One of the first questions we hear from Sarasota homeowners is simple: how long will my new hardwood floor take? The honest answer is that it depends on the size of the space, the type of wood, and whether we are finishing on site. But we can give you a realistic picture so you can plan around the project.
Acclimation comes first
Before a single board goes down, the wood needs to acclimate to your home’s humidity. In our Gulf Coast climate this step is not optional — it lets the boards adjust so they do not cup or gap after installation. Depending on the product, acclimation typically runs a few days, and prefinished engineered floors often need less than solid hardwood.
The installation window
For an average room or two, the actual install usually takes one to three days. A whole-home project naturally runs longer. The variables that move the timeline include:
- Square footage and the number of rooms
- Whether the old flooring has to be removed first
- Subfloor prep and leveling
- Complex layouts, borders, or stair work
Sanding and finishing
If we are installing unfinished solid hardwood and finishing on site, add time for sanding and multiple coats of finish, with drying time between each. Prefinished floors skip this stage, which is one reason some homeowners choose them. On-site finishing gives a seamless, custom look that many Sarasota homes are worth the extra days.
The best way to get an accurate timeline is a walkthrough. Contact Eddie Wood Floors and we will measure your space, talk through your options, and give you a clear schedule from start to finish.
