Installing hardwood flooring—particularly a luxury or custom product—is both an exciting investment and a significant project. Like many homeowners, you may be curious about what the installation process entails and how best to prepare your home.
At VANTIA, we believe in transparency and guidance that empowers lasting decisions. This step-by-step guide walks you through the hardwood installation journey so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Understanding the Hardwood Installation Process
For each flooring project, the work has been done a long time before the first wooden board is put down. The operation consists of several important steps, such as delivery, acclimation, preparation, installation, and finishing (if not a prefinished floor), which are all very important to getting a perfect and durable finish.
We will also walk you through the installation process that works best for your home: nail-down, glue-down, or floating. Each of these is determined by your subfloor type and the product you have chosen, and it will influence everything from installation time to maintenance down the line.
One of the first questions clients often ask is, “How much of this do I need to handle myself?” The answer: almost nothing. At VANTIA, we manage the entire hardwood installation process—from subfloor preparation to final clean-up. You’ll have a skilled crew, a dedicated point of contact, and complete clarity every step of the way.
Preparing Your Space Before Installation
To ensure your wood flooring installation stays on schedule and your items remain safe, we kindly ask you to prepare your space at least one day before the installation begins. This means taking away furniture, rugs, artwork, and valuables from the installation area, and being ready for limited access to some rooms for several days (depending on the project).
If furniture moving seems overwhelming, don’t worry, we have got you covered. At your request, VANTIA can provide heavy lifting assistance or suggest reputable local movers. We will walk you through all prep requirements and timeline with you during a scheduling call before starting the project, so you will have clear expectations of what to do and when.
Dust is something to consider. Though our teams use plastic sheeting, door barriers, and dust-containment equipment to protect the nearby areas, some disruption is unavoidable. Preparing your home in mind for this, especially if you work from home or have kids, will make this process go much more smoothly.
The Importance of Acclimating Your Hardwood Floors
Unlike synthetic flooring, hardwood is a living material that responds to its surroundings. Wood expands and contracts in response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which is why acclimation becomes important before installing it. Without it, you may end up with problems such as warping, cupping, or gapping that can compromise both the beauty and longevity of your investment.
To avoid this, at VANTIA, we schedule delivery of the hardwood several days before installing it to allow it to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home. As this time passes, you will need to keep your windows shut and HVAC operating to make sure that conditions remain consistent. Our crew will be tracking indoor humidity and the moisture content of the flooring, and will notify you when the material is ready for installation. Our experienced crew member will monitor humidity and temperature to ensure the flooring reaches optimal conditions before installation.
By building acclimation into your project schedule, we protect your floors and your investment for the long term.
What to Expect During the Installation
When installation starts, you will find a professional and courteous crew arriving on schedule and explaining the day’s plan. Each home is unique, and some jobs require additional preparation, such as subfloor levelling or repairs, to ensure the perfect foundation for your new wood floors.
Installation usually brings a little bit of noise and disturbance, but we are efficient in what we do, and we try to clean up each day. If the floor needs to be finished on site we highly recommend leaving the home for best results. Finishes need an undisturbed environment while they cure to prevent contaminants.
You will be updated regularly throughout the project, along with any necessary adjustments that may be required under unknown circumstances. When changes occur, we will outline the options with clarity and help you in the decision process.
After Installation: What Comes Next
After the flooring is installed, we will inform you when it is okay to place furniture back in the area. It typically takes 24 to 48 hours after installation, depending on the product and any finishes applied. Your crew will guide you on timing and best practices for returning furniture to prevent scuffs or damage during this time.
We will also conduct a final walk-through with you to ensure that all of the work is up to your standards. This is where you can ask questions, review some of the basic maintenance procedures, and have us walk through any last-minute touch-ups or punch list. We want to provide not only a beautiful floor, but a 100% satisfactory experience as well.
As part of our commitment to help with long-term care and maintenance, VANTIA provides every client with a care packet.. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to protect your investment, including recommended cleaning products, guidance on maintaining the right humidity levels, and step-by-step care instructions. We are always here for you if you need help later on, whether it is months or years down the line.
Premium Hardwood Flooring Options to Elevate Your Home
Hardwood flooring is more than just a functional surface; it’s an investment in style, comfort, and long-term value. At VANTIA, we offer a diverse range of hardwood flooring options to suit every design preference and lifestyle, combining timeless beauty with durability you can rely on for decades.
Our selection includes premium brands such as mafi and Scheucher, each offering distinctive styles, finishes, and construction methods. These are floors made to be lived on — and admired — for decades.
Many of our flooring choices are built with everyday life in mind. They’re crafted for extra stability, so they stand up beautifully to busy households, seasonal climate changes, and high-traffic areas — all while keeping that natural, luxurious look you love.
When you choose VANTIA, you’re choosing more than just a new floor — you’re choosing a partner in creating the look and feel you want for your home. From the moment we help you explore our range of premium woods to the day we complete your hardwood flooring installation, we’re with you every step of the way.
Partnering With You for Floors That Last
Updating your home with hardwood flooring is more than just a renovation — it’s an investment in comfort, style, and long-term value. The right floor can transform the way your space looks and feels, and with numerous quality hardwood flooring options available, finding the perfect fit has never been easier.
At VANTIA, we combine premium products, expert guidance, and skilled hardwood flooring installation to deliver results that last. From selecting the ideal wood to ensuring a flawless finish, every step is handled with the attention to detail your home deserves. The result is a floor you’ll be proud of today and for many years to come.