Hardwood is one of the most sought-after choices when it comes to flooring; it’s nearly universally loved for its warm aesthetic, charm, and elegance. It also has the ability to make itself equally at home in classic and contemporary homes. When you take great care of your floor, it will take great care of you for decades. In fact, with proper floor installation, regular maintenance, routine sanding and refinishing, there is no reason that your custom hardwood flooring can’t perform beautifully for over a century! Now, to help it live its longest, best life, it is important to start right from the beginning: installation. What is the best way to lay hardwood floors?
Support and Stability for Your Custom Hardwood Flooring
First, though, why does it matter how your hardwood floors are laid? Well, it affects the aesthetic of your rooms, and in some homes, it is also a very practical consideration. In general, most folks lay the planks parallel to the longest wall in a run. But, if you have an older home, you may have an issue with sagging joists. In this case, running the planks parallel to the longest wall can create weaknesses and erode the longevity of your flooring. In this case, you would run the planks across the joists for support.
So, the first step in determining the best way to lay hardwood floors is to assess your joists. You are more likely to find sagging in homes built before the 1990s. To be super safe, run the planks perpendicular across the joists. This will add support, as mentioned, and keep the subfloor from sagging. If this happens, your beautiful hardwood floor could bucket and your joists could break. This is a big structural problem – and headache!
The next step is to inspect the subfloor. No matter when your home was built, make sure that this layer is not sagging or bouncing when walked over. Again, if there are any issues here, it’s best that the planks are laid perpendicular to the longest wall.
Other Considerations When Laying A Custom Hardwood Floor
Of course, laying the planks parallel to the longest wall in a room is not a hard and fast rule. There are exceptions. Think about:
- Your front door. If possible, consider laying the planks perpendicular to the front door. This will make your entryway appear larger, more streamlined, and less cluttered.
- The dimensions of your room. As mentioned, running the planks parallel to the longest wall helps your rooms appear larger. The sightlines are extended.
- Other rooms in your home. When planning a hardwood installation, think about the other rooms in your home. If they will also have hardwood flooring, you likely do not want them all running in different directions! Consistency is important for an elegant aesthetic and it allows for smooth transitions between spaces.
- The light source. If you have a room with abundant natural light, you might want to run the planks in the same direction that the light is. Why? If you do it perpendicular, it can highlight any variations in the heights of the board.
The Best Way to Lay Hardwood Floors
When you work with an experienced hardwood flooring installation company, they will help you determine the best way to lay your floor for optimal results. There are some options to consider:
- Vertical: This is a classic choice: the planks are laid in a simple, straight pattern that runs parallel to each other.
- Horizontal: Arranging the planks horizontally works well in narrow rooms as it makes the space look larger and more spacious.
- Herringbone: Here, the planks are arranged in a diagonal pattern that zig-zags across the space. It too is a classic look, but it is typically more expensive to install. Herringbone patterns must be very precise.
- Diagonal: Be a little daring! Diagonal floors can help open up a space and make it feel larger.
- Pattern: You can opt to lay the planks in repeated geometric patterns. This is labor-intensive but it can certainly add to the wow factor.
- Random Width: With random-width installations, the planks are typically laid in a parallel design but the widths vary. Mixing narrow and wide boards creates a rustic, charming look.
Ask the Custom Hardwood Flooring Experts
East Coast Flooring & Interiors has handled custom hardwood flooring installations in homes (and businesses) across the region. We will work with you to fully understand your needs and your goals in terms of your project, style, and budget; assess your joists and subflooring; and determine the best way to lay your hardwood flooring. Whether you opt for a classic vertical design or want to create a more intricate aesthetic, our expert team is up for the job.
If you have any questions, give us a call or contact us online today!