Installing your new wooden floor in the right direction so it perfectly fits into the context of the room and makes the most of the layout of the space is crucial. And it is definitely a decision that seems overwhelming and confusing at first. However, you need to make it and you need to make it in the best possible way. In fact, the direction in which the wooden floorboards are laid can make a lot of difference. It can visually make the room appear more spacious or smaller, it can completely change the style and overall atmosphere of the room. This is why it is important to know what direction will best fit your room. At the end of the day, this will be a decision you will live with for a long time, therefore, you want to be the right one. You are lucky enough to have us as a helping hand because today we will provide you with some handy information that will give you a better idea of what is the right direction for wooden floorboards installation. There are several factors that will affect the final decision in which direction the wooden floorboards will look the best when installed. The main aspects you would like to consider now are visual aesthetics, structural integrity, and method of installation too. Consider the Subfloor The first and foremost factors that will determine your decision on the right direction for installation of the wooden floorboards are the method of installation and the type of subfloor. For example, for a concrete subfloor, you don’t need to go too deep into considering the right direction of the floorboards as this will have little to no impact on the structural integrity of the floor, nor its stability, durability and long-lasting power. However, when it comes to wooden floorboards that are nailed down to subfloors such as plywood or an old wooden floor, it is recommended to pay attention to what direction the new floorboards are laid in. Generally, it is recommended to have the floorboards installed perpendicular to the joists of the floor since this will allow your floor to keep its structural integrity and feel more stable and solid in case the joists start sagging. However, in case you decide on the usage of an additional subfloor to add an extra layer of solidness and stability to the whole flooring structure, you don’t necessarily need to follow this rule. As far as appearance goes, wood flooring specialists recommend having the wooden floorboards installed following the direction of the natural light coming from the main source of light in the room. A classic approach to wood floor installation is having the floorboards running straight in from the front entry. Both options will help you make the room appear more spacious and large and give the feeling of openness and airiness. Aim the same arrangement for the hallways too. Try to avoid directions changes throughout the house as much as possible, otherwise, you risk disrupting the smooth transitions between the different areas of the house and the overall flow of the floor that give it a continuous and elegant look. However, you can still experiment with different directions that will help you designate and separate different areas when it comes to an open-plan space.