Hardwood floors can instantly make your space feel more put-together. But if you’re planning to install them, there’s one question that almost always comes up:
How long is this going to take?
Maybe you’re trying to schedule furniture delivery. Maybe you’ve got kids or pets who won’t handle construction chaos very well. Or maybe you’re just tired of living in a renovation zone. Whatever the reason, it helps to have a general idea of what the timeline could look like.
While every project is a little different, most installations follow a fairly predictable schedule. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process — from prep to the final clean-up — and explain the factors that impact how long it takes to install hardwood floors.
What Influences the Hardwood Floor Installation Time?
The timeline for hardwood flooring installation isn’t just about how fast a crew can lay down boards. It depends on multiple factors, some of which are easy to overlook until you’re in the thick of things.
1) Room Size and Number
Bigger spaces take longer to renovate. A single, open living room will be done faster than multiple smaller rooms with doorways, closets, and tight corners. If you’re flooring several areas at once, expect things to stretch out a bit.
2) Subfloor Condition
If your subfloor is uneven, squeaky, or damaged, it’ll need some attention before the installation begins. You may have to sand down high spots, tighten loose areas, or replace damaged sections. Although these repairs aren’t complicated, they do add time to the project.
3) Type of Hardwood
Interestingly, the type of wood you choose can also impact the final project timeline.
- Solid hardwood usually takes longer to install, especially if it needs to be sanded and finished on-site.
- Engineered wood (especially click-lock styles) goes in faster and doesn’t always require finishing.
- Prefinished boards save time, while unfinished hardwood adds extra days for sanding and sealing.
If you’re still exploring options, you can take a closer look at our premium hardwood flooring products to compare styles, finishes, and installation requirements.
4) Design Complexity
In case you want your flooring laid out in a herringbone, Chevron, or diagonal pattern, you’re looking at more cuts, measuring, and time. The same goes for curved staircases or rooms with many angles and insets.
5) Acclimation Time
Wood needs time to adjust to your home’s environment. Depending on the product and conditions, acclimation can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days. It’s not physically demanding work, but you’ll need to account for that wait time in your overall schedule.
Step-by-Step Timeline: How Long to Install Hardwood Floors?
Most hardwood flooring installations follow a similar path. Here’s what to expect, step by step.
1) Acclimating Your Hardwood
First, the wooden boards need time to settle into your home. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, and if it’s installed too soon, that movement can lead to gaps, warping, or buckling.
Most professionals recommend letting the boards sit in the space for 3 to 5 days, though engineered wood sometimes needs less time. Your flooring supplier or installer will tell you what’s right for your specific product.
2) Prep Work and Subfloor Readiness
Once the wood is ready, the prep work begins. Typically, this includes:
- Removing your old flooring
- Repairing or leveling the subfloor
- Cleaning and prepping the space
Based on how much has to be removed and whether the subfloor needs work, this step typically takes 1 to 2 days.
3) Installation of Wood Floors
Hardwood floor installs typically take 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of wood, the room layout, and the total square footage. Prefinished, click-lock boards tend to install faster than unfinished or nail-down planks.
After all the boards are installed, your crew will wrap things up with finishing touches like trim, thresholds, and cleanup. The final step usually takes about a day.
4) Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
Even with a good plan, some things can stretch the schedule, such as:
- Larger or more complex floor plans
- Intricate patterns (like herringbone or chevron)
- Stairs, inlays, or tricky transitions
- Specialty wood types that require extra care
Most of the time, your contractor will build the extra time into your schedule. As long as there are no surprises, you’ll know what to expect before the work begins.
Want to see how the Lifetime team handles the process? Check out our professional installation services!
Comparing Hardwood to Other Flooring Installations
If you’re weighing your options, it helps to know how hardwood stacks up against other popular flooring types, not just in terms of look and durability, but also how long they take to install.
- Carpets are usually the fastest. Most installations take just a day, even for larger rooms.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) typically takes about 1 to 2 days, depending on the space and layout.
- Tile takes the longest. Between subfloor prep, tile layout, grout application, and drying time, it’s often a 3 to 5-day process, sometimes more.
While you’re here, check out our take on the differences between hardwood vs vinyl plank.
Faster Alternatives Within the Hardwood Category
If you want the look of hardwood but don’t want to wait days to walk on it, here are a few options worth considering:
- Prefinished hardwood is already sanded and sealed. Because there’s no finishing required, it can save you a couple of days.
- Engineered hardwood installs quicker than traditional solid wood, especially click-clock versions.
- Waterproof hardwood is great for faster installations in high-moisture areas.
Explore our waterproof hardwood options for a quicker, tougher install.
Why Choose Professional Wood Floor Installation?
Hardwood floors are a big investment. And like any good investment, you want it done right the first time.
That’s why you should work with Jacksonville hardwood flooring experts.
With professional wood floor installation, you get clean, accurate work. A good crew knows how to handle uneven subfloors, tricky corners, and the little details that can trip up even the most determined DIYer. They’ll work efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and leave you with a smooth, long-lasting finish.
At Lifetime Flooring, our team handles everything with the kind of care and attention you’d expect from people who care about your home. Check out our hardwood floor installation services to learn more.
Your Next Steps: Planning and Consultation
Once you’ve decided to move forward with hardwood flooring, start thinking about the logistics at home.
Plan to move furniture out of the way and make sure installers have easy access to the rooms being worked on. If you have pets or kids, it’s also a good idea to set up a quiet space away from the work zone for a few days.
Lifetime Flooring offers free, in-home estimates where we’ll walk your space, talk through your goals, and give you a clear, custom timeline. You’ll also have access to 100% financing options to make upgrading your floors easier and more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Hardwood floor installation doesn’t have to drag on for weeks, but it’s not an overnight job either. With proper planning and the right team, most installations wrap up in less than two weeks from start to finish.
The key is knowing what to expect. Don’t rush through the prep, and don’t skip acclimation or curing just to speed things up. The time you spend now gives your floors a longer lifespan later.
Ready to upgrade your floors? Let the experts at Lifetime Flooring help you get it done. Schedule your free in-home estimate today and see why homeowners trust us for flooring in Jacksonville, FL.