Advice Needed deciding Hardwood Floor Direction- Complicated situation
I need to decide on hardwood floor direction before installation next week and would really appreciate input.
Beyond the hallway outside the laundry room is a step down to a wing that includes two bedrooms/offices, a bath, and a bonus room. The hardwood floors in that entire wing currently run side-to-side (left to right).
We typically enter the house through that wing, since the garage is located beyond the bonus room, so that hallway acts as our primary daily entry point.
Our architect recommended continuing the same side-to-side direction throughout the entire first floor for consistency.
However, I’m now reconsidering and wondering if running the floors front-to-back (from the front door toward the rear of the house) might be a better choice especially since the back of the family room and living room now have wall-to-wall glass sliders overlooking the backyard. I like the idea of the flooring visually drawing your eye straight through the space toward the light.
The tradeoff is that the floors will run one direction in the wing, and a different direction in the remainder of the main first floor living areas. There is a step down and a doorway separating those those two areas, so they are delineated physically. .
Structurally, we have flexibility. Joists have been reinforced, so direction is purely an aesthetic decision.
My other concern: if we keep everything running side-to-side for consistency, will the long sightlines through the open-concept space make it feel like a “bowling alley”?
Would you prioritize:
- Consistency throughout the entire first floor, or
- Orienting the flooring in the main living space to enhance the view and sense of depth?
Comments (13)
PRO5 months agolast modified: 5 months agoflippernutter thanked G & S Floor ServiceRelated Professionals
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PRO5 months agolast modified: 5 months agoflippernutter thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
5 months agoI changed direction at a few doorways.
Truth is ... 99.9% of people that go through your house will never notice.
Long 32 ft hallway left to right. Door leads to master bedroom hallway and bedroom, about 38 ft in length. I prefer boards to run with the length in a long hallway.No one is looking at this perspective when they walk through the house.
flippernutter thanked chispa- 5 months agolast modified: 5 months ago
- PRO5 months ago
Even with the marks it takes a lot of imagination to think it looks like a bowling ally.
flippernutter thanked Mark Bischak, Architect - PRO5 months ago
Lorraine Leroux