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Hardwood flooring is a beautiful, durable, and timeless addition to any home. Whether you’re upgrading your current floors or installing hardwood for the first time, it’s natural to wonder how long the process will take. The timeline can vary based on several factors, including the size of the space, the type of wood, and the condition of the subfloor.
If you're in Portland, ME, and looking for expert flooring services, D&T Hardwood Floors can help you navigate the installation process smoothly. In this guide, we'll break down the hardwood floor installation timeline so you know what to expect.
The total time required for installation depends on several key factors:
The bigger the space, the longer it will take. A single room can often be completed faster than an entire house. If your home has multiple rooms, hallways, or staircases that need flooring, the project will take longer.
Solid Hardwood: This type needs time to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity before installation. If it requires finishing on-site, it will take even longer.
Engineered Hardwood: Pre-finished engineered wood can be installed faster since it doesn’t require sanding or staining.
Before new hardwood flooring can be installed, the subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. If repairs are needed—such as fixing uneven areas or removing old flooring—this can add extra days to the project.
Different installation methods require different amounts of time:
Nail-down installation: Takes longer since each board is individually nailed to the subfloor.
Glue-down installation: Requires drying time, extending the timeline.
Floating floor installation: The fastest method, as planks are clicked together without adhesives or nails.
Pre-finished flooring can be walked on immediately after installation.
Unfinished flooring needs sanding, staining, and sealing, which can add several days to the project.
Before installing solid hardwood, the planks need time to adjust to your home’s environment. This helps prevent issues like warping or shrinking later. The wood is left inside the home for a few days to balance with indoor temperature and humidity.
The existing floor or carpet is removed, and the subfloor is inspected. If repairs or leveling are needed, this can add extra time. A smooth and dry subfloor is essential for a successful installation.
The actual installation time depends on the flooring type and method used:
Smaller rooms (less than 500 sq. ft.): 1–2 days
Medium-sized rooms (500–1,000 sq. ft.): 2–3 days
Large areas (1,000+ sq. ft.): 3+ days
For more complex layouts, such as diagonal or herringbone patterns, installation will take longer.
If you're installing unfinished hardwood, this step is required. Sanding smooths out the surface, and multiple coats of stain and sealant are applied. Each coat needs drying time before the next one can be added.
Once the final coat of finish is applied, it needs time to cure before placing heavy furniture. Walking on the floors is typically okay after 24–48 hours, but full curing takes about a week.
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Acclimation | 3–7 days |
| Subfloor Prep | 1–2 days |
| Installation | 1–3 days |
| Finishing (if needed) | 2–4 days |
| Curing Time | 7–10 days |
| Total Time | 2–3 weeks |
The entire process typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your specific project. However, if you're using pre-finished engineered hardwood, the time may be much shorter—often just a few days.
When it comes to hardwood flooring installation, working with a professional flooring services company in Portland, ME, ensures a smooth and efficient process. D&T Hardwood Floors offers:
✔️ Expert Craftsmanship – Skilled professionals with years of experience.
✔️ High-Quality Materials – A variety of hardwood options to match your style.
✔️ Efficient Installation – Minimizing downtime while delivering top-notch results.
✔️ Customer Satisfaction – Dedicated to making your flooring project stress-free.
Whether you’re upgrading one room or your entire home, D&T Hardwood Floors provides expert service and attention to detail every step of the way.
Q: Can I stay in my home during installation?
A: Yes, but expect noise and limited access to certain areas. If you're installing flooring throughout the home, you may need to stay elsewhere temporarily.
Q: How soon can I walk on the new floors?
A: You can walk on pre-finished floors immediately, but if sanding and finishing are required, wait at least 24–48 hours. For heavy furniture, wait at least 7 days.
Q: Do I need to move all furniture before installation?
A: Yes, clearing the space allows for faster and more efficient installation.
Q: Is it better to install hardwood floors before or after painting walls?
A: It’s generally recommended to paint walls after installing floors to prevent damage to the new flooring.
Q: How do I maintain my new hardwood floors?
A: Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp (not wet) cloth will keep your floors looking great. Avoid using harsh cleaners or excessive water.
Installing hardwood flooring is an investment that requires careful planning. The timeline depends on factors like room size, wood type, and finishing requirements. On average, homeowners should expect 2 to 3 weeks for the entire process.
For those in Portland, ME, looking for expert flooring services, D&T Hardwood Floors provides top-quality craftsmanship to ensure your floors are installed efficiently and beautifully.
