The Rule To Laying Hardwood Floor Direction
We will get into the exceptions later in this article, but as mentioned above, there is an overall general rule. When laying hardwood flooring, you begin at the front door laying the boards perpendicular. This means, as you walk into the home, the boards are laid straight out from the door, not across and parallel to the door.
So, now that you know the overall rule of laying hardwood floor direction, many wonder how to lay hardwood flooring in a hallway. Your first instinct is to run the hardwood flooring in different directions in different rooms. However, that is a mistake, if you are not forced to do that. Doing the hardwood flooring in this manner creates a choppy look to the home. By running the wood flooring in the same direction in every room and halfway, the home has a better overall flow to it. Also, keep in mind that the finish on the flooring is just as important as the direction your hardwood flooring is laying. Use the proper finish for your flooring, as well as your lifestyle. For example, a retired couple alone will only need a simple finish. But a family with one or more dogs will need a more dog friendly protective finish.
Exceptions To The Rule
Okay, now to the exceptions! First exception is if you decide to do a border, pattern, or custom inlay with the hardwood flooring. This type of flooring tends to be a high-end installation, and of course, would require a tweak to the rule of flooring direction. Special inlays are typically done in the foyer, especially a grand foyer to accentuate the area and draw more interest.
Another exception is if you are laying flooring in a room and can’t find the same flooring or the dye lot is completely different than the original. This would happen, for example, if you decided to convert a bedroom into a baby nursery two or three years after putting down the flooring in the hallway. While you are out looking for kid-friendly and other necessary décor for your child’s room, you’ll need to purchase new flooring that matches the flooring in the halfway. If the closest match isn’t quite as close as you like, run the flooring in the opposite direction than is run in the hallway.
The last exception would be due to the construction of your home. If your home is on a pier and beam foundation, you have no other choice but to run it perpendicular to the floor joists. Slab foundations will allow you the choice to lay the flooring in the direction of your choice, but the pier and beam foundations will dictate the direction you’ll need to lay your flooring.
Deciding On Hardwood Flooring Direction
So, yes, hardwood flooring direction matters. It can either make your home feel open and free-flowing in design or it can create a choppy appearance that doesn’t make sense. You want your flooring to complement the rest of our design choices such as window coverings and furniture placement. Laying your hardwood floor straight out from the front of your home towards the back in every room makes the overall aesthetic of your home more pleasing. Although there are exceptions, this is the most pleasing way to lay out your home's hardwood flooring.
Laying Flooring FAQs
Which Way Do You Lay Flooring in Entryway?
Typically, flooring in an entryway should be laid perpendicular to the door, as this provides a visual anchor for the space and enhances the feeling of openness. This approach also minimizes the amount of dirt and debris that will be tracked into the entryway from the outside, helping to keep your home cleaner overall.
What Direction Should Wood Flooring Be Laid?
Wood flooring should be laid in the direction that provides the most visually appealing look for your specific space. In general, laying the flooring parallel to the longest wall can make a room look larger, while laying it in a perpendicular direction can give the room a cozier feel. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific layout of your home and your personal preferences.
Should Flooring Be the Same Direction Throughout the House?
There is no hard and fast rule about whether flooring should be the same direction throughout the house, as this will depend on your personal preferences and the specific layout of your home. Some homeowners prefer to have flooring run the same direction throughout their home for a cohesive look, while others opt for a more eclectic approach with different directions in different rooms.
Should Flooring Be Parallel or Perpendicular to the Door?
Flooring should typically be laid perpendicular to the door in an entryway, as this provides a visual anchor for the space and minimizes the amount of dirt and debris that will be tracked into the entryway. In other areas of the home, flooring can be laid in either a parallel or perpendicular direction, depending on your personal preferences and the layout of the space.
Should Wood Floors Change Direction?
Wood floors can change direction if desired, but this is typically only done for aesthetic reasons. Changing the direction of wood flooring in a room can provide visual interest and break up a space, but it can also make a room look smaller. Whether to change the direction of your wood flooring will depend on your personal preferences and the specific layout of your home.
Where Do You Finish the Floor in a Doorway?
The floor in a doorway should be finished in such a way that there is a smooth transition from one room to the next. This is typically achieved by installing a transition strip that covers the gap between the two floors and provides a seamless connection between them.
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