Factors That Might Affect How Long It Takes To Get Your New Wood Floors Installed

Hardwood floors are beautiful additions to your home, but they don't go in quickly. If you need your new floors by a specific date, you'll want to start the process weeks in advance. That way, you can avoid delays that might ruin your plans. Your flooring contractor will give you an idea on how long it will take based on several factors. Here are some of the things that influence how long it takes to get new hardwood flooring installed.

The Type Of Wood You Choose

It's possible that the type of wood you choose for your flooring will affect how quickly your floor is put down. If you choose a common wood you can buy off the shelf, then the supplies will be available much more quickly. If you choose a more exotic type of hardwood, you may need to wait a few weeks for all the boards to arrive at your home. Also, exotic hardwood needs to acclimate to the climate in your home for longer. Acclimation is an important step since wood contracts and expands according to the temperature and humidity in your home. All wood will need to sit in your home for a few days and some may require several days to acclimate.

Another factor that comes into consideration is whether you choose to buy the type of wood that is finished before it is installed or if you want to stain and finish it once it's put in. Since you can choose the type of stain and finish you want, it might take longer to receive wood that is finished before it is delivered. You can buy unfinished wood much quicker, but then you must allot the time needed to stain it once it's installed and to let it dry properly.

The Amount Of Floor Preparation Required

If the home is vacant, you may want to have the floor prepped while you wait on supplies to save time. However, if you're living in the home, you may want to wait to pull up the old flooring right before the wood flooring is installed. It's possible that you'll run into problems when you do this, especially if the old floor is covered with carpeting and you have no idea what shape it is in. Depending on the type of flooring you have, it could take all day to rip it up if it is adhered with glue. The surface then has to be made completely level with all residue removed. Any imperfections in the floor such as sags or rotted areas must be fixed before the wood can be installed.

The Complexity Of The Installation

A standard room could take much longer to install if you want an intricate design created with the flooring. This gives your home a unique appearance, but it does take longer since more calculations and cuts need to be made. Installing flooring in an empty room in the traditional fashion goes fairly quickly and could be completed in just a couple of days. If you have built-in islands, bookcases, or a fireplace, it could take longer to install the floor since it requires more measuring and cutting. Rooms with an oval or round shape take longer too.

Being able to enjoy the beauty of your new hardwood floors makes waiting for them worthwhile. Even if you have to wait a few weeks for them to be complete starting from ordering supplies until the stain dries, it's worth it as long as you know in advance how long it will take.


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