You’ve decided on your flooring and are now preparing to install it. But which direction should you lay your laminate flooring in?
If you are hiring a professional floor fitter, they will help you decide, but if you are going to install it yourself, don’t panic; we can help.
How to decide which direction to lay laminate flooring?
The direction in which to lay laminate flooring is generally a matter of aesthetics. You can lay it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally for a unique look.
To help you decide, you should take into account the following factors.
The shape and size of the room
Laying laminate flooring vertically will elongate a room, whilst laying it horizontally will make a small room appear larger.
Installing laminate flooring parallel to the longest wall in the room is usually the most popular, as it creates a visually appealing and spacious look. It also means less wastage, as fewer cuts are made, consequently saving time.
The position of the windows and doors
Ideally, you want your laminate flooring to face natural light, as this enhances the space’s aesthetic.
If you are installing in a room with little natural light, lay the laminate flooring parallel to the longest wall, as this will make the space appear larger.
Which direction to lay laminate flooring in multiple rooms
If you wish to lay laminate flooring in multiple connecting rooms, it is best to lay it in the same direction throughout for aesthetic reasons. This would keep it consistent and create a nice flow.
You might want to start in the most prominent room, decide which way to lay the flooring, and then go from there.
However, if you want the flooring laid in different directions, you could place a threshold or transition strip where they connect to separate the rooms.
We hope that this has helped you decide which direction to lay your laminate flooring.
The direction you choose to install your laminate flooring depends on personal preference. There is no right or wrong. However, we advise taking into consideration the above points so as to make an informed and aesthetically pleasing decision.
If you’re worried about getting it wrong or don’t have the time, why not hire a professional floor fitter to do the job properly?
Looking for more information on laminate flooring? Our laminate floor fitters guide contains everything you need to know in order to accurately plan the work.
Want to get a rough idea of how much it’s going to cost? My Local Toolbox has put together a laminate flooring installation cost guide which considers the many factors involved; materials, labour, and other outlays.
Want to get accurate quotes for your flooring project? Post a job now to compare quotes from floor fitters near you.