When planning a home renovation, flooring might not be the first thing you think about—but it plays a major role in both the function and overall look of your space. Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming up a kitchen refresh or a designer managing a full-scale build, knowing when (and how) to factor flooring into your renovation timeline can make all the difference.
1. Start Early—Yes, Really
One of the biggest misconceptions is that flooring decisions can wait until the end. In reality, the earlier you consider your flooring, the better. Wood flooring influences everything from cabinet style and stain to wall color, millwork, and lighting. Selecting your flooring early gives your team a clear palette to work from—and helps avoid costly delays or changes later on.
2. Know What Impacts Lead Time
Custom flooring takes time. Between sourcing materials, crafting the perfect color, and fabricating in our ApexLAB, production and acclimation can take weeks to months. If your project involves wide planks, custom finishes, or intricate layouts like herringbone or chevron, you’ll want to build in even more lead time.
3. Consider the Order of Installation
Flooring typically comes after major construction is complete but before cabinetry, millwork, and final painting. Your builder or GC will help coordinate exact timing, but we always recommend that our floors go in after drywall is complete and cured—but before appliances, baseboards, and final touches. If your flooring team is looped in early, they can help align the best timing to protect your investment.
4. Don’t Forget About Acclimation
Proper acclimation is essential for wood flooring, especially in new builds or gut renovations. Once delivered, floors need time to settle into the environment before installation—typically 7 to 14 days, depending on conditions. This step ensures long-term performance and helps prevent expansion or movement.
5. Collaboration is Key
We believe the best outcomes come from clear communication across the entire team—homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. From site visits to showroom consultations, we’re here to help you make the right decisions at the right time, so everything comes together seamlessly.
Need help thinking through your timeline?
Whether you’re in the early planning stages or facing a fast-moving schedule, the Apex team is here to help. Get in touch to learn how we can support your next project with thoughtful guidance and beautiful results.
-Apex Wood Floors