WHICH DIRECTION SHOULD I LAY MY HARDWOOD FLOORING?

Your wood flooring has been delivered a week and your installer is scheduled to come over tomorrow morning to put in your hardwood flooring. What seemed so instinctive in the store today seems overwhelming with all the decision you must make on which direction to install your hardwood floors. In the end, this might be a decision you'll have to live with for a very long time. Luckily, we're here to help you make the correct decision.

The way in which you install hardwood flooring boards is dictated by several factors which we'll cover in this segment. Factors like visual aesthetics, structural integrity, and the installation process should all be taken into consideration when installing your new hardwood flooring.

Consider the Subfloor
 
The first factor we must consider is the subfloor and procedure of installation. If the subfloor is concrete, structural concerns for leadership will have little influence on the performance of your flooring. However, if we install with the more conventional nail method over plywood, then the direction of the floor joist has to be taken under consideration. The general guideline would be to install vertical to the floor joist, doing this will allow the flooring to maintain its structural integrity in the event the joists sag. Exceptions can be made with the use of additional subfloor use to strengthen the existing subfloor.

The best way to flaunt those visually stunning planks may not be so clear-cut. Interior designers often agree it's preferred to conduct your hardwood flooring directly in from the front entrance. This gives visitors a sense of openness flowing to your home. Hallways must aim to have planks running in the exact same direction. Directional adjustments must be avoided to give the flooring a more continuous flow. However, these are best used to designate a special area such as a dining room or study. If it comes to aesthetics, these are only general guidelines as every home needs to have its own distinctive feel. An individual may even look at an angled installation to better fit the layout.

Just make sure you let your installer understand before they start. When in doubt, install perpendicular to the joist. You might want to consult the manufacturer of your flooring or your floor store to ensure you're following their guidelines to maintain the warranty intact. In case you have special questions, let's know.