Key takeaways
- Clear the rooms and plan where furniture will go.
- Let new flooring acclimate where the product requires it.
- Plan for dust, noise and limited access.
- Know the cure and wait times for finishes and adhesives.
Before the crew arrives
Choose your floor and order early, with extra material for cuts and future repairs. Clear small items, rugs and wall hangings from the work area, and decide where furniture will stay.
Tell your installer about pets, children, access and parking.
Acclimation
Wood and some other products must rest in the room to adjust to its temperature and humidity. This can take days. Keep the house at its normal temperature during that time.
Vinyl and tile have their own rules, which the installer will follow.
During the work
Expect noise and some dust. Keep pets away from the work area and plan for limited use of the rooms being finished. If floors are being sanded or finished, plan for odor and ventilation.
Ask where you can walk and when.
After the install
Wait the recommended time before moving furniture and rugs back. Use felt pads, and follow the care guide. Keep leftover boxes of material labeled for future repairs.
Walk the floor with your installer and ask about anything you want to see adjusted.
Quick answers
Do I have to move all my furniture?
Not always. Tell your installer what you can move, and ask about help for heavy items.
How much extra flooring should I order?
Many projects add about ten percent for cuts and waste, and more for patterns.
