Which Direction Should I Lay My Oak Floor?

You've finally chosen the perfect Oak floor for your home. It was likely a long and nerve-wracking process, given the thousands of flooring options available today. But just when you thought you were done with the difficult decisions, a new question arises: Which direction should you lay the floor?

While this might seem like a minor detail, the direction of your flooring can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space. Let's dive into some key factors to consider:

The Power of Natural Light

Rule Number One: Follow the Light to lay flooring

• Sun Path: If you have windows facing multiple directions, think about the sun's path. Running the flooring parallel to the sunrise and sunset can create a dramatic effect and often NZ homes follow this rule as they are built long ways to face North.
  

  
  

  

  Using the direction of sun for flooring direction

  
  
  
  

• Parallel to the Light: In most cases, running your flooring parallel to the direction of natural light is the most visually appealing choice. This enhances the room's spaciousness and highlights the beauty of your flooring.

  
  

• Window Orientation: Consider the primary window orientation in your home. If most windows face the front and back, running the flooring from front to back can create a harmonious flow.

  
  
  
  

The Entranceway Effect

Rule Number Two: Perpendicular to the Door

• Accentuate the Entry: Laying the flooring perpendicular to the front door can draw the eye and create a sense of grandeur as you enter the space.

  
  

• Avoid Chopped-Up Looks: This orientation helps to avoid a fragmented appearance, especially in smaller rooms.

  
  

• Exceptions to the Rule: If you have a diagonal or perpendicular door leading to a wall, rely on other factors to determine the best direction. If laying herringbone flooring usually laying so the point walks you into the space.
  

  
  

  

  Oak flooring laid perpendicular to the front door

  
  
  
  

The Longest Wall, the Best Wall

Rule Number Three: Parallel to the Longest Wall

• Create a Sense of Space: In elongated rooms, running the flooring parallel to the longest wall can make the space appear more balanced and spacious, usually flooring goes with the length of the room.

  
  

• Visual Flow: This orientation can help to guide the eye and create a smooth flow throughout the room.

  
  

• Seamless Transitions: If your floor plan includes long hallways or perpendicular rooms, consider changing the direction of the flooring to create a seamless transition.
  

Remember, these are general guidelines, not strict rules. Ultimately, the best direction for your flooring depends on your personal preferences and the specific layout of your home.

Angles used in the house for flooring

A Few Final Tips:

• Consult a Professional when considering to lay your flooring: If you're unsure about the best direction, consult with a flooring professional for expert advice, they will often draw and render the direction onto their plans.

  
  

• Visualise the Outcome: Use flooring visualization tools or create a simple floor plan to experiment with different orientations.

  
  

• Trust Your Instincts: At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you love the final result.