Hardwood Direction Matters? (7 Mistakes Seen!)
Ever walked into a room and something just felt…off? Maybe the hardwood floor looked a little wonky, even though each plank was perfectly installed?
Chances are, the culprit was the direction of the hardwood. Trust me, I’ve seen it all in my years as a flooring contractor.
The direction you lay those planks can make or break the entire look and feel of your space.
I’m here to tell you that understanding hardwood direction is crucial, and avoiding these common mistakes can save you a whole lot of heartache (and money!).
In this article, I’m diving into seven mistakes I’ve personally witnessed homeowners and even some installers make when it comes to hardwood direction.
I’ll give you the lowdown on how to avoid them so you can achieve that stunning, professional-looking floor you’ve always dreamed of.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Hardwood Flooring Orientation
So, what exactly do I mean by “hardwood direction?” Simply put, it’s the way your hardwood planks are aligned when they’re installed.
Are they running parallel to the longest wall? Perpendicular to the doorway? Diagonally across the room?
These choices all impact the final look.
Historically, hardwood installation was often dictated by the joists in the subfloor. Planks were typically run perpendicular to the joists for structural support.
Over time, as subfloors improved and installation techniques evolved, the focus shifted more towards aesthetics and design.
Today, choosing the right direction is a balancing act. We consider structural integrity and factors like:
- Light: How light hits the floor.
- Space Perception: Making a room look bigger or longer.
- Flow: How the flooring connects different rooms.
I’ve seen rooms transformed by simply changing the direction of the planks!
It’s amazing what a difference it can make.
Mistake #1 – Not Considering Natural Light
Okay, let’s talk about light. It’s a game-changer.
The way natural light interacts with your hardwood floor can dramatically alter its appearance.
Think of it this way: if you install planks running towards the main light source (like a big window), the seams between the planks will be more visible. This can create a striped effect.
On the other hand, if you install them perpendicular to the light source, the light will wash over the floor more evenly, minimizing the appearance of seams and creating a smoother look.
I remember one client who had beautiful, wide-plank hickory flooring installed.
They ran the planks towards the large sliding glass door in their living room.
During certain times of the day, the shadows between the planks were so pronounced, it made the floor look busy and uneven.
We ended up re-orienting the planks, and it made a world of difference.
The light now glides across the floor, highlighting the natural grain and color variations in the wood.
Pro Tip: Observe how natural light moves through your room at different times of day.
This will help you determine the best direction to minimize unwanted shadows and maximize the beauty of your hardwood.
Mistake #2 – Ignoring the Room Shape
Room shape matters a lot. A long, narrow room will benefit from a different approach than a square, open-concept space.
In a narrow room, running the planks along the longest dimension can visually elongate the space, making it feel larger and less cramped.
Think of it like wearing vertical stripes – it creates the illusion of height.
Conversely, in a square room, you have more flexibility. You could still run the planks along the longest wall, or you could opt for a diagonal installation to add visual interest.
Diagonal installations can make a room feel more spacious, but they also require more material and can be more complex to install.
I had a client with a small, oddly-shaped living room. It was basically a long rectangle with a strange alcove.
They were initially planning to run the planks parallel to the short wall, which would have made the room feel even narrower.
I suggested running them diagonally, starting from the corner of the alcove.
It completely transformed the space!
The diagonal lines drew the eye across the room, making it feel wider and more open.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Long, Narrow Room: Run planks along the longest dimension.
- Square Room: Consider diagonal installation for visual interest.
- Small Room: Diagonal or parallel to the longest wall to maximize space perception.
Mistake #3 – Overlooking the Flow Between Rooms
Okay, imagine this: you’ve got beautiful hardwood in your living room, running perfectly parallel to the windows.
You step into the hallway, and suddenly, the hardwood is running in a completely different direction!
It’s jarring, right?
Maintaining a consistent flow of hardwood direction between adjoining rooms is crucial for creating a cohesive and harmonious look.
Ideally, you want the flooring to flow seamlessly from one room to the next, as if it were all part of one continuous space.
This is especially important in open-concept homes.
Think about how the eye travels through the space. Do you want to create a sense of continuity, or do you want to visually separate the rooms?
Sometimes, you might intentionally change the direction to define different areas, but this should be done thoughtfully and with a clear purpose.
I once worked on a project where the homeowner wanted to create a distinct separation between their kitchen and dining room.
We ran the hardwood in the kitchen perpendicular to the direction in the dining room.
The transition was seamless, but the change in direction subtly defined the two spaces without the need for a physical barrier.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to doorways and transitions. These are key areas where directional changes can either enhance or detract from the overall aesthetic.
Mistake #4 – Neglecting the Subfloor Condition
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the subfloor. It’s the unsung hero (or villain) of any flooring project.
The condition of your subfloor can significantly influence the direction of your hardwood installation.
Here’s why:
- Moisture: A damp subfloor can cause hardwood to warp and buckle, regardless of the direction it’s installed.
- Levelness: An uneven subfloor will result in an uneven hardwood floor, especially if the planks are running perpendicular to the high and low spots.
- Type of Subfloor: Different subfloor materials (plywood, concrete, etc.) require different installation techniques and may influence the direction of the planks.
I’ve seen countless projects go south because the subfloor was an afterthought.
One time, we installed beautiful maple hardwood in a basement rec room. The homeowner had assured us the concrete subfloor was dry.
A few months later, the floor started to cup and buckle. Turns out, there was a moisture problem we weren’t aware of.
We had to rip up the entire floor, fix the moisture issue, and reinstall everything. A huge headache (and expense!) for everyone involved.
Moral of the story: Always, always inspect your subfloor thoroughly before installing hardwood.
Make sure it’s dry, level, and structurally sound.
You might even consider hiring a professional to assess the subfloor and recommend any necessary repairs or preparations.
Mistake #5 – Failing to Account for Expansion and Contraction
Hardwood is a natural material, and like all natural materials, it expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity.
But the direction of the planks can also play a role in how the floor reacts to these changes.
When hardwood expands, it primarily does so across the width of the planks.
On the other hand, if you break up the runs with transitions or area rugs, you can minimize the impact of expansion and contraction.
I always advise clients to consider the climate in their area when choosing a hardwood species and installation method.
In areas with high humidity, it’s especially important to choose a stable species like oak or maple and to install the planks in a way that allows for adequate expansion and contraction.
Pro Tip: Consult with a flooring professional to determine the best installation method and expansion gap requirements for your specific climate and hardwood species.
Mistake #6 – Misjudging the Visual Imbalance
Okay, picture this: you’ve got a room with long, narrow planks running parallel to one wall, and short, wide planks running parallel to another.
It looks…off, right?
Different plank widths and lengths can create visual imbalance if not installed in the correct direction.
Generally, it’s best to maintain a consistent plank width and length throughout the room, or to use a variety of lengths and widths in a random pattern.
Avoid creating distinct lines or patterns with different plank sizes, as this can draw the eye to specific areas and create an uneven look.
I once saw a floor where the installer had used a mix of wide and narrow planks, but they had grouped all the wide planks together in one area.
It looked like a giant stripe running across the room!
It completely disrupted the flow of the space and made the room feel smaller and more cramped.
Visual Aid: Imagine a room divided in half. One half has thin, short planks, and the other half has thick, long planks. Your eyes will immediately be drawn to the contrast, creating a sense of imbalance.
The fix? Mix it up! Randomly distribute different plank sizes throughout the room to create a more natural and balanced look.
Mistake #7 – Not Consulting Professionals
Alright, let’s be real: installing hardwood flooring is not a walk in the park.
It requires skill, experience, and a keen eye for detail.
While DIY projects can be rewarding, attempting a hardwood installation without professional guidance can be a recipe for disaster.
I’ve seen countless homeowners try to save money by doing it themselves, only to end up spending even more money fixing their mistakes.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is not consulting with a professional about the direction of the planks.
As we’ve discussed, there are many factors to consider, and a professional can help you make the best decision for your specific space and needs.
They can also assess your subfloor, recommend the best installation method, and ensure that the job is done right the first time.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t try to perform surgery on yourself, would you?
Hardwood installation may not be life-or-death, but it’s still a complex project that requires expertise and experience.
My advice? Get a professional consultation. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: seven common mistakes to avoid when it comes to hardwood direction.
Remember, the direction of your planks can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
By considering factors like natural light, room shape, flow between rooms, subfloor condition, expansion and contraction, visual balance, and professional guidance, you can ensure that your hardwood flooring project is a success.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, do your research, and seek expert opinions. Your floors are worth it!
Now go forth and create the hardwood floor of your dreams!
