Hardwood Flooring Direction – Does it Matter?
If you are laying down wood floors, there are a few things you need to take into consideration – such as hardwood flooring direction.
Usually installers lay planks parallel to the longest wall in the room. With some exceptions, this is usually the preferred direction, because it aesthetically provides the best result.
In this blog post by Virgin Carpets and Flooring, we’ll discuss why directional hardwood flooring matters and provide some tips on how you can choose the right direction for your home!
Vertical Hardwood Floor Direction
If you lay hardwood flooring in a vertical direction (parallel to you as you walk into the room), then it will give the illusion of a room with greater depth. Hallways are typically floored in this way.
Vertical hardwood flooring is also ideal for rooms with high ceilings – the vertical lines will help to elongate the space.
Horizontal Hardwood Floor Direction
If you choose a horizontal flooring direction (perpendicular to you as you walk into the room), your room will appear wider. This is a great choice if you have a smaller bedroom that you want to make look bigger!
You can also use horizontal hardwood flooring to highlight certain features in your home – such as a focal point like a big window or a doorway.
Herringbone Hardwood Floor Direction
The herringbone direction is a bit more complicated – it involves laying your hardwood planks in a zig-zag pattern. This type of hardwood flooring can add visual interest to any room and can be used in both large and small spaces. This flooring pattern is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes.
Diagonal Hardwood Floor Direction
A diagonal hardwood flooring direction can make a room look larger and can be used to highlight certain features in a room.
Parquet Hardwood Floor Direction
Parquet hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that consists of small, square pieces of wood that are arranged in a geometric pattern. This type of flooring can be used in any room and can add a touch of elegance to your home.
Here are the most common types of parquet patterns you can have installed in your space:
- Checkerboard square
- Brick
- Hexagon
- Windmill
- Plank
Choosing the Right Direction for Your Home
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference. If you want to give depth to your space, then you would choose a vertical hardwood flooring direction. If you want to make your room appear wider, then you would go with horizontal hardwood flooring.
If you are looking for something more unique, then herringbone or parquet hardwood flooring might be the right choice for you. And if you want to make a statement, then diagonal hardwood flooring might be the way to go!
Beyond Flooring Direction
You may be surprised to know that hardwood flooring options go beyond just flooring direction. Here are a few additional things you can take into consideration:
- Different wood types (oak, pine, hickory, etc.)
- Different colors
- Different finishes
- Different widths
- Different light / natural light directions
All of these factors will come into play when choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home. If you need help making a decision, then be sure to consult with a professional! They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that you end up with a floor that you love.
Need the Experts to Install Your Hardwood Floors? We are Your Team!
Now that you know the different hardwood flooring directions, you can decide which one is right for your home. If you need help choosing or installing wood floors, be sure to contact a professional team like Virgin Carpets and Flooring!
Do you still have questions about hardwood flooring direction? We are here for you! Connect with the Virgin Carpets and Flooring team today and we would be happy to chat with you about your hardwood flooring project. We’ll help you choose the right direction for your home.