The direction in which the flooring runs may not be a top consideration but it is essential to plan this aspect carefully.
Best direction to run wood flooring.
Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it provides the best result aesthetically.
If your sub floor is a concrete slab you can run the floors in any direction you prefer.
Interior designers often agree it is preferred to run your hardwood flooring straight in from the front entry.
The most common way to lay install hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall or run in the installation.
When hardwood floors are installed parallel to the joists they will sag squeak and gap.
It also is governed by several design principles.
So if you re redoing the floors in the foyer run the planks in the same direction as the front door.
We have mostly slab foundations in this area and with engineered floors you have more flexibility.
The correct direction for laying hardwood floors.
Here are a few tips to help you decide.
The direction that your wood flooring will run is not just a matter of personal taste.
Parquet hardwood floor direction this flooring pattern is the laying of wood planks in a repeated geometric pattern.
Sight lines and aesthetics laying the hardwood flooring so that it runs from the main entrance of the room to the opposite wall is the best for sight line.
While personal preference is a factor the direction in which you run hardwood flooring boards is governed by visual and structural guidelines.
The best way to show off those visually stunning planks may not be so clear cut.
Hallways should aim to have planks running in the same direction.
Yet another exception if you have solid wood floors not engineered on a pier and beam foundation then you don t have a lot of choice as far as which direction to run the flooring it would best be run perpendicular to the joists.
This gives visitors a sense of openness flowing into your home.
This pattern results in a hardwood floor with the appearance of a checkerboard sometimes with more complex patterns within each checkerboard square.
The best way to decide is to lay out the floor and visualize what looks best.
Another way to determine the best possible direction for your planks is by following the lead of your room s features.
For example you can follow the direction of the main or most frequently used entrance of the room.