When you decide to invest in a new wood floor, it’s really important to pay attention to the best direction in which to lay the floor. That said, if you are laying a new wood floor over an existing wood floor, the direction you lay the floor will be determined by the direction of the original floor. It is essential, if you are laying new boards over old boards, that the new boards are laid at 90 degrees to the old boards. No matter which direction you choose to lay your floor, there are three main installation methods. These installation methods include:
A. Floating installation
A floating wood floor is a floor that is neither nailed nor glued to the sub-floor. In a floating floor installation, the only place where glue might be used is between the tongue and the groove of the boards. In a domestic situation, a floating floor installation method can be applied to lay the new floor over either a sub-floor (in which case you can lay the floor in your preferred direction) or over an existing floor (respecting the 90-degree rule) after laying an appropriate underlay. Floating as an installation method is not normally recommended for solid wood flooring except in installations where the dimensions of the floorboard and the room are both reasonably small.
B. Glued installation
A fully glued down wood floor is probably one of the most popular fitting methods used these days, no matter which direction you choose to lay your wood floor. To glue a wooden floor, the sub-floor is coated with a full coverage of flexible wood adhesive and the boards are placed directly on top. A glued floor feels as solid as a nailed floor and allows for expansion and contraction (because the glue is flexible). What’s more, if you’re fitting your floor over UFH (under floor heating), a glued installation will help prevent the appearance of air pockets which can sometimes occur.
C. Nailed or stapled installation
Nailing or stapling are the most traditional ways of fitting wooden floors. Nailing often involves what is known in the trade as “secret nailing”. Secret nailing is when nails are put through the tongue of the wooden boards and then covered with the groove of the next board. In stapled installations, staples are used to replace the nails, helping make the job quicker.
Once you’ve chosen your preferred, or most suited fitting method, it’ll be time to decide once and for all in which direction you, or your fitter will lay the wood floor. Whenever possible, it is best if your floor is laid lengthwise towards the source of light, eg. light coming into the room from a door or a window. Laying your floor in this direction will show off the wood to its best effect and play a bit of trick on the eye, making your room seem larger.
Wood flooring direction options comparison
| Fitting Method | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Floating Installation | A floating wood floor is neither nailed nor glued to the sub-floor. Glue might be used between the tongue and the groove of the boards. Can be applied over a sub-floor or over an existing floor after laying an appropriate underlay. | Domestic situations, reasonably small floorboard and room dimensions. Not normally recommended for solid wood flooring. |
| Glued Installation | The sub-floor is coated with a full coverage of flexible wood adhesive and the boards are placed directly on top. A glued floor allows for expansion and contraction. If fitted over under floor heating, it can help prevent the appearance of air pockets. | Popular for most situations, regardless of laying direction. Suitable for floors over under floor heating. |
| Nailed or Stapled Installation | Nails or staples are used to fit the wooden floors. In secret nailing, nails are put through the tongue of the boards and then covered with the groove of the next board. In stapled installations, staples are used to replace the nails. | Traditional fitting of wooden floors, suitable for all situations. |
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FAQ
1. What are the considerations for the direction of laying a new wood floor?
When installing a new wood floor, the direction of the original floor matters if you’re laying new boards over old ones. The new boards should be laid at 90 degrees to the old boards. If you’re laying the new floor over a sub-floor, you can choose your preferred direction.
2. What is a Floating Installation method?
A floating installation method is where the floor is neither nailed nor glued to the sub-floor. Glue might be used between the tongue and the groove of the boards. This method can be used over a sub-floor or an existing floor (following the 90-degree rule) after laying an appropriate underlay.
3. What is a Glued Installation method?
A glued installation method involves coating the sub-floor with a full coverage of flexible wood adhesive and placing the boards directly on top. This method allows for expansion and contraction of the floor and helps prevent air pockets when fitting the floor over underfloor heating.
4. What is a Nailed or Stapled Installation method?
Nailed or stapled installation methods involve nailing or stapling the wooden boards to the floor. Secret nailing, where nails are put through the tongue of the wooden boards and covered with the groove of the next board, is a common approach. Staples can also be used to speed up the process.
5. How should you decide the direction in which the wood floor is laid?
When possible, your floor should be laid lengthwise towards the source of light, like a door or a window. This can enhance the appearance of the wood and make the room seem larger.