Which Direction to Lay Hardwood Flooring?

When choosing hardwood flooring for your home, have you ever wondered which direction the flooring should go? Let’s take a look at the different ways you can lay hardwood flooring:

• Horizontal, with planks running parallel along the shortest part of the room.
• Vertical, with planks running along the widest part of the room.
• Herringbone, which is a diagonal zigzag.
• Diagonal, which runs the boards parallel to a corner.
• In a pattern, including geometric patterns or random width boards of different colors.

Deciding Which Direction to Lay Hardwood Flooring

When deciding how to lay out hardwood flooring, you’ll want to consider:

• Lighting: In rooms with plenty of natural light, look at the direction of the light beams. Laying your floors in the same direction as the light can hide any minor imperfections that may develop in the wood, resulting in a more beautiful look.
• The layout of the room: If you have a narrow room, running flooring side-to-side in a horizontal pattern makes the space look larger. In rooms with a focal point, such as a fireplace, flooring that goes in that direction can highlight the most beautiful part of your space. 
• Your style: Patterns can create a unique look to reflect your aesthetic. Vertical or horizonal layouts put less emphasis on the flooring and look great with any kind of décor style. 

FAQs

Should you lay flooring horizontal or vertical?

The answer depends on your preferences, rooms and budget. Vertical floors tend to be more cost-effective because they’re simple to install and result in less waste.

Should tile and hardwood go in the same direction?

For rooms transitioning between tile and hardwood, running the two in the same direction creates a smooth transition. 

Designers often recommend running both tile and wood parallel to the door. This could mean you have one board running in the same direction as the door, and then another pattern after that. 

Should you change the direction of hardwood flooring between rooms?

Changing the layout between rooms can create visual interest and break up open concept spaces. If you want to create the illusion of a longer or larger space, keep the direction of hardwood the same between rooms.

Contact Us for Professional Flooring Installation

At District Floor Depot, we can help you transform your space with beautiful, affordable floors and professional installation services. Set up a free consultation today or visit a showroom to explore different flooring options and discuss the ideal layout for your space.