Which Direction To Lay Wood Flooring

When installing wood flooring, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which direction to lay the planks. The direction you choose can have a big impact on the look and feel of your room, so it's important to consider all of your options before you start laying down the flooring. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

The size and shape of your room. The direction you lay your wood flooring can make your room look longer, wider, or even larger. If you have a small room, laying the planks lengthwise can make it look longer. If you have a wide room, laying the planks widthwise can make it look wider. And if you have a large room, you can create a more intimate feel by laying the planks diagonally.

The style of your furniture. The direction you lay your wood flooring can also complement the style of your furniture. If you have traditional furniture, laying the planks in a herringbone pattern can create a classic look. If you have modern furniture, laying the planks in a straight line can create a more contemporary look.

The amount of natural light in your room. The direction you lay your wood flooring can also affect the amount of natural light in your room. If you have a lot of natural light, laying the planks in a direction that allows the light to flow through the room can create a brighter and more airy feel. If you don't have a lot of natural light, laying the planks in a direction that reflects the light can help to brighten up the room.

Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are a few of the most popular wood flooring laying patterns:

Straight lay: This is the most basic wood flooring laying pattern, and it's a good choice for any room. The planks are laid in straight lines, parallel to each other.
Herringbone: This is a classic wood flooring laying pattern that creates a zigzag effect. It's a good choice for traditional or formal rooms.
Parquet: This is a more elaborate wood flooring laying pattern that creates a geometric design. It's a good choice for large or grand rooms.
Diagonal: This is a wood flooring laying pattern that creates a diagonal line across the room. It's a good choice for making a room look larger or wider.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which direction to lay your wood flooring is to experiment with different patterns and see what looks best in your room. You can also ask a professional flooring installer for advice.