Planning your hardwood flooring project involves more than choosing materials—you also need to understand the timeline. In the Bay Area, where project schedules are tight and demand is high, here’s what you can expect during a typical installation.
1. Initial Consultation & Measurement (1–3 Days)
Dan Hardwood Floors begins with a site visit to assess your current flooring, take accurate measurements, and understand your design goals. You’ll receive recommendations, a quote, and timeline estimates.
2. Choosing the Materials (1–5 Days)
Select your hardwood species, finish, plank width, and color. Custom orders may take longer, especially for exotic woods or special stains. Our team offers sample boards and guidance to help you decide.
3. Acclimation Period (3–7 Days)
Hardwood must adjust to your home’s humidity levels before installation. This prevents expansion or contraction after the floors are laid. We recommend storing the wood in the installation room with the HVAC system running normally.
4. Installation Process (2–7 Days)
Depending on the square footage, complexity, and whether it’s nail-down, glue-down, or floating, most projects take between two and seven days. Larger or custom pattern projects (like herringbone) may require additional time.
5. Sanding & Finishing (2–4 Days)
For site-finished floors, sanding, staining, and sealing adds additional time. Prefinished floors skip this step. Choose from matte, satin, or gloss finishes for your desired look and maintenance level.
6. Cure Time (1–5 Days)
Once finishes are applied, they must dry before furniture or foot traffic is allowed. Water-based polyurethanes cure faster and emit less odor than oil-based options. We recommend allowing full cure time before placing rugs or furniture.
Tips to Prepare Your Home:
- Remove furniture in advance
- Clear space for installers to work
- Plan for temporary access limitations
- Schedule the project while away from home, if possible
Post-Installation Tips:
- Wait at least 10 days before using wet mops
- Add felt pads to furniture legs
- Avoid area rugs until floors are fully cured
Internal links: Installation Process | Hardwood Selection Guide