Should all flooring run the same direction?

Author: Aracely Schulist  |  Last update: Monday, June 6, 2022

In traditional design, flooring is usually installed following the direction of the main light source. If there are big windows or an entryway contributing streams of natural light, install floors in the same direction as their source.

Should flooring run the same direction in every room?

Your hardwood floor should go in the same direction from one room to the next. The hardwood planks should be laid down parallel to each other across the width or length of the room. When you are laying down flooring in a narrow room, it is a good idea to do so horizontally.

Can you lay flooring in different directions?

There is no wrong or right way to lay your laminate floor in a certain direction. It often depends on your design preference and what you feel seems to have the most sense. At the end of the day, you can lay them in whichever direction you feel is right.

Should the flooring be the same in the whole house?

There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.

Does it matter which way you lay laminate flooring?

The direction of your flooring boards has a huge impact on a room's overall appearance and can be a tough nut to crack. As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance.

Determining the direction to lay/install Hardwood, Laminate, or Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring

Should you lay flooring horizontal or vertical?

Wood floors should always be laid perpendicular to floor joists—across rather that in between them. This will make the floors structurally sound and will help prevent the planks from separating, sagging or buckling. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring.

Do wood floors need to match throughout the house?

While some people think that they should match the floors throughout their homes for a sense of uniformity and space, it is unnecessary to do this. At Classic Floor Designs, we recommend that you consider mixing different types of wood on the floors throughout your house for a stunning result.

Can you have two different wood floors next to each other?

Can you mix two different hardwood floors side by side? Yes, you can mix two different wood floors side by side. However, whenever homeowners have two different hardwood floors adjoining each other, they often try to match the colors for continuity in visual aesthetics.

Should kitchen floor match living room floor?

You have to consider both the floor's color and the material. It is generally best to use flooring that can withstand the kitchen's environment. Kitchens are prone to sharp tools, moisture buildup, and heat. This can negatively affect some flooring materials more than others, despite any added protection.

Can you change direction laminate flooring?

Strip flooring can be installed in any direction in any room, however the convention is to run parallel with the longest wall in most situations. Rarely is this type of flooring run perpendicular to walls in a hallway.

Which way should flooring run in a hallway?

Whenever you are placing wood flooring in a hallway or any long and narrow area, it should run in the direction away from the doorway.

What direction should you lay vinyl plank flooring?

Flooring is typically installed in the same direction of your leading source of natural light, and the same goes for luxury vinyl. If you have large windows in a living room or an entryway that allows a flood of natural light, then run your planks in the same direction.

What flooring looks good next to hardwood?

Hardwood is a classic and high-end option for flooring, but ceramic tile offers durability and affordability. Combining the two materials in a single room creates a customized look that attracts buyers and impresses your friends with your design skills. ...

Can you mix and match wood flooring?

Not only can you combine different woods for the flooring in your home, but you can also mix and match woods elsewhere, such as the furniture and cabinets.

Can you change direction of hardwood floor?

Some threshold and transition pieces

For odd-shaped rooms, your contractor may suggest that you change the direction of the floors and use a transition piece or threshold in the doorway. However, the more you can keep your floors running in the same direction, the better the final product.

Which way do you lay laminate flooring in multiple rooms?

The best direction is based on the shape of your house. There is no right direction, but the more accepted rule is that the floor direction should run parallel to the longer walls, but long hallways are exempt from this rule.

Can you install vinyl plank flooring right to left?

Generally speaking, you can install any type of vinyl plank flooring backward. Some manufacturers are going to be easier to install than others, but all of them can be installed in reverse. The real key is to work slowly and avoid as much waste as possible.

Which side of vinyl plank goes against the wall?

The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.

Which way do you lay vinyl plank flooring in multiple rooms?

A laminate floor becomes a unifying influence in the overall decor if it runs in the same direction throughout the house. The best direction generally depends primarily on the shape of the house; it should run parallel to the longer walls.

What is a popular floor trend for 2021?

Blonde wood flooring

While dark finishes like ebony and espresso have their place among 2021 trends, lighter colors have a way of making rooms feel larger, which complements the open floor layouts that are popular today. This effect has increased demand for more natural tones, including blonde wood finishes.

What is the trend in kitchen floors?

Houzz looked at the two big factors: material and color. Out of six options (tile, hardwood, vinyl, engineered wood, laminate, and natural stone), tile took the top spot with 24% of homeowners choosing ceramic or porcelain for their kitchen upgrade.

What flooring adds the most value to a home?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.

Does flooring affect appraisal?

New flooring can add a ton of perceived value, encourage higher offers, and even make a home sell faster, but it may not add dollars to your appraisal. Buyers may like the updated flooring and offer more as a result, but don't expect a higher appraised value.

Does laminate flooring devalue a home?

In high-traffic areas it can show wear and tear, and laminate can't be sanded or refinished for an updated appearance. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won't do much for your home's resale value.

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