Key takeaways
- Clear the room and plan where furniture will go.
- Know your subfloor and moisture conditions before ordering.
- Let materials acclimate to the home when required.
- Plan for dust, noise and pets during removal and install.
Before the installers arrive
Decide who will move furniture and appliances. Remove breakables, wall hangings near work areas and anything on floors. Take photos of your rooms and confirm measurements.
Order a little extra material to cover cuts and future repairs.
Subfloor and moisture
The subfloor must be flat, dry and solid. Squeaks, soft spots and low areas should be repaired, and concrete slabs should be tested for moisture. This prep is often the biggest factor in how a floor performs.
Ask your installer how they will check and fix these issues.
Acclimation and storage
Wood and some other floors need to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your home before installation. Materials are often stored in the room for days. Keep the HVAC running at normal living conditions.
Your installer will tell you what each product needs.
On install day
Expect noise, dust and people in and out. Keep pets and kids in a safe area, and plan for limited access to some rooms. Walk the finished floor with your installer and note anything you would like adjusted.
Follow care and cure instructions, especially for finishes and adhesives.
Quick answers
Do I need to remove baseboards?
Often installers remove and reinstall them or add quarter-round.
How long should I stay off a newly finished floor?
It depends on the finish. Water-based finishes often allow light foot traffic within a day.
