Preparing Your Home for Hardwood Floor Installation and Refinishing

Getting new hardwood floors is an exciting upgrade, but what happens before and after the installation matters just as much as the floors themselves. From managing humidity levels to timing your paint jobs, a few thoughtful steps can make a big difference in how your floors look and hold up over time. Here’s how to set your space up for success.

Before Installation: Help Your Floors Settle In

When hardwood flooring is delivered, it can’t just go straight from the truck to the floor. Wood needs time to adjust to your home's interior climate—a process called "acclimation."

To do this right, make sure your home is climate-controlled. Set the air conditioning to around 72° to 73°F and avoid excess humidity. You're aiming to match the everyday living conditions of your home so the wood doesn't expand or contract after installation.

Tip: A trained installer can test the moisture content of both the wood and the subfloor to know when it’s ready. Typically, five days of acclimation is enough, but that can vary depending on the home and weather conditions.

Example: A homeowner in Oakdale had beautiful new white oak delivered in the middle of a humid July. Instead of rushing the install, they followed the advice to run their AC and let the wood acclimate for five days. The result? A smooth, gap-free floor that still looks flawless a year later.

During Installation: Keep the Climate Consistent

Once the work starts, it’s just as important to keep the environment stable. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can affect how the wood settles. It’s best to keep doors and windows closed and avoid running high-moisture appliances like humidifiers or space heaters.

If you’re doing other projects at the same time, like painting or remodeling, try to stagger the schedule. Too many tradespeople in and out can disrupt the floor conditions or even delay progress.

After Refinishing: Save the Paint for Last

If you're planning to paint your walls—especially darker colors—wait until after your floors are sanded and finished. Sanding kicks up fine dust, and even the most careful prep can’t catch it all. That dust can cling to fresh paint or get sealed under your top coat, leaving an uneven finish.

Example: A homeowner in East Islip chose a stunning deep navy for their living room walls. Unfortunately, they painted before refinishing the floors. After sanding, the dust left a haze on their new paint, forcing them to repaint the entire room. Waiting a few extra days would have saved them a lot of time and hassle.

The best sequence? Sand and finish the floors, then come back and do your final paint coat. It’s a small detail that pays off in a big way.

Simple Details, Better Results

Great hardwood floors don’t happen by accident. From managing temperature to timing your paint job, these behind-the-scenes steps can make or break the final outcome.

If you’re planning a new installation or a floor refinish, let The Floorman of Islip help you do it right. Call 631-478-2042, email Ajh3451@hotmail.com, or visit www.floormanofislip.com/contact to get started with expert guidance and service.