The most common way to lay hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall. Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists, this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it aesthetically provides the best result.

How do I plan a hardwood floor layout?

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.

How should hardwood floors be staggered?





The basic rule to remember for creating a strong stagger is that all planks should overlap by 6 inches or more. This means that the short joint between planks should be at least 6 inches away from the nearest joint in any adjacent row. This type of stagger will lock the flooring tightly together.

What floors are in style for 2021?

Here are the most popular flooring trends in 2021

  • Embossed-in-register (EIR) finish. …
  • Luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) …
  • Faux wood tile. …
  • Waterproof laminate. …
  • Blonde wood flooring. …
  • Artisan tile work. …
  • Patterned wood.


Should wood flooring be staggered?

Staggering your planks is a crucial step to creating a beautiful and lasting room. Not staggering the seams of your floor can create a disruptive pattern that attracts unwanted attention to individual planks.

Should all wood floors run the same direction?





When placing wood floors in multiple rooms and a connecting hallway, the boards should all be directed away from the main entrance to the hall, and adjoining rooms should continue in that same direction.

Is it OK to change direction of wood flooring between rooms?

You should not change the direction of hardwood flooring between rooms—the reason why is that it causes visual disharmony. Placing hardwood flooring in the same direction that follows your space is best.

How do you stagger floor boards?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But you want to check the instructions for yours is cut three boards into thirds a full length board a 2/3 length board and a 1/3 length. Board. You can install it however you like.

How do you do a random floor pattern?

To do this, start the first row with a full plank, install the row, cut the last plank to length and save the off-cut. Cut two more fresh boards to start the next two rows, but from the fourth row on, start using the offcuts from previous rows. This randomizes the layout without creating a step pattern.

Why are floors staggered?



Racking the floor to create a random stagger pattern serves two purposes: one that is aesthetic and the other, structural. Both are equally important. In terms of aesthetics, staggering the end joints avoids creating lines that run perpendicular to the direction of the floor.

How long does it take wood flooring to acclimate?

Acclimation of wood flooring begins with proper storage at the job site. It should be cross stacked and spaced to encourage air circulation around the boards. Most manufacturers recommend materials acclimate for a minimum of three days with no maximum suggested.

Why does hardwood flooring come in different lengths?

The reason that fixed length boards are typically be more expensive than random lengths is due to the amount of wastage involved in making sure that each board is of sufficient quality and at the same time is of the required length.

Are longer wood planks better?



Longer lengths provide more visual continuity and a nicer look, whereas short boards look very choppy. The reason for our long board lengths is quite simple. We use better lumber.

How wide should my hardwood floors be?

These days, the standard width in hardwood flooring is the 4- or 5-inch wide plank. Curious minds may know that the standard has grown wider with time. These widths are often the go-to because the boards can fit nicely and effectively in most rooms.

How long are wood flooring planks?

The average length of most wood flooring sold today is only 2′- to 3′-long. It’s hard to find wood floorboards over 6′-long. If you order long lengths as a special order, you will pay extra and wait longer. Most flooring is measured in inches rather than in feet.

How long are boxes of hardwood flooring?

Instead, when you buy and receive a box of wood, what you’ll find are boards in a range of sizes. There’s no set length; it’s all random. You should have pieces no longer than 7 feet, and no shorter than 1 foot. The average length is between 3 and 3.5 feet.

How many square feet are in a box of hardwood flooring?



20 square feet

Hardwood flooring is sold by the carton, generally 20 square feet, but check with a Project: Partner or scan the product QR code in the store to verify the number for the hardwood you have selected. All hardwood flooring requires a percentage of waste to be added for installation.

How long is a bundle of hardwood?

A: It’s going to average about 24 to 33 inches with some smaller.

How do you measure for hardwood flooring bundles?

Measure the length and width in inches and multiply those numbers. For example, if the room is 312″ long by 238″ the other direction, multiply those numbers and it comes to 74,256″. Divide that by the amount of square inches in a square foot, which is 144, and you have 515.66 square feet.

How many boxes of laminate flooring do I need for a 12×12 room?



This is true for every flooring type – laminate, vinyl planks, ceramic tiles, hardwood and more.



Quick Reference Chart – How Many Boxes of Flooring Do I Need?

Room Size Sq. ft. of Plank Boxes Needed (30 Sq. Ft./Box)
10×10 105 4
10×12 126 5
12×12 151 6
12×14 176 6