When planning a home upgrade, installing new hardwood flooring is one of the most transformative changes you can make. But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How long does it take to install new hardwood flooring?”

The answer depends on several factors, such as the size of your space, the type of wood, and the prep work required. If you’re considering hardwood flooring in Brooklyn, understanding the installation timeline can help you plan your renovation more effectively and avoid unnecessary surprises.

Let’s break down the typical time frame, what affects it, and what you should expect from your hardwood floor installation in Brooklyn.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Hardwood Floor Installation

A professional hardwood floor installation in Brooklyn usually follows several key steps. Each step contributes to the total duration of the project:

Pre-Installation (1–5 Days)

Before the flooring even goes down, several things need to happen:

• Furniture Removal: If the installer doesn’t handle this, you’ll need to clear the area.
• Old Flooring Removal: Removing carpet, laminate, tile, or old wood can take a day or two depending on the materials and square footage.
• Subfloor Prep: The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. If repairs are needed (e.g., squeaks or water damage), this could add a few days.

If you’re working with an experienced provider of hardwood flooring in Brooklyn, they’ll inspect and prepare the subfloor carefully to ensure a long-lasting result.

Acclimation (3–7 Days)

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Before installation, the hardwood planks must acclimate to your home’s environment.

During this period, the wood is left in the rooms where it will be installed. Skipping this step could result in gapping, warping, or buckling later on—a mistake no reputable hardwood floor installation in Brooklyn professional would ever make.

Installation (2–5 Days)

The installation process itself depends on:

• Type of hardwood: Solid hardwood takes longer to install than engineered hardwood.
• Installation method: Nail-down and glue-down methods take longer than floating floor methods.
• Room layout: Complex cuts and patterns (like herringbone or borders) can add more time.
• Square footage: A single room may only take a day, but an entire apartment or brownstone can take several days to a week.

As a rule of thumb, a professional team can install about 300 to 500 square feet per day under ideal conditions.

Sanding and Finishing (3–5 Days)

If you’re installing unfinished hardwood, it will need to be sanded, stained, and sealed. Each coat of finish needs time to dry—usually 24 hours between coats.

This step can add 3–5 days depending on the number of coats and environmental conditions like humidity. Some Brooklyn installers offer prefinished hardwood, which can eliminate this entire step and shorten the total timeline.

Cure Time and Move-In (3–7 Days)

Even after the final coat is applied, the floor needs time to cure. During this time, heavy furniture and rugs should not be placed on the floor. Light foot traffic may be allowed after 24–48 hours, but full curing can take up to a week.

If you’re living in the home during installation, this can be an inconvenience—but reputable providers of hardwood flooring in Brooklyn will work with your schedule to minimize disruption.

Total Time Estimate

Here’s a general breakdown:

Stage Time Required

Pre-Installation 1–5 days

Acclimation 3–7 days

Installation 2–5 days

Sanding/Finishing 3–5 days (if applicable)

Curing Time 3–7 days

Total Time: 12–29 days depending on the complexity and scope of the project.

Factors That Affect the Timeline

Type of Hardwood

Solid hardwood requires more acclimation and often more intensive finishing than engineered hardwood. If you’re choosing exotic woods or custom stains, expect a longer timeline.

Site Conditions

Uneven subfloors, mold issues, or moisture problems can delay installation. Older homes in Brooklyn may require subfloor repairs or leveling before hardwood floor installation begins.

Availability of Materials

Some wood species or finishes may take longer to arrive, especially if they are custom-ordered. Working with a trusted hardwood flooring supplier in Brooklyn ensures timely delivery and avoids project delays.

Labor Scheduling

Good installers are in high demand, especially during spring and fall when renovations are common. Booking early with a reliable hardwood floor installation company in Brooklyn can help you avoid long wait times.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

If you’re on a tight schedule, here are a few ways to shorten the timeline without compromising quality:

1. Choose prefinished wood: This eliminates the need for on-site sanding and finishing.
2. Go with engineered hardwood: It often requires less acclimation and installs faster.
3. Prepare your space: Clear furniture, remove old flooring, and complete other renovations beforehand.
4. Work with experienced professionals: A reputable team can execute the job efficiently and catch issues early.

Why Choose Professional Hardwood Flooring in Brooklyn?

Working with a specialized local provider for hardwood flooring in Brooklyn ensures your installation is smooth and timely. Brooklyn homes often come with their own quirks—uneven floors, tight staircases, and unique architectural details—that require skill and precision.

Local professionals understand the climate, the building types, and the city’s building codes. They also tend to have established supply chains, which means fewer delays waiting for materials or tools.

Additionally, a professional hardwood floor installation in Brooklyn comes with expert advice on maintenance, cleaning, and warranty coverage, giving you peace of mind long after the project is finished.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to install new hardwood floors? On average, you can expect a timeline of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your home’s condition and the scope of the work. If you’re in the planning phase, working with an experienced team that specializes in hardwood flooring in Brooklyn will make all the difference.

From initial prep to final finish, every step in the process matters. Whether you’re renovating a brownstone in Park Slope or upgrading a loft in Williamsburg, investing in professional hardwood floor installation in Brooklyn ensures a stunning, long-lasting result you’ll enjoy for years to come