Hardwood floor drying is a specialist part of water damage restoration. Wood soaks up water from below and from the edges, so boards cup and can buckle. With fast, controlled drying, many floors flatten again and only need sanding and refinishing instead of replacement.
Restoration companies use drying mats or panels that pull moisture up through the boards, plus dehumidifiers and air movers, and they take daily moisture readings of both the wood and the subfloor.
When you need hardwood floor drying
- Cupped or buckling boards after a leak
- Water that ran under hardwood from a kitchen or bathroom
- A dishwasher or ice maker leak in the kitchen
- Engineered hardwood that got wet
- Water under floating floors
What the job involves
- Stop the water and remove standing water.
- Measure moisture in the boards and the subfloor.
- Set up drying mats or panels over the wet area, plus dehumidifiers.
- Take readings each day until the wood returns to its normal level.
- Wait for full drying before deciding whether to sand, refinish or replace.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- The size of the wet area
- How long the wood stayed wet
- Solid or engineered hardwood
- Whether the subfloor is soaked
- Whether the water was clean or contaminated
- Whether refinishing or replacement is needed afterwards
Insurance
When water damage is covered, insurers usually pay for drying first and replacement only if the wood cannot be saved. Keep the drying company’s moisture readings and photos, since they show the adjuster what was done and why. Matching new boards to old ones is a common dispute, so ask how your policy handles it.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license water damage or fire restoration companies. Ask about IICRC certification, insurance and references instead.
- Flooring installers who replace boards may need a contractor license in some states, such as California for larger jobs.
Read our guide: water damaged hardwood floors.
Local help for hardwood floor drying
- Water damage restoration in Atlanta, GA
- Water damage restoration in Houston, TX
- Water damage restoration in New York, NY
- Water damage restoration in Arlington, TX
- Water damage restoration in Boise, ID
- Water damage restoration in Colorado Springs, CO
Quick answers: hardwood floor drying
Can wet hardwood floors be saved?
Often, if the water was clean and professional drying starts within a day or two.
How long does hardwood floor drying take?
Often several days to two weeks, confirmed by daily moisture readings.
Will cupped boards flatten?
Slight cupping often flattens as the wood dries. Sanding too early can leave boards crowned.
When does hardwood need replacing?
When boards buckle, grow mold, or were soaked by sewage or floodwater.
Who dries hardwood floors?
A water damage restoration company with hardwood drying equipment. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for hardwood floor drying? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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