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How Long Does Flooring Installation Take? A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. One of
the first questions every homeowner asks when choosing new floors is, “How long will I
be displaced?” It’s a completely fair question. You need to know when your home will be
back to normal, especially when planning around work, kids, or even seasonal travel.
The truth is, there’s no single answer. The time it takes to install new flooring depends
heavily on two main factors: the size of the area and the type of material you choose.
However, for a typical 500-1000 square foot project, we can offer a reliable day-by-day
breakdown so you know exactly what to expect. Let’s talk about the process and
timeline for a smooth installation.
The installation process is not just about putting down the new material; it involves
crucial preparatory steps that ensure your floor lasts decades in the Florida climate.
Ignoring these steps is what leads to early failure.
Day 1: Preparation is Everything
The first day is dedicated almost entirely to preparation. This starts with tear-out and
removal of the old flooring, which often takes longer than homeowners expect,
especially if the old material is tile or if it was glued down. We then move on to the most
critical step in Florida: subfloor inspection and prep. We must check for and mitigate
any moisture issues, and we must ensure the concrete slab is perfectly clean, dry, and
level. If the subfloor requires extensive leveling or moisture remediation, this process
can extend into a second day. This is the stage where we install moisture barriers and
apply leveling compounds to guarantee a stable foundation for the new material.
Day 2: The Bulk of the Installation
Once the prep work is complete, Day 2 is typically when the actual installation of the
new material begins in earnest. For most projects involving Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP),
this is the day we start clicking the planks together. LVP is relatively quick to install
because it doesn’t require mortar or extensive cure time. For Porcelain Tile, installation
is slower because each tile must be carefully set in mortar and properly spaced. We aim
to get the bulk of the floor laid today, focusing on the main, open areas first, and working
our way toward doorways and complex cuts.
Day 3: Finishing and Cure Time
The third day is all about the details and the final touches. For LVP, this means installing
the trim, shoe molding, and transition pieces that run along the baseboards and
through doorways. The floor is typically ready for light use by the end of this day, and
furniture can often be moved back within 24 hours. If you chose Tile, this is the day we
begin the grouting process. Grouting can take several hours, and the floor will need a
minimum of 24 to 48 hours afterward to cure completely before it can be walked on or
have furniture placed on it. This cure time is vital to prevent cracking or damaging the
grout lines.
Timeline Summary
In short, for a standard project up to around 1,000 square feet:
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Generally 2 to 3 days, with the floor being usable
almost immediately upon completion.
Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic): Generally 3 to 5 days. While laying the tile takes
longer, the required 24-48 hour grout curing period is the main reason for the
extended timeline.
The biggest variables are the amount of furniture we need to move and the condition of
your existing subfloor. Always be prepared for an extra half-day or full day of work, just
in case the prep work reveals an unexpected moisture problem—a common occurrence
in Florida that we never skip. Focusing on proper preparation always pays off with a
floor that lasts.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful
home is a beautiful floor.
