Laminate Install Help – Hallway Options

Q: Which way do you run the laminate wood grain when the areas go different directions? Such as opening the front door if you go end to end, which way do you go when the hall goes to the right? Then left to the kitchen?
Confused,
Judy Bell
A: There are two visually better ways to install in areas shaped such as your halls. The easier way to do this is to install the entire area with the planks going in the same direction. Although this will mean a bit more cut work than running each area length wise, it will look far better.
Another way to optimize the amount of space your planks cover without transition work is a method called herringbone. Typically herringbone is used at angles or to give a bit more visual appeal to a room, but in the case of hallways and rooms, it is a great way to install flooring at 90 degree angles.
The other method would be to install planks length wise in each area. This will minimize the amount of cutting required, but usually requires some transition work with t-moldings to make the changes look a bit more smooth.
In the end, which install method you choose is a matter of the product’s capability and the skill or the installer. This also is a factor of the amount of time spent during the installation. Additional time can allow for smooth transitions without the need for t-molds or similar transition pieces. Personally I prefer he look of Herringbone or uniform direction in a floor, but in the end, make sure you do what looks best for you in your home.
Here is a quick sketch I made to illustrate the various installation methods for flooring in halls and rooms connected to halls.