Summer Renovation Season: Your Complete Flooring Project Timeline
Summer is Colorado's busiest renovation season. Here's exactly when to start planning, ordering, and scheduling to get your floors done on time.
Adam Clements
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February 5, 2026
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6 min read
Every summer, I watch the same pattern repeat. Homeowners decide in June that they want new floors. They call us in early July. By then, our schedule is booked 4 to 6 weeks out, materials are on 3-week lead times, and suddenly that "quick summer project" is pushing into September. I wrote this guide so you can get ahead of the curve and actually enjoy your new floors before school starts.
Why Summer Is Colorado's Busiest Renovation Season
Three factors make summer the peak season for flooring in Colorado:
Move-In Season
Denver's real estate market peaks May through August. New homeowners want to update floors before they move in.
School's Out
Families time renovations for when kids are out of the house or away at camp. Less disruption to daily routines.
Ideal Conditions
Colorado's summer humidity levels are better for hardwood acclimation than winter, and open windows help with ventilation.
Pro Tip
If you want your floors done by mid-summer, start the process no later than April. The earlier you begin, the more product selection you'll have and the better installation dates you'll lock in.
The 12-Week Project Timeline (Week by Week)
Here's what a well-planned summer flooring project looks like from start to finish. This assumes you want floors installed by mid-July and works backward.
Weeks 1-2: Research & Budget
April- Define your budget range
- Browse flooring types online and in showrooms
- Measure rooms (approximate is fine at this stage)
Weeks 3-4: Consultations & Estimates
Late April- Schedule 2-3 in-home estimates
- Get exact measurements from professionals
- Review samples in your home's lighting
Weeks 5-6: Selection & Order
Early May- Choose your flooring and sign the contract
- Order materials (2-3 week lead time for most products)
- Lock in your installation date
Weeks 7-9: Waiting Period
Late May- Materials are being manufactured and shipped
- Use this time to clear rooms and prep your home
- Hardwood? Allow 5-7 days to acclimate in your home
Weeks 10-11: Installation
June/July- Old flooring removal (Day 1)
- Subfloor prep if needed (Day 1-2)
- New flooring installation (Days 2-5 for most homes)
- Transitions, trim, and final details (Final day)
Week 12: Enjoy Your New Floors
Mid-JulyMove furniture back in, do a final walkthrough with your installer, and enjoy your transformed home for the rest of summer.
How to Avoid the Summer Rush
If you're reading this in June and feeling behind, here are strategies to still get your project done this summer:
Choose In-Stock Products
Special-order products take 2-4 weeks. In-stock materials from our warehouse can be on your floor within days. Ask us what's available immediately.
Be Flexible on Dates
Mid-week installations (Tuesday through Thursday) often have openings sooner than Monday or Friday slots. Flexibility can save you weeks.
Prep the Space Yourself
Remove all furniture, pull up old carpet yourself if you're able, and clear the work area. This saves our crew time and can speed up scheduling.
Consider Off-Season
September through November is our slower season. If your project isn't urgent, waiting can mean faster scheduling and sometimes better pricing.
What to Do While Your Floors Are Being Installed
Living Arrangement Tips
For whole-home installations (3-5 days), you'll need to plan where to live and how to manage daily life. Here's what our customers typically do:
- Stay in your home: We install room by room, so you can use finished rooms while we work on others. Just be prepared for noise and dust.
- Pets: Keep dogs and cats confined to a finished room or boarded for the day. Open doors with power tools running is a safety hazard.
- Kids: Plan activities outside the house during installation hours (typically 8 AM to 5 PM).
- Kitchen access: If the kitchen is being done, set up a temporary station with a microwave, paper plates, and a cooler in the garage.
Pro Tip
Take this opportunity to be on vacation. Some of our smartest customers schedule their family trip to coincide with installation week and come home to brand-new floors. We coordinate key handoff and lock-up with every homeowner.
Post-Installation Care: The First 30 Days
The first month after installation is critical for long-term performance. Here's your care timeline:
Days 1-3: Let It Settle
Avoid heavy furniture placement. Walk on new floors in socks only. Keep HVAC running at normal temperatures. For hardwood, avoid wet mopping entirely.
Days 4-7: Light Use
Begin moving furniture back in with felt pads on all legs. Use plywood sheets to distribute weight when moving heavy pieces. No dragging anything.
Days 8-14: Normal Activity
Resume normal household activity. Begin regular cleaning routine. For LVP and laminate, use only manufacturer-recommended cleaners.
Days 15-30: Inspect and Report
Do a thorough inspection for any issues: gaps, squeaks, uneven spots, or transition problems. Report anything to your installer within the warranty window. Most issues are easily fixed if caught early.
Adam Clements
Owner, Colorado Carpet & Flooring
Planning a summer renovation? The best time to start is right now. Request your free estimate and we'll get you on the schedule before the rush hits.