You've picked your flooring, booked your installation date, and now the countdown begins. But before the installers arrive, a little preparation on your end can make the entire process faster, smoother, and less stressful. Here's a complete walkthrough of how to get your home ready for a professional flooring installation.
Clear the Space Completely
Installers need an empty room to work efficiently and safely. Remove furniture, rugs, floor lamps, and any decor from the floor. For larger furniture pieces, check with your installation team ahead of time — many flooring companies offer furniture-moving as part of their service, but it's always worth confirming so there are no surprises on installation day.
Take Down Wall Décor and Fragile Items Nearby
Installation involves vibration, movement, and sometimes power tools. Picture frames, mirrors, and shelving near the work area can shift or fall if not secured. It's a good idea to remove wall hangings in the immediate installation zone and any adjoining rooms where vibration might travel.
Handle Pets and Children Thoughtfully
Installation days involve tools, materials, and unfamiliar people moving through your home — not the safest or calmest environment for young kids or pets. Arranging for them to be elsewhere during the workday, even just for a few hours, keeps everyone safe and lets your installers focus without added distractions.
Clear a Path From the Door to the Work Area
Flooring materials, tools, and equipment need to move from the truck to the installation site. Make sure hallways, entryways, and doorways are clear of obstacles so your installation team can work efficiently without navigating around clutter.
Plan for Noise and Dust
Certain installations — particularly those involving sanding, cutting, or removing old flooring — can generate noise and dust. If you work from home, plan accordingly. Covering nearby furniture and closing doors to unaffected rooms can help minimize dust spreading throughout the house.
Prepare for a Temporary Disruption to Your Routine
Depending on the size of the project, you may be without access to certain rooms for a day or more. Plan meals, workspaces, and daily routines around the installation timeline so you're not caught off guard mid-project.
Confirm the Details Ahead of Time
A quick call or email to confirm the installation date, expected timeline, parking arrangements (especially in busier neighbourhoods), and any special requirements goes a long way toward avoiding day-of confusion. It's also a good time to ask about acclimation — some materials, like solid hardwood, need to sit in your home for a period before installation to adjust to indoor humidity and temperature.
After Installation: Give It Time to Settle
Once your new floors are down, most professionals recommend avoiding heavy furniture placement or excessive moisture exposure for a short period while adhesives fully cure. Your installation team will typically walk you through specific care instructions based on your chosen material.
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, stress-free flooring installation. Our experienced installers handle projects of every size and walk every homeowner through exactly what to expect — get to know our team and our approach to customer service to see why so many homeowners trust us with their homes. Ready to get started? Find your nearest Bigelow Flooring location and book your in-home or in-showroom appointment today.
