Do You Have to Lay Laminate Perpendicular to Floor Joists?

Light

• Aside from installing laminate perpendicular to floor joists, manufacturers tell you to install the laminate so that the length of the boards flows with the direction of the light coming in the room. For example, if the light is shining in an east window, you should lay the planks lengthwise in the room. If the sun is coming in a southern window, the planks are installed width-wise. The seams are less noticeable when the planks follow the same direction as the light in a space.

Lengthwise

• If you have a long, narrow hallway or other room where you are installing laminate, you want the planks to be installed lengthwise. The planks may not be perpendicular to the floor joists, but the flooring will fit better in the room or area.

Adjoining Rooms

• If the adjoining room or hallway laminate is not perpendicular to the floor joists, you may not be able to install the flooring perpendicular to the floor joists. When two rooms meet, you want to have the floor seams going the same way. If you have a long, narrow hallway that will meet the living area, you want the seams to go the same direction.

Designer Flooring

• If you are installing a designer floor such as an octagonal layout, you won’t lay the laminate perpendicular to the floor joists. Some pieces will be perpendicular, but not all of them. If you are using textured laminate, you may not be able to lay the laminate perpendicular to the floor joists and still have the look you want in the room.