Assisting a client with the installation or replacement of new hardwood flooring poses several challenges, from the type of wood you pick to the acclimation process, the finish, and the final cleaning. Hardwood floors can add considerable value to a client’s home or office space, and they can last a lifetime if properly cared for. However, before scheduling the installation and starting work on the project, there is one crucial aspect that many homeowners who choose to DIY their hardwood floors installation tend to overlook: the direction for laying the hardwood planks.
While the direction of the hardwood flooring doesn’t seem like such an important factor in the installation process, it’s one of the most common mistakes that homeowners tend to make when they take on a renovation project. That’s why we always recommend working with experienced professionals who are already aware of these seemingly minute factors that can make or break a project in the long term.
Factors to consider when laying hardwood floors
When deciding which is the best way to lay hardwood floors for a client, it’s essential to take a few factors into consideration. These decisions could affect more than just the look and feel of the new floors, but also their structural integrity and overall durability, so it’s important to make the right decisions for the specific project you’re working on.
Lighting
Firstly, consider the light source in the space you’re about to install the hardwood floors in. Where does the natural light come from, how and where does it fall on the hardwood planks, how does the sun move in regards to the space – these are all things to consider, because light can place unwanted emphasis on any imperfections.
For spaces that have abundant natural light, it’s recommended to install hardwood floors in the same direction as the light, to give the impression of space and disguise any height variations in the floorboards. Laying the hardwood planks parallel to the source of light in a hallway, for instance, can add an inviting effect and make the space appear bigger and the hallway longer.
Room size and shape
The way you choose to lay out hardwood flooring in a room can either make it look more spacious or, on the contrary, make it look smaller and more crowded, which is what you want to avoid, regardless of the type of room you’re working in. In a long, narrow room, laying the planks parallel to the longest wall can create the illusion of space. However, if the room is square or very small, it’s best to go with how the natural light falls into the room to try to make the space seem bigger than it really is and avoid the feeling of being closed in.
Other deciding factors
Sometimes, a structural issue might dictate the direction of the hardwood planks, to ensure integrity and stability above a subfloor. These are things that only an experienced professional can advise on, and homeowners who choose to go the DIY route should be aware of them before they start the installation process. Only an experienced professional will be able to advise on this, but failing to install the hardwood properly can lead to structural damage in time, like warping or buckling.
Other times, the decision of laying hardwood flooring in a specific direction will be based solely on the client’s personal preference. Some homeowners prefer the classic horizontal look for their hardwood floors, while others prefer to experiment with diagonal or vertical installations to make their floors stand out in a unique way. Ultimately, if all precautions are taken and the installation is done professionally, it’s up to the client to choose how they prefer their hardwood to be installed.
The best directions to lay hardwood flooring
Before getting started laying out new hardwood planks, it’s important to consult and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations, to make sure that the installation process goes smoothly. If the manufacturer recommends a certain direction for installing the planks, consult with your client and come to a decision together. If there are no structural issues or requirements to follow, there are several options to take into consideration, depending on the space and on the client’s personal preference, of course.
Straight / vertical installation
Vertical, or straight, installation is the most common floor pattern, and luckily, it’s also the easiest to install. It usually involves laying the hardwood planks straight away from the front door or entrance to the room, following the natural light and giving the illusion of space. This is the perfect choice for most spaces, so it’s hard to go wrong with vertical installation.
Horizontal installation
If hardwood flooring is getting installed in a narrow room, a horizontal floor pattern might be the better option. Laying the hardwood planks horizontally could create the impression that the space is longer than it really is, so it’s a great option if you want to trick the eye.
Diagonal installation
Laying hardwood planks diagonally is an elegant choice that works great for square rooms or rooms that don’t follow a typical shape. Diagonal installation, meaning laying the floorboards at a 45-degree angle to the wall, can smooth the transition between spaces and give the illusion of space, disguising irregularities in odd-shaped spaces. While some people consider it a rather outdated way of installing hardwood flooring, it’s a good option for clients looking for a timeless look that draws the eye. The downside is that diagonal or herringbone installation can be more expensive, because it involves additional material to achieve the desired patterns.
If you have questions about the hardwood installation process or the products we carry in our store, feel free to reach out to First Atlanta Flooring and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
