Which Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Thinking of changing your floor? One best choice is vinyl plank flooring. But before you start, there’s something you need to know Which Direction To Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring to your heart. You might think that it is hard, but do not worry because we are here for you! Selecting which way to lay vinyl plank flooring is a critical decision that will determine how your room looks and feels. Therefore, let’s find out how it should be done.

First of all, we will explain your room’s shape. Then, we will see how light can affect objects next. And also about the longest wall! It is a huge deal. Following that, we’ll go through the various methods of laying down your vinyl planks. There are a lot of factors to consider, but in the end, you will be a master at picking the right design for your flooring. Let’s get started!

Things to Consider to Determine the Direction to Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring

Your Room Shape and Layout

One of the first decisions to make when you’re thinking about renovating your floor is what material to use.These days, you have a variety of vinyl planks to choose from, each with its characteristics. At The Wholesale Cabinet Supply, we always choose SPC flooring because it’s waterproof, tough, and environmentally friendly. On top of that, installation is very easy, and it also comes with a beautiful deep wooden finish and embossed wood grain.

Vinyl planks usually are standard in length, but your room could be smaller. You may be forced to chop a few planks to get a perfect fit. The way in which you place them down can affect how much trimming you will have to do. If you want to save money and time, run them parallel to the longer walls. After that, you just cut planks for shorter walls.

Placing the planks in the same way as long walls makes the room look spacious and more open. If doorways and halls link your rooms, it will be better to extend the vinyl in the adjacent rooms as well. Thus, everything goes together. This is particularly vital for tiny spaces since it makes them seem roomier. However, for spacious rooms, the placement of the vinyl along the shorter walls can be comfortable and cozy.

Occasionally, you may treat each room as a separate space. If you lay planks across the doorways, that serves as a divider with rooms not required to be on different floors.

Natural Source of Light Coming

The orientation of your room affects how your home appears as a whole. When the vinyl is put on the longer wall, the coming sunlight through the windows may appear where the design is placed. But if it is a smoother appearance you want to achieve, think about how the sunlight gets into the room.

If the windows let in afternoon light from one side and the evening light from the other, it could look better to move the panels in the direction of the light. The lighting is a game-changer when it comes to making things look good. Through this, your room would feel long and big, unlike the wall that would stick to the longer side.

Moreover, you should keep the design of the vinyl planks in mind since it matters a lot.

Longest Wall Location

Many people say that you should put the planks of your floor along the longest wall in the room. They do it to make your room look bigger. However, it could make your room appear smaller if it is narrow.

Installing this according to the information will give you some advantages. If you lay them across the long wall, you’ll save more cuts. What it means is less work and less time. However, if you are going to position the planks alongside the shorter wall, you have to make more cuts. And therefore, it means more time and effort.

Considering Room Adjoining

Consider how your flooring will merge with other areas like rooms or hallways. If those areas have the same flooring, you should run the planks in the same direction, too.

For example, if you are using vinyl or plank flooring on the stairs, you should lay them lengthwise. Continuing with that path as you enter the room will give a sense of uniformity.

When your room ends in a hallway, the planks usually go along the hallway length. It is logical to keep that in the room.

This way, you create the illusion that the room and hallway are one big space, and thus, it is more spacious.

Consider the room flow if you want it to look consistent if you decide to install the vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring has many different styles, so select one that matches your present flooring.

Alternatively, you can distinguish the transition between rooms differently. You can do this by changing the direction of the flooring, thus creating an exciting contrast.

Also Read: How to Measure Square Footage of a Room Precisely

Options for Direction to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

Parallel to the Longest Wall or Source of Natural Light

Besides, there is another direction you can go with your vinyl planks, which is laying them parallel to the longest wall and where the sunlight comes in. This creates the illusion that your room is extended and more spacious.

Furthermore, it lets the light shine everywhere. Then, if you have windows on only one side of the room, this would be perfect. It’s a wise choice to take advantage of your space and keep things bright. Test the look first, and then you can apply the planks.

Perpendicular to the Longest Wall or Source of Natural Light

But, you can also arrange your vinyl planks so that they are parallel to the longest wall and the direction of the sun. This can break up the monotony of your room and turn it into a more comfortable and enjoyable space. When you lay the planks this way, it makes the room look different because it breaks it up into sections.

It is good if you want your room to be cosy and comfortable. On top of that, it promotes equal lighting in the room. However, before making a purchase, you should try it on so that you know if it fits you or not.

Diagonal Installation for Visual Appeal

For an additional feature of style, you can choose to install your vinyl planks diagonally. Such a style produces a cool and unique look that can define your room. Varying the orientation of the planks gives the deck a more dynamic and dimensional feel. It is definitely a fun choice for those who want to express themselves with their flooring. In addition to that, it can make a small room look larger and more dynamic. Do not forget to plan well and practise it until you are satisfied with the result!

Conclusion: Test the Layout First Before Installation

In the end, to find out what vinyl plank flooring layout you should prefer, test different patterns and see how the space around them is formed and get used to their light conditions. Making an effort to consider the majority of the room’s characteristics, such as its shape, amount of natural light, longest wall, and adjacent rooms, will help you come to a complete decision and add both aesthetic value and functionality to your home’s flooring without getting lost.

To make a good decision when it comes to the direction the vinyl plank flooring should be laid, it is essential to take into account some factors for the final look to be consistent and pleasing at the end of the day. Whether it be the parallel, perpendicular, or diagonal fitting installation of the chosen one, give due emphasis to the esthetic concerns as well as to the practicality components so as to realize your dream award-winning look.

FAQs

Should You Lay Flooring Horizontally or Vertically?

The last important point is to consider whether horizontal or vertical orientation will fit into your space better. A horizontal orientation will stretch out the room, while a vertical orientation will bring in visual depth. Take into consideration the size of your room and lighting when figuring out the most pleasing arrangement for your flooring.

Should All Flooring Go in the Same Direction?

Not all flooring has to go in the same direction for it to look good. The direction of flooring could depend on room shape, natural lighting, and smooth transitions between rooms. Nevertheless, using the same direction of the floors in interconnected areas may suggest unity, and using different directions may help to emphasize different areas.

Which Direction of Flooring Makes the Room Look Bigger?

The application of flooring in parallel with the longest wall is frequently used to create the impression of a bigger room. This way serves as a visual connection and makes the space seem longer. It guides the eye along the entire room length so it looks larger.

Should Flooring Run Perpendicular or Parallel in the Hallway?

Usually, it is more appropriate to install the flooring perpendicular along the width of the hallway. This direction adds to the flow of the space and makes it visually longer. Although the perpendicular installation can bring visual interest and contrast, on the other hand, it can be used to boost the visual appeal of the adjoining rooms.

Should Wood Floors Go in the Same Direction in All Rooms?

Although wood floors often run in the same direction for consistency in a house, it is not mandatory. Matching natural wood floors in adjacent rooms enhances uniformity while occasionally changing the direction serves to distinguish areas, accentuate empty spaces, or accommodate special room configurations.