[DSee]

Hello,

I'm installing laminate flooring on the first floor of my house, and would like to get opinions on what direction to install it. I'm using the same flooring for the entire house (style/color/etc).

I'm attaching a floor plan (measurements are not exact, this is just so we can have a rough idea where doors/windows are)

I'm also attaching a picture of how I was planning to do it.. (black lines represent direction of board)

Please let me know if my idea is correct, or if you have any suggestions/recommendations.

Thank you.


Floor Plan

Board direction

 

[joecaption]

You can not run laminite the same as a real hardwood or engineered floor.
Each room will have to be seperate with a transition strip in the middle of every doorway.

If you use engineered flooring instead it would look like real wood (because it is), it would increase the value of the home unlike laminite, would not look like a shiny plastic floor, will not squeck or move, could be run as a one piece floor with no tranition strips, can be refinished.

 

[DSee]

I understand that, and also share the same opinion... Hardwood is a lot better, but in this specific case I have no option other than going with laminate.

I know the floor will need transitions, but I was wondering on what direction should I place the boards...

 

[joecaption]

Not hardwood, engineered, totaly differant product.
Flip the picture 180 deg. and I would run all the floors from left to right.
This way all the floors run in the same direction.
Each room is started in the back left hand corner away from the hall doors

 

[Canarywood1]

The basic rule of "thumb" for wood-look laminate is: Board segments should be placed to be parallel towards the greatest natural light source.

 

[Canarywood1]

Delete

 

[DSee]

Not hardwood, engineered, totaly differant product.
Flip the picture 180 deg. and I would run all the floors from left to right.
This way all the floors run in the same direction.
Each room is started in the back left hand corner away from the hall doors

So the windows don't matter? Sorry, still not understanding what you're trying to say.

The basic rule of "thumb" for wood-look laminate is: Board segments should be placed to be parallel towards the greatest natural light source.

So, by following this rule, the only thing that would change from my picture would be the Living room (same direction as hallway), correct?

 

[joecaption]

I'd run them all the same dirrection you have the hallway drawn.
That way the living room and hall way could be all one run and the rooms coming off of it would have flooring that was run parrallel to the hall.

 

[Canarywood1]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canarywood1
The basic rule of "thumb" for wood-look laminate is: Board segments should be placed to be parallel towards the greatest natural light source.

So, by following this rule, the only thing that would change from my picture would be the Living room (same direction as hallway), correct?


That's correct, and your hall would run into your living room,with no transition strip to deal with.

 

[joecaption]

Bingo.

 

[SuperJETT]

If 1 block = 1 foot, then you'd most likely need a transition at the hallway due to max length of a run.

EDIT: looks like it is 1 block = 1 foot based on the 13'x13' room with 169 sq ft.