If you’ve never had hardwood floors installed before, it’s natural to have questions. How long does it take? Do you need to leave your home? What happens to your furniture?
Premium Wood Floors KC walks you through the entire process from start to finish so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Free In-Home Estimate
Every project starts with a free visit to your home. Our team measures the space, evaluates the subfloor condition, discusses your wood and finish options, and provides a detailed written estimate.
This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and get professional recommendations based on your specific home.
Step 2: Material Selection and Order
Once you approve the estimate, we help you choose the wood species, stain color, and finish type. Materials are ordered and typically arrive within a few days.
Step 3: Acclimation
Before installation begins, the hardwood planks need to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity. This usually takes 3 to 5 days and is a critical step that prevents warping or gapping after installation.
We deliver the wood ahead of schedule and let it sit in the rooms where it will be installed.
Step 4: Subfloor Preparation
A successful hardwood installation starts with a clean, flat, and structurally sound subfloor. Our team:
- Removes existing flooring (carpet, old wood, vinyl) if needed
- Checks for squeaks, soft spots, or uneven areas
- Repairs or levels the subfloor as required
- Ensures moisture levels are within acceptable range
Step 5: Installation
Depending on the type of hardwood and subfloor, the planks are installed using one of three methods:
- Nail/staple down — most common for solid hardwood over wood subfloor
- Glue down — used for engineered hardwood over concrete
- Float — planks lock together without fasteners or adhesive
Installation time varies based on square footage. A standard room of 300–500 sq ft typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Step 6: Sanding and Finishing (Site-Finished Floors)
If you choose a site-finished floor (as opposed to pre-finished), sanding and staining happen after installation. This creates a seamless, custom result.
- Light sanding to smooth any uneven edges between boards
- Stain application and drying time
- 2 to 3 coats of finish with drying time between coats
This step adds 2 to 3 additional days to the project.
Step 7: Final Walkthrough
Once the floor is complete and fully dry, we do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything meets your expectations. We’ll also walk you through care and maintenance instructions.
Total Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Estimate and material selection | 1–2 days |
| Acclimation | 3–5 days |
| Subfloor prep and installation | 1–3 days |
| Sanding and finishing (if applicable) | 2–3 days |
| Final drying before furniture return | 24–48 hours |
Total: approximately 1 to 2 weeks from estimate to completion.
Ready to Get Started?
Premium Wood Floors KC handles every step of the process professionally and on schedule. We keep you informed throughout the project so you always know what’s happening.
- ✅ Free in-home estimates
- ✅ Full-service installation and finishing
- ✅ Serving Kansas City, Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, and surrounding areas
- ✅ 4.9 stars on Google
📞 Schedule your free estimate today!
