When it comes to interior design, flooring direction can be a difficult subject for homeowners to tackle. Have you ever wondered “Which direction is best for laying my hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring?” If so, we are here to help with that age-old debate, and the answer may surprise you!
It’s no secret that the direction in which your flooring is installed can change the look, feel, and even perceived size of a room. In this blog, we’ll cover the two most popular flooring directions: perpendicular and parallel, and find which one is right for you.
Flooring Direction: Perpendicular vs Parallel
When deciding which direction to lay your new flooring, you have two main options: perpendicular and parallel. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of each style.
Flooring Direction: Perpendicular
Also known as horizontal, perpendicular flooring directions draw the eye from side to side across a room. In large rooms, this has the effect of making the space feel larger. However, perpendicular planks may have the opposite effect on narrow or very compact spaces – making them feel even smaller than they already are.
Flooring Direction: Parallel
Also known as vertical, parallel flooring directions draw the eye ahead – often towards an entryway, architectural feature, or a source of light such as a window. This classic direction is the traditional choice for most installations. It’s also great for smaller spaces as it can add a new dimension of depth. However, if you’re trying to downplay the size of a room or make it feel cozier, parallel planks may not be for you since they tend to elongate spaces.
Finishing Up
So which direction should you choose? Well, that really depends on your personal preference, the layout of the room, and the look and feel you are going for. Also, take note of the shape of the room as well as any furniture pieces in your space that may affect your decision.
But no matter which one you choose, your space will be as stylish as can be with your new flooring! Parallel or perpendicular, you’re guaranteed to end up with a beautiful finished look.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our flooring specialists, contact us here. We look forward to helping you find your perfect flooring fit.
FAQs
Flooring Direction: Parallel
Which direction should my flooring go? ›
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.
Should flooring be laying lengthwise or Widthwise? ›
According to SFGate Home Guides, running your floorboards lengthwise away from the door towards the opposite wall, will visually elongate the sight lines and cause your home to appear larger and neater. Running the planks perpendicular to the entryway can create intimacy in your space.
Should flooring run the same direction in all rooms? ›
As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that's the easiest to install.
Which way should vinyl plank flooring be installed in entryway? ›
If you're redoing the floors in the foyer, run the planks in the same direction as the front door to enhance perspective. Since planks are installed horizontally on stairs, a horizontal installation can maintain uniformity from your steps to your main floors.
Which way do you run flooring in open floor plan? ›
For an open-concept space, hardwood can be installed lengthwise from one end to the other, whereas oddly-shaped spaces won't allow for one continuous line of sight.
What is the best direction to lay plank flooring? ›
Narrow: If the room is narrow, like a hallway, the planks should run the room's length. This will elongate the space. Small: If you have the planks installed in a room you want to appear more spacious, running the planks parallel to the longest wall will achieve this.
What way should flooring run according to feng shui? ›
According to feng shui, the way you lay boards will dictate the direction of energy flow. In a narrow hallway, the boards should be placed along the length and not along the width.
Is there a wrong way to lay flooring? ›
"The direction of the laminate installation can really affect the overall look of the room," explains Marcus Ashburn. "Choosing to lay it in the wrong direction, such as installing it against the light or along the room's longest wall, can make the room feel cramped and make the flooring look uneven.”
What is the rule of 3 flooring? ›
This rule applies to many aspects of art, design, and architecture; in the world of flooring, it means only using a maximum of three flooring finishes across your entire property — say, flagstones in the kitchen, hardwood throughout the living spaces, and teeny hexagonal tiles in the bathrooms.
To lay your flooring in a basic pattern, design experts recommend starting from the most visible wall of the room from the entrance. Lay your planks so that they run from end to end, parallel against this wall. It's recommended you start ¼ of an inch off the wall.
Which direction should I run my flooring? ›
Flooring Direction: Parallel
Also known as vertical, parallel flooring directions draw the eye ahead – often towards an entryway, architectural feature, or a source of light such as a window. This classic direction is the traditional choice for most installations.
Which way do you lay flooring to make room look bigger? ›
Another aspect of line when it comes to flooring has to do with the direction that you install the planks in.
- Laying long planks lengthwise emphasizes the narrowness of the room and quickly leads the eyes right to the other wall.
- Laying the flooring at a diagonal can make a room really stand out.
If choosing to use the same flooring in multiple rooms, some homeowners like to change the direction of the flooring. Adding a transition between the rooms allows you to do this without leaving an awkward pattern change.
Where do you end flooring in a doorway? ›
Ideally, these transition strips should be aligned directly beneath the door when it's closed, ensuring they don't jut out past the door frame. For laminate flooring that ends at the doorway, the last pieces should gracefully slide beneath door jambs for a refined, uninterrupted look.
Should flooring be parallel or perpendicular to front door? ›
Should Flooring Be Parallel or Perpendicular to the Door? Flooring should typically be laid perpendicular to the door in an entryway, as this provides a visual anchor for the space and minimizes the amount of dirt and debris that will be tracked into the entryway.
Which way should laminate flooring run in a room? ›
Room Shape: The shape of the room also plays a role in determining the direction of your laminate floor installation. If the room is square, the flooring should be installed parallel to the walls. However, in a rectangular room, the flooring should be installed along the longer side of the room.
Should vinyl flooring be horizontal or vertical? ›
Room Shape and Features
Small: If you have the planks installed in a room you want to appear more spacious, running the planks parallel to the longest wall will achieve this. If you want the room to appear more expansive in the opposite direction, have the planks placed horizontally.
When it comes to interior design, flooring direction can be a difficult subject for homeowners to tackle. Have you ever wondered “Which direction is best for laying my hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring?” If so, we are here to help with that age-old debate, and the answer may surprise you!
