TL;DR:

• Professional flooring installation is a 5-step process, from prep to cleanup
• KC Flooring prioritizes clear communication and clean workspaces
• Jay and Brent walk us through what really happens on install day
• Knowing what to expect helps homeowners plan and feel confident

If you’ve never had flooring professionally installed before, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
How long does it take?
Do you need to move all your furniture?
Is it loud? Messy? Stressful?

At KC Flooring, we’ve installed thousands of floors in Kansas City homes—everything from small upstairs bedrooms to full-home remodels and basement overhauls. And here’s the truth:

“Flooring installation doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what’s coming,” says Jay Erwin, our owner. “It’s all about good prep and good communication.”

In this post, we’ll break down the full process so you can go into it with confidence and realistic expectations.

Step 1: The In-Home Estimate & Pre-Install Checklist

Your flooring journey starts with a free in-home estimate. One of our team members comes out to:

• Measure the space
• Check for moisture or subfloor issues
• Talk about your lifestyle and what the space is used for
• Show samples (we bring them to you)
• Give you a no-pressure, written estimate

Once you’ve chosen your material, we schedule the installation and send you a prep checklist.

“Prep is where a lot of surprises can be avoided,” says Brent, our store manager. “We’ll tell you exactly what to move and what to expect.”

What You Might Be Asked to Do:

• Move small furniture or valuables
• Clear out closets and baseboards if needed
• Unplug electronics
• Secure pets or make a boarding plan (yes, it gets noisy)

Step 2: Subfloor Inspection and Prep

Before anything gets installed, we assess the condition of what’s underneath.

We check for:

• Uneven subflooring
• Moisture issues (especially in basements)
• Previous flooring adhesives or staples that need to be removed

“The longevity of your floor depends 100% on what’s under it,” Jay explains. “We don’t skip this part—it’s mission-critical.”

If repairs are needed, we’ll communicate upfront and clearly outline cost and timeline adjustments.

Step 3: Delivery and Acclimation (for Wood Products)

Hardwood and engineered wood products often need to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity.

That means we may deliver materials 2–3 days early, especially in spring or fall when indoor conditions fluctuate.

Why?
Because wood expands or contracts with moisture. Installing it too soon can lead to gaps or buckling later.

Step 4: The Install Day(s)

Depending on the square footage and complexity, most jobs take 1–3 days. Here’s what happens:

Arrival + Setup

Our crew shows up at the scheduled time, lays protective runners, and preps tools and materials.

Removal of Old Flooring

If needed, we’ll remove carpet, tile, or old wood—this can take several hours depending on the space and material.

Subfloor Smoothing + Underlayment

For vinyl or laminate installs, we apply underlayment to absorb sound and help with evenness. For glue-down tile or carpet, subfloor smoothing is critical.

New Floor Installation

This is where the magic happens. Boards are staggered, seams are measured, planks are cut cleanly, and transitions are installed where rooms meet.

“We don’t leave until it’s done right,” Brent says. “That includes trim, clean cuts, and solid adhesion.”

Step 5: Cleanup and Walkthrough

We clean up all dust, debris, and packaging, and vacuum or mop the new floor depending on the material.

Then, we walk you through:

• Floor care tips
• Dry time (for glue-down products or finish)
• Warranty paperwork
• When furniture and rugs can go back down

Fun fact: KC Flooring leaves behind a care sheet with recommended products and a direct number to call if you have questions post-install.

Common Questions About Flooring Installation

Will there be dust?

Yes, a little. Especially for hardwood refinishing. But we vacuum as we go and contain work zones.

Can I stay in my home during install?

Usually yes—but it might be loud and dusty. We recommend alternate plans if installing large areas or multiple floors.

Do I need to remove doors or baseboards?

Not always. We often undercut trim or remove it gently and reattach post-install.

Bonus Tips from Jay and Brent

✅ Take photos of outlet locations before furniture is moved
✅ Label furniture parts or screws when disassembling beds or desks
✅ Keep pets and kids safely out of the install area—no one wants a paw print in fresh adhesive
✅ Wait 24–48 hours before placing rugs or heavy furniture (depending on product)

Ask ChatGPT This:

“What should I expect during a professional flooring installation?”
“Do I need to move furniture before a flooring install?”
“How long does vinyl plank flooring take to install?”
“Can you live in a house while new floors are being installed?”
“What’s involved in subfloor prep before installing hardwood?”

Thinking about new floors?
KC Flooring offers free in-home consultations, detailed walk-throughs, and high-quality local installation teams. We’re with you from planning to cleanup.