You’ve chosen your luxury vinyl plank flooring. You are aware of which room will receive which design, but you might still have a doubt before installing it. The best way to lay vinyl plank flooring is to know which direction to go.
So, how to determine which direction install vinyl plank flooring? The truth is that there is neither a right way nor a wrong way to install vinyl plank flooring. But there are some things to think about.
Learn more about Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring by reading on.
Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Here is an easy step-by-step guide on deciding Which Direction Install Vinyl Plank Flooring:
Consider Adjoining Rooms
Typically, a room that adjoins other rooms will be where you install your vinyl plank flooring. One way to choose which direction to lay the planks is to consider the transition between the spaces.
If your room is next to a hallway, it’s often a good idea to have the planks running parallel to the hall. That will facilitate a smooth transition between the two areas.
Examine the flooring in any other rooms that are adjacent as well. If there is an imbalance between the two floors, the wider the transition, the more obvious it will be.
Regardless of which way the planks run, if the floor next to you is carpeted, you’ll notice a change right away. If so, you’ll be able to choose how to run your vinyl planks based on other factors.
However, the choice of plank direction will produce very different results if there is another hard floor next to the room.
Making a point of the transition between the rooms could help you distinguish the two areas. If the light enters the different rooms from two different angles, that may work especially well.
Run your new flooring in the opposite direction to the adjacent room if that is what you want to do. Although this is a risky move, it has great potential.
But we advise running the planks in the same direction if you want to create a more open feeling. That will give the impression that the rooms are larger by tricking your eye into seeing them as one large room. And if the rooms are actually quite small, that will be especially helpful.
What About Steps?
Is there a staircase leading to the room you’ll be flooring? If so, do you prefer that they all have the same finish? If you do, the remainder of the floor’s direction will also depend on that.
The vinyl planks must be laid horizontally if they are to be used as flooring on steps. To achieve a seamless appearance, you should run the planks along the floor next to them in the same direction.
Think About the Light
Your flooring’s aesthetic appeal can also be impacted by the window design in your rooms. If you move in the direction of the longer wall, you might occasionally notice that the windows’ interior lighting gives the vinyl flooring design a stacked appearance. You might want to check which direction the light entering through the windows flows into the room if you prefer that light reflect in a smoother pattern.
You might find it more appealing to align the panels with the direction of the light if your windows are set up so that morning light enters through one side of the room and evening light enters through the other. Lighting is crucial for producing desirable results, as it is with the majority of visual effects. Without having to follow the longer wall, vinyl flooring can still give the impression of a room being open and spacious.
The vinyl planks’ design will, of course, have a significant impact on the final result as well.
What About Focal Points?
Has the center of your space been well-defined? Maybe a fireplace or a substantial piece of eye-catching furniture like a desk?
When choosing the direction of your flooring, it makes sense to take that into account if it does. Even more impact will be added by running the planks in the direction of the focal point. The reason for this is that the lines separating each row will draw your attention there.
Where is the Longest Wall?
Running your planks parallel to the longest wall is a common piece of advice. Both benefits and drawbacks can be found in doing this.
The main benefit is that you’ll need to cut fewer planks. Several planks may need to be cut to the proper width along the longer wall. However, the shorter wall will be where each row of planks ends. This implies that fewer planks will need to be trimmed to fit the area.
Another benefit that is frequently mentioned is aesthetic benefit. It is said that your room will appear larger if the planks are laid in the same direction as the longest wall.
However, that may not always be the case. Running the planks in the same direction as the longest wall will emphasize the long and thin shape of your room. On the other hand, running them widthways can give the impression that the room is larger.
Take Some Measurements
Measuring your room can be helpful if you’ve thought about all these aspects but aren’t sure which option to go with. You’ll be able to create a layout plan using that, showing where you’ll need to cut your flooring.
Don’t forget to include the expansion gap that must exist around the room’s perimeter when you are drawing your plan. In order for your floor to expand and contract as the temperature changes, you need this space. A suggested distance will be provided by the flooring manufacturer.
It’s simple to get an idea of how it will look by drawing a plan with your flooring running in both directions. Additionally, it will help you decide how many cuts you need to make in the plank flooring.
We’ve seen that cutting will need to be reduced if the planks are run along the longest wall. The amount of difference between various options can be seen, though, by creating a plan. A significant visual benefit could sway the decision in favor of a different layout if the additional work is not too onerous.
Do a Dry Run
Keep in mind that before putting a layout in place, you can also test it out. This may be the most effective method of choosing if you’re torn between several options.
You might have a room with a fireplace that is perpendicular to the main light source. If so, do you run the planks toward the window to play with the light and shadows? Do you instead direct the planks toward the fireplace to give it more visual impact?
Planks should be laid out in one direction first since you obviously can’t do both. Just enough to give you an idea of the final product is sufficient; the floor need not be completely covered. Before you pick the planks back up again, take a picture with your smartphone.
Then lay some planks in the other direction and take another photo. Choose the better-looking image by contrasting the two.
At various times of the day, you might even want to take pictures of the various layouts. You will then be able to see how the changing light has an effect.
Consider Other Patterns
Consider using another pattern if you’re unsure about a vertical or horizontal layout. Herringbone is among the most well-known patterns, and it looks great with vinyl plank flooring. It will blend in just as well with modern or traditional decor.
Consider the cost if you plan to have your flooring installed by someone else. It will cost more to have it laid out in a pattern than in a standard layout. Of course, you can complete it yourself. Just be patient and give your design plenty of thought before beginning, and plan on it taking a little longer.
But sometimes the extra work pays off in terms of the outcomes.
LVT Flooring Benefits
The numerous advantages that luxury vinyl tile offers can be enjoyed by both homeowners and landlords. This more reasonably priced flooring option can accurately imitate the appearance of genuine hardwood and many different kinds of natural stone without the hefty price tags. With natural-looking textures and designs that rival real hardwood, they also now feel like the real thing thanks to technological advancements. Additionally, a lot of vinyl options are made entirely of recycled materials, making it a great option for shoppers who care about the environment.
Being resistant to water, moisture, stains, and scratches makes LVT incredibly durable. As a result, it can be set up in any room of the house. Simple care and upkeep for vinyl flooring is all that is required to keep it clean, such as daily sweeping or a weekly damp mop. For those with young children or elderly family members, adding padding beneath the floors will offer additional cushioning and improve sound absorption. To make the floors warmer in the winter, you can also install radiant heating underneath.
Suggested reading: Types of flooring you can put over ceramic tile includes ceramic tiles, laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, carpet, epoxy coating, cork flooring, wood flooring, and new fired tile. But, why choose these floorings? Below will give specific reasons.
FAQs
Which Way Do You Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring in Multiple Rooms?
It is best to choose one direction when installing vinyl flooring in multiple rooms.
Additionally, make sure that there are transitions between rooms. For example, thresholds or transition strips that indicate the entry into a new room can be included.
Is It Better to Glue Or Float Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Depending on your preferences, vinyl plank flooring can be floated or glued.
If you want it to be a permanent floor, it’s a good idea to glue it. It will be secured in place and prevented from shifting over time by doing this.
Does Vinyl Plank Need An Expansion Gap?
There must be a space between the floor and the wall for expansion of vinyl plank flooring.
This ¼” gap allows the floor to expand and contract with the temperature and humidity. It is a good idea to fill this gap during installation even if it is glued down.
Should You Lay Vinyl Flooring Horizontal Or Vertical?
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. Select the direction that will be the simplest to install if there are multiple doors and windows.
Which Way Should Flooring Run in a Hallway?
It is best to run the wood the length of any hallway, otherwise the hallway will appear cut up. To add size, depth, and consistency to a space where two rooms open into one another, run hardwood along the length of each space rather than in their direction.
Summary: How to Determin Which Direction Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?
As easy as it is to install luxury vinyl plank flooring, you will still want to plan out the room well before laying it down. Refinishing the floor is more difficult and can result in material waste as well as issues with exact floor matching, such as stain, wood type, age of wood, and so on. In the end, it will come down to personal preference. You get to choose how the room looks.
Applying vinyl while it’s still dry won’t harm you if you want to see the final outcome. Without actually installing it, simply spread the vinyl over the floor to get a feel for it. Taste and opinion are at issue. To determine which pattern is the most effective for you, try out a few different ones. No matter what choice you make, be sure to plan carefully and with plenty of time before installing vinyl plank flooring.
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