Hardwood floors add warmth, beauty, and long-lasting value to any home. If you’re planning to install hardwood, one of the first questions that comes up is: “How long will the installation take?” The answer depends on several factors — from the size of the area to the type of wood and preparation needed.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
1. Preparation (1–2 days)
Before installation starts, furniture must be moved, the subfloor inspected, and materials delivered. Sometimes, new wood needs time to acclimate to your home’s humidity (usually 48 hours).
2. Installation (1–5 days)
The actual installation time depends on:
- Square footage – larger spaces take longer.
- Wood type – solid hardwood takes more time than engineered.
- Patterns or designs – simple layouts are faster, while herringbone or borders require more precision.
Most average homes take 2–3 days for installation.
3. Sanding and Finishing (2–4 days, if unfinished wood)
If you choose unfinished hardwood, sanding and staining are added steps. Each coat of finish needs drying time (about 24 hours per coat). Prefinished hardwood saves time because this step is done in the factory.
4. Curing and Clean-Up (1–2 days)
After the final coat of finish, it’s best to wait before moving furniture back. Light foot traffic is fine within 24 hours, but heavy furniture should wait at least 48–72 hours.
So, What’s the Total Time?
- Prefinished hardwood: 2–4 days (depending on room size).
- Unfinished hardwood (sand & finish): 4–7 days on average.
Work With Professionals for Faster Results
Hiring an experienced team means the work is done efficiently, with less disruption and fewer mistakes. At Danzco Hardwood Floors, we’ve been installing and refinishing floors across Maryland since 1988.
📞 Call us today at +1-410-788-5919 or visit danzcohardwoodfloors.com to schedule your free estimate.
