Installing new hardwood floors is a big investment, and to make it worthwhile, you need to know how to care for your new floors properly, including when it’s safe to walk on them.
So, can you walk on hardwood floors right after installation? According to our experienced hardwood flooring experts, you wait at least 24 hours before walking on your new hardwood floors. The waiting time will give the finish enough time to dry and harden.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors that affect drying time, how to check if your floors are dry, and provide tips for protecting your new hardwood floors after installation.
When Can You Walk on Hardwood Floors After Installation?
After the installation of hardwood floors, you might be eager to walk on them, but it’s crucial to follow the recommended timeline for allowing the newly installed floors to settle. The general guideline is to avoid walking on hardwood floors for at least 24 hours after installation.
The waiting period allows the adhesive or finishing products used during installation to cure and harden properly. You should avoid heavy traffic, sharp objects, and dragging heavy furniture during this time. It’s also advisable to wear socks or soft-soled shoes when you first walk on the floors to prevent scratches or indentations.
Keep in mind that the exact waiting period may vary depending on humidity levels and the type of adhesive or finish used.
Factors That Affect Drying Time
The drying time of hardwood floors depends on a few factors, including the type of hardwood floor, the installation method, and the finish.
Type of Hardwood Floor
Prefinished hardwood floors are durable and can withstand light foot traffic right away. However, it’s still recommended to wait before walking on the floors immediately after installation. The adhesive needs time to dry and harden before it can withstand heavy foot traffic. You should wait at least 12-24 hours before walking on prefinished hardwood floors.
Unfinished hardwood floors need more time to cure after installation. The finish needs to dry and harden completely before you can walk on the floors, and this can take 1–3 days.
The amount of time you need to wait before walking on hardwood floors after installation depends on a few factors, including the type of hardwood floor, the installation method, and the finish.
Installation Method
You can walk on nailed-down hardwood floors immediately after installation. However, it’s best to wait 24 hours before moving furniture back into the room.
Glued-down hardwood floors need to dry completely before you can walk on them. The drying time usually takes 24-48 hours, depending on the type of adhesive used.
Type of Finish
Water-based polyurethane finishes dry quickly so that you can walk on the floors after a few hours.
Oil-based polyurethane finishes take longer to dry, so you need to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the floors. We recommend waiting for a week before you start moving furniture onto the floors.
How to Test If Your Hardwood Floors Are Dry?
To test if your hardwood floors are dry after installation, you will need to use a moisture meter. A moisture meter is a cheap and handy device that measures the amount of moisture in wood. You can find a moisture meter at most hardware stores or purchase it here.
To test your hardwood floors for moisture, follow these steps:
- Turn on the moisture meter and set it to the correct setting for wood.
- Place the probes of the moisture meter on the surface of the wood floor.
- Press down on the probes to ensure that they are making good contact with the wood.
- Read the moisture meter display. The moisture content of the wood should be between 6% and 8% before you can start walking on it.
The ideal moisture content for hardwood floors is between 6% and 8%. If any of the readings on your moisture meter are above 8%, your floors are not yet dry, and you should not walk on them.
However, it is still a good idea to wait at least 24 hours after installation to allow the finish to be fully cured. You can help the floors to dry faster by using dehumidifiers and fans.
Other Precautions to Take Before for Hardwood Floors After Installation
Here are some other precautions you can take before you can walk on hardwood floors after installation:
- Place temporary protective coverings on the floors, such as rosin paper, builder’s felt, or even old blankets. The covering will protect the floors from dirt, debris, and accidental damage.
- Avoid wearing shoes with pointed heels or rough soles, which can potentially dent or scratch the surface of the floors.
- Keep pets off the floors until they are fully cured. Pets can track dirt and debris onto the floors, and their claws can also scratch the surface.
- Be careful not to move heavy furniture on the floors until they are fully cured. This could damage the floors or cause them to shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for Hardwood Floors To Harden?
Hardwood floors generally take several 3–7 days to fully harden and cure. The specific timeline varies based on factors like the type of finish used and environmental conditions.
Can You Walk on New Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Yes, you can walk on newly installed engineered hardwood floors. However, it is better to wait at least 24 hours after installation to allow the finish to fully cure.
What To Expect After Installing Hardwood Floors?
After installing hardwood floors, expect the floors to be slightly uneven until the wood has had a chance to acclimate to its new environment. The color may also be a little different after it dries completely.
Conclusion
After installing hardwood floors, it’s essential to wait at least 24 hours before walking on them. This allows the adhesive or finishing products to cure and harden properly.
You should avoid heavy traffic, sharp objects, and dragging heavy furniture during this time. We also recommend you wear socks or soft-soled shoes when you first walk on the floors to prevent scratches.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your new hardwood floors last for many years to come.
