Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable choice for any home, but they can eventually become damaged or worn down. If you’re considering replacing your hardwood floors, you’re probably wondering how long the project will take.
Generally, you can expect the project to take 7-10 days. However, several factors affect the exact duration it takes to replace hardwood floors.
This article will take you through the entire hardwood floor replacement process, step by step, and explain how long each step takes. We’ll also share some tips for speeding up the process so you can get back to enjoying your new floors sooner.
How Much Time Does Replacing the Hardwood Floors Take?
Replacing hardwood floors is a project that can take anywhere from three days to two weeks. On average, it takes 7-10 days to replace hardwood floors once the new flooring has arrived at your home. This includes time for acclimation, removing the old flooring, preparing the subfloor, and installing the new flooring.
The duration varies based on several factors, including the size of the area, the type of wood, and the method of installation.
Breakdown of the Time It Takes To Replace Hardwood Floors
Here is a breakdown of the different steps involved in replacing hardwood floors, along with an estimated time frame for each step.
Step 1: Removing the Old Hardwood Floor
The first step in replacing hardwood floors is to remove the old flooring. You can do it manually or with a power tool.
If you’re removing the old flooring manually, you can expect the process to take 1–2 days per room. If you’re using a power tool, you can expect the process to take about half as long.
Step 2: Acclimation
Once the old floor has been removed, the new hardwood flooring must be acclimated to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. Acclimation prevents the wood from shrinking or expanding after it has been installed.
The acclimation process typically takes another 1–2 days.
Step 3: Preparing the Subfloor
The next step involves preparing the subfloor. The process may involve repairing any damage, leveling the subfloor, and installing a moisture barrier. If your subfloor needs repairs, this can extend the timeline.
Generally, preparing the subfloor may take anywhere from 1–3 days.
Step 4: Installing New Hardwood Floor
The final step is to install the new hardwood flooring, which is the heart of the project. This process usually takes 2-3 days per room, depending on the type of flooring you choose and the complexity of the installation.
For nail-down installations, it might take two to three days on average. If you opt for a glue-down method, it can stretch to four days as it involves allowing the adhesive to cure.
What Factors Affect the Timeline?
The time it takes to replace hardwood floors can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Size of the project. Larger projects will naturally take longer to complete than smaller projects.
- Type of hardwood flooring. Some types of hardwood flooring, such as engineered hardwood, are easier to install than others, such as solid hardwood.
- The complexity of the installation. If the installation is complex, such as if there are stairs or intricate patterns involved, it will take longer to complete.
- Condition of the subfloor. If the subfloor is in poor condition, it will need to be repaired before the new hardwood flooring can be installed. This can add additional time to the project.
- Availability of tools and materials. If the installer does not have the necessary tools and materials on hand, it will add additional time to the project.
- Presence of obstacles. If there are obstacles in the room, such as furniture or appliances, it will take longer to remove them and reinstall them after the new flooring is installed.
How To Reduce the Time Needed for Replacing Hardwood Floors?
Replacing hardwood floors is a big project, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the time it takes. Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead. The more planning you do upfront, the less time the project will take. You can measure your space carefully, order the materials you need in advance, and schedule a time for the installation.
- Hire a professional: If you have the budget, hiring a professional flooring contractor is the best way to save time on a hardwood floor replacement project. Professional contractors have the experience and expertise to install hardwood floors quickly and efficiently.
- Remove the old flooring and acclimate the new flooring at the same time. This will save you a day or two. To acclimate the new flooring, simply lay it out in the room where it will be installed and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours.
- Use the right tools and materials: Having the right tools and materials will make the installation process go much faster. Make sure you have a power saw, a hammer, a nail set, a nail gun, and a level. You’ll also need to purchase enough hardwood flooring to cover your space, plus a little extra for waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Replace Flooring One Room at a Time?
Yes, you can replace flooring one room at a time. It is a good option if you are on a budget or if you do not want to disrupt your entire home during the renovation.
What Is the Lifespan of Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors can last a lifetime, but the average lifespan is 25-30 years. The exact lifespan can vary depending on the type of wood, the quality of the installation, and the amount of traffic the floor receives.
Conclusion
Replacing hardwood floors is a significant home improvement project that offers timeless beauty and durability. While the typical timeline for this process is 7-10 days, various factors like project size, flooring type, and installation complexity can influence the duration.
If you’re planning to do the replacement yourself, it’s time to gather all the installation tools and start planning for it. Click here to order a hardwood installation kit that has everything you need to get the job done right.
