on each piece to ensure the pattern is maintained consistently across the floor. Most important, not inspecting the subfloor in advance can add 1-2 days if there are any unwanted surprises that must be addressed before installation can begin.
Conclusion
Your flooring consultant will review all of these details with you when you purchase your hardwood flooring. While the process may seem extensive, the effort invested ensures a beautifully installed hardwood floor that will enhance your home and retain its beauty and value for years to come. Properly acclimating the wood and thoroughly preparing the installation site will help achieve the best results and longevity for your new hardwood flooring.
