There’s something about wood flooring that instantly makes a space feel more inviting. Whether it’s the rich tones of oak, the warmth of walnut, or the subtle charm of ash, a well-fitted wood floor can completely transform a room. But how long does the installation actually take? Let’s break it down.
How Long Does It Take to Fit a Wooden Floor?
The time it takes to install a wood floor depends on several factors: the type of wood, the installation method, and the size of the space. If you’re using engineered wood with a simple floating system, it might be done in a day. Solid hardwood, intricate patterns like herringbone, or large rooms? That could stretch anywhere from two to five days.
Preparation plays a big role. If the subfloor needs levelling or existing flooring has to be removed, that will add extra time. Plus, wood flooring needs to acclimate before installation—usually at least 48 hours—to prevent expansion or contraction later on.
How Many Hours Does It Take to Install Flooring?
A professional fitter can lay around 10–20 square metres per day, depending on the type of flooring and complexity of the job. A standard living room (about 20 square metres) could take a full day, while larger spaces, tricky subfloors, or intricate patterns may require extra time.
If you’re planning a DIY installation, expect it to take longer. Even with decent skills, a first-time installation will move at a slower pace, especially if you’re working with solid wood that requires nailing, gluing, or finishing.
Is Wood Flooring Easy to Install?
That depends on the type of flooring and how much experience you have. Engineered wood with a click-lock system? Fairly straightforward. Solid wood that needs to be nailed, glued, or sanded? A bit trickier.
Floating floors (where planks click together without glue or nails) are the easiest for DIY projects. Glued-down or nailed-down installations require more precision, and mistakes can be costly. Even experienced DIYers sometimes run into problems with levelling the subfloor or leaving enough expansion gaps.
For a flawless finish, bringing in a professional is often worth it.
What Is the Timeline for Hardwood Floor Installation?
A full hardwood flooring project—from preparation to finishing—generally follows this timeline:
Acclimation (2–7 days): Wood needs time to adjust to the room’s environment before installation.
Preparation (1–2 days): Removing old flooring, levelling the subfloor, and making sure everything is ready.
Installation (1–5 days):
Floating floors: 1–2 days
Glue-down or nail-down floors: 2–5 days, depending on complexity
Finishing (if needed, 1–3 days): Unfinished wood requires sanding, staining, and sealing, which adds drying time.
Curing Time (up to a week): If a finish is applied, it needs time to fully cure before placing heavy furniture.
For a simple engineered wood installation, you could be walking on your new floor within 24–48 hours. If you’re going with solid wood that requires staining and sealing, expect the process to take longer.
There’s no universal answer to how long a wood floor takes to install—it depends on the materials, the space, and whether it’s a DIY or professional job. A small, straightforward project? Maybe a day. A full-house installation with detailed patterns? It could take a week or more. Understanding the timeline helps you plan ahead and get the best possible result.
Looking for top-quality wood flooring? Check out our range at UK Flooring Depot and find the perfect fit for your home
