Hardwood Installation: Factors to Consider

There are many things to consider during a hardwood installation project. Of these considerations, one of the most important, for example, is the direction in which the floorboards will be laid. In this article, we will describe some factors that you may want to consider before making a decision.

Front door

If your project takes place in the front room of the house, the location of the front door should be considered. In most cases, the installations are perpendicular to the door, in which case you will be able to see the boards flowing in the same direction you are looking as you enter the door. Although this rule is debated, it offers you a good starting point.

Natural light

Another aspect worth considering is the direction that natural light enters the home. In many cases this will be the same direction as if you adhered to the rule above, although if these aspects conflict, you may want to opt to pass the wood in the direction of the light. Boards that are installed against the light source lose some of the special something that makes hardwood floors so attractive. Running boards against the light allow you to see the small cracks and joints in the floor, unlike a single solid piece.

Floor beams

In cases where the hardwood installation is over a wood subfloor, you will be asked to take into account the floor joists. These beams are what keep the subfloor in its correct place. Consider installing your boards perpendicular to the joists. If you decide to follow the direction of the joists, the weight of the wood on top of the subfloor could cause it to sag over a period of time, and when the floors are not level, it can bend and crack.

Size of the room and corridors

Take into account the size of the rooms in which your wood installation will take place. Rectangular or square rooms can be distributed in any direction. For narrow rooms and hallways, you may decide that it is best to lay the boards widthwise. Running across the floor of a hallway can sometimes cause a staircase effect.

If you are in any doubt as to what to do regarding your hardwood installation, you may also decide to contact a professional for a consultation. These companies provide services exclusively to those looking to install hardwood floors and can provide better recommendations or even do the work for you.