Flooring Installation Timeline: What Austin Homeowners Should Expect
"How long will my flooring installation take?" It's one of the first questions Austin homeowners ask. The answer depends on your flooring type, project size, and home's condition. As Travis County's experienced flooring contractor, we've completed thousands of installations. Here's what to expect.
LVP Installation Timeline
Luxury vinyl plank installs fastest of all flooring types.
Total time: 2-4 days for average home (1,000-1,500 sq ft)
Day 1: Acclimation begins (48-72 hours before installation) Day 2-3: Installation (500-800 sq ft per day) Day 4: Trim, transitions, cleanup
You can walk on it: Immediately after installation
Move furniture back: Same day or next day
Why it's fast: Click-lock installation, no adhesive drying time, no finishing required
Best for: Homeowners needing quick turnaround
Hardwood Installation Timeline
Hardwood requires more time due to acclimation and finishing.
Total time: 7-14 days
Days 1-7: Acclimation (wood adjusts to your home's humidity) Days 8-9: Installation (300-500 sq ft per day) Days 10-12: Sanding and finishing (if unfinished wood) Days 13-14: Final cure, can move furniture
You can walk on it: 24-48 hours after final finish coat
Full cure: 7-10 days (avoid heavy furniture, rugs)
Why it takes longer: Acclimation is critical in Austin's variable humidity. Rushing causes gaps or cupping.
Best for: Homeowners with flexibility, planning ahead
Tile Installation Timeline
Tile requires setting time for mortar and grout.
Total time: 4-7 days for average bathroom or kitchen
Day 1: Subfloor prep, waterproofing (if needed) Days 2-3: Tile installation Day 4: Grout application Days 5-6: Grout curing, sealing Day 7: Final cleanup, can use space
You can walk on it: 24-48 hours after grouting (light traffic)
Full use: 72 hours after grouting
Why it takes time: Mortar and grout need proper curing for durability
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways
Hardwood Refinishing Timeline
Refinishing existing hardwood is faster than replacement.
Total time: 3-5 days
Day 1: Sanding (dusty, noisy) Day 2: Staining (if changing color) Days 3-4: Finish coats (2-3 coats) Day 5: Final cure, move furniture
You can walk on it: 24-48 hours after final coat
Full cure: 7 days (avoid rugs, heavy furniture)
Why it's faster: No acclimation needed, no subfloor work
Best for: Updating existing hardwood
Factors That Affect Timeline
Home size: Larger homes take proportionally longer
Furniture moving: Empty rooms install faster. We can move furniture for additional fee.
Subfloor condition: Repairs add 1-3 days
Complex layouts: Diagonal patterns, borders, multiple rooms add time
Material availability: Custom orders may require 2-4 week lead times
Austin weather: Extreme humidity or temperature may require climate control during installation
What Slows Projects Down
Moisture issues: Must be resolved before installation (adds days to weeks)
Uneven subfloors: Leveling adds 1-2 days
Asbestos in old flooring: Requires professional abatement (adds week+)
Permit requirements: Some Travis County areas require permits (adds 1-2 weeks)
Change orders: Deciding to change materials mid-project restarts timeline
How to Speed Up Your Project
Prepare in advance:
- Empty rooms before installation day
- Remove baseboards if requested
- Ensure clear access to work areas
- Have pets/kids stay elsewhere during installation
- Choose materials 2-3 weeks before installation
- Decide on transitions, trim, and details upfront
- Have backup material choices in case of availability issues
- Keep HVAC running during installation
- Maintain 60-80°F and 30-50% humidity
- Critical for hardwood and some adhesives
- LVP vs Hardwood in Austin - Compare flooring options
- 2026 Austin Flooring Trends - Current trends
- LVP Installation - Fast, waterproof flooring
- Hardwood Installation - Beautiful hardwood floors
- Tile Installation - Durable tile flooring
- Hardwood Refinishing - Restore existing floors
Make decisions early:
Maintain climate control:
Typical Project Timeline from Start to Finish
Week 1: Initial consultation, measurements, material selection
Week 2-3: Material ordering, delivery (custom orders may take longer)
Week 4: Installation begins
Week 5: Project completion, final walkthrough
Total: 4-5 weeks from first contact to finished floor
Rush jobs possible for LVP and tile with in-stock materials (as fast as 1-2 weeks total).
Get Your Free Estimate with Timeline
Planning a flooring project? We provide detailed timelines with every estimate so you can plan accordingly.
Call us today: (512) 769-2292 Email: [email protected]
We'll assess your project, provide realistic timelines, and work with your schedule.
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*Capital City Flooring Austin completes projects on time and on budget. Our experienced crews work efficiently while maintaining quality standards that ensure your floors last decades.*