Upgrading to hardwood flooring is a big decision—and an even bigger transformation. Whether you’re renovating a single room or doing a full-home flooring upgrade, knowing what to expect during a hardwood floor installation can save you time, stress, and surprises.
At Danzco Hardwood Flooring, we’ve handled professional installations across Baltimore, Catonsville, Ellicott City, Columbia, and Owings Mills for over 30 years. Here’s a full breakdown of how the process works so you can prepare with confidence.
🏠 Before Installation: The Prep Work Matters
1. In-Home Estimate and Stain Selection
We start with a free consultation where we evaluate your subfloors, help you choose the right wood type (oak, maple, hickory, etc.), and show you stain samples in your actual space under your lighting. If you’re in Pikesville or Elkridge, we come to you—no guesswork involved.
2. Furniture Moving and Site Prep
Before installation day:
- Remove all furniture and breakables from the room.
- If you need help, we can move furniture for you (outlined in your quote).
- In some cases, doors may need to be removed and trimmed afterward to accommodate new flooring height.
Humidity and moisture checks are also done to ensure your wood acclimates properly, especially important in Maryland’s varying climate.
🔨 Installation Day(s): What to Expect
3. Acclimation Time
Depending on the wood you choose, your flooring might need to acclimate for 3–7 days in your home. This helps avoid issues like warping or buckling later.
4. Subfloor Inspection and Prep
We inspect and prep the subfloor—this may involve:
- Cleaning and leveling the surface
- Securing loose areas
- Adding underlayment for moisture protection or soundproofing
This step ensures a solid foundation for your new floors.
5. Laying the Hardwood
Using specialized tools and certified techniques, we:
- Lay out the pattern for best visual appeal
- Begin installing from a straight reference line
- Use fasteners or adhesives depending on the wood and subfloor type
Expect some noise and vibration, especially if we’re nailing boards into place.
6. Cutting and Custom Details
Around edges, stair treads, vents, and borders, we make precision cuts for a clean, finished look. For homes in Ellicott City, Randallstown, or Columbia, custom accents like medallions or transitions are often added at this stage.
🧹 After Installation: Clean-Up and Finish
7. Dust Containment and Site Cleanup
We use dust containment systems that eliminate about 80% of dust created during sanding and install. After installation:
- The work area is swept and vacuumed
- We dispose of debris and leftover materials
- We may leave small stain touch-up kits or care instructions
8. Final Walkthrough
You’ll walk through the finished space with us to:
- Confirm satisfaction
- Review stain, sheen, and finish
- Learn how to care for your new floors
Any concerns are addressed directly and quickly by the owner or project lead.
⏱️ Timeline: How Long Will It Take?
- 1–3 days: Acclimation (may vary)
- 1–2 days: Subfloor prep and installation (for smaller jobs)
- 3–5 days or more: Larger homes or complex projects
We work continuously until your job is done, unlike some companies who bounce between projects.
🧽 Aftercare Tips for New Floors
We’ll provide a basic care guide, but here are a few immediate rules:
- Don’t place rugs for 7–14 days if floors are newly finished
- Avoid dragging furniture back into place
- Use felt pads under all furniture
- Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home
📍 Service Areas
Danzco proudly serves homeowners in:
- Baltimore
- Catonsville
- Ellicott City
- Columbia
- Owings Mills
- Pikesville
- Randallstown
- Elkridge and surrounding areas
📞 Ready to Get Started?
New floors are one of the best investments you can make in your home—and we’re here to make it smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
Call (410) 788-5919 or visit us in 1320 Linden Ave, Halethorpe, Maryland 21227 to schedule your free in-home estimate.
Explore our services at: www.danzcohardwoodfloors.com
Let’s bring the beauty of real hardwood into your home—with craftsmanship you can trust.