What Direction Should Wood Floors Run
If the room is not overly small floorboards that are placed vertically will work just fine.
What direction should wood floors run. As a general rule laying the boards so that they run away from the main entrance to the room makes the room appear larger than it is and gives a much cleaner appeal. While personal preference is a factor the direction in which you run hardwood flooring boards is governed by visual and structural guidelines. Interior designers often agree it is preferred to run your hardwood flooring straight in from the front entry. This gives visitors a sense of openness flowing into your home.
Visual congruity usually requires the boards to run. Vertical flooring is the most common orientation for wood floors. If the room is wider than it is long laying the flooring on the vertical will help create the illusion of length in the room and balance it out. Laying the hardwood flooring so that it runs from the main entrance of the room to the opposite wall is the best for sight line.
The direction of boards has an effect on how the size of a room is perceived. 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. Some rooms benefit from a diagonal installation which adds interest and drama. Hallways should aim to have planks running in the same direction.
Directional changes should be avoided to give the flooring a more continuous flow. You want those boards to look like they are laid they way they are in a bowling alley all the way into the home through to the back.