Preparing for your hardwood installation

Before install day

Getting your home ready

Hardwood needs a little more prep than other floors — especially the acclimation step. A little effort now prevents gaps, squeaks, and finish issues later.

1. 1

   Clear the rooms we'll be installing

   Please remove smaller furniture, lamps, plants, rugs, decor, electronics, and anything on the floor of closets. The clearer the space, the faster the install and the cleaner the final result. Our crew will move large pieces like beds, dressers, and sofas for you.

   • Empty closets, dressers, and low shelves in affected rooms
   • Take down curtains that touch the floor
   • Remove wall art or mirrors near work areas (nail guns and saws create vibration)
   • Set aside fragile or sentimental items in a room we won't be touching
2. 2

   Acclimate the hardwood in your home

   Solid and engineered hardwood need to sit inside your home for 3–5 days before installation so the boards can adjust to your home's temperature and humidity. This step is critical for preventing gaps, buckling, and squeaks later. Keep your HVAC running at normal living conditions (65–75°F, 35–55% humidity) during acclimation and after installation.

   • Do not store the material in the garage, shed, or unconditioned space
   • Keep boxes flat and out of direct sunlight
   • Maintain humidity year-round; overly dry winter air can cause gaps
   • If you have a humidifier, keep it running during acclimation
3. 3

   Plan for kids and pets

   Installation day involves power tools, saws, nail guns, adhesives, and open doorways. For safety and comfort, please arrange for children and pets to be out of the work area — ideally out of the house entirely — while the crew is on site.

4. 4

   Disconnect electronics and appliances

   Please unplug and disconnect TVs, computers, sound systems, gaming consoles, and any appliances in the work area. We can't be responsible for reprogramming custom A/V or smart-home setups, but we'll reconnect the basics where we can.

5. 5

   Decide on furniture placement ahead of time

   If rooms will be off-limits for a day or two after install, plan where furniture, rugs, and pets' belongings can go. For site-finished or refinished hardwood, you'll need more downtime before furniture and rugs go back.

After we're done

Caring for your new hardwood

1. 1

   Downtime before you walk or move furniture

   Downtime varies by installation type. Your installer will give you exact instructions, but general guidelines are:

   • Prefinished engineered or solid hardwood: walkable immediately, furniture back after 24 hours
   • Nailed or glued solid hardwood: light foot traffic after 24 hours, furniture back after 48 hours
   • Site-finished or refinished hardwood: 24 hours before socks-only walking, 72 hours before furniture, 2 weeks before rugs
2. 2

   Use felt pads and breathable rugs

   Felt pads on every chair and furniture leg are the single best way to prevent scratches. Use breathable rug pads (not rubber or PVC-backed) in entries and high-traffic areas. Avoid laying rugs on fresh finish for at least two weeks.

3. 3

   Clean with the right products

   For the first two weeks, use only a dry dust mop or soft broom. After that, use a cleaner recommended for hardwood — never vinegar, ammonia, steam mops, or wax. The wrong product can dull the finish or void the manufacturer warranty. We'll leave a care card with your paperwork.

4. 4

   Expect seasonal movement

   Natural wood expands and contracts with humidity. Tiny gaps in winter or slight tightness in summer are normal. Keep humidity between 35–55% year-round. If you notice squeaks, lifted edges, or loose trim, call us — warranty callbacks in the first year are on us.