How to Lay Hardwood Flooring Going Two Ways

Snap a chalk line along the longest, straightest wall in the room, three-quarters of an inch from the edge to allow for expansion. Extend this chalk line along the length of the wall and across to the other wall where you will install the hardwood flooring planks in the opposite direction. This line serves as a reference line for laying the first course.

Lay the first course of hardwood floor planks on the floor along the full length of the chalk line. Position this course so its grooved edge faces the wall. Tap the boards gently with a rubber mallet to form secure joints. Cut the last board to size using a circular saw before tapping it in place.

Lay the second course of planks into the tongue-edge of the previous course. Offset this course by one-half plank to give the flooring a staggered effect. Continue this process of installing hardwood flooring until you cover the floor with planks in one direction.

Measure the opening on the floor where the direction of hardwood planks will change. Cut a wood spline to the length. Use more than one spline for wider openings. The spline acts as a slip-tongue that fits into the grooved ends of the last course of hardwood planks.

Spread wood adhesive over the grooved ends of the last course of floor planks. Slide the spline into the grooved section and press it lightly to help the adhesive form a secure bond. Tap the joint with a rubber mallet and clean any excess adhesive that seeps out of the joint with a cloth. Allow the adhesive to dry for the time specified on the label directions.

Lay the first course of hardwood planks in the new direction the same way as the previous installation. Apply adhesive over the grooved edges of hardwood flooring planks and slide these over the spline. Continue the process of staggering rows of planks until you cover the floor.

Install wood trim over the edges of the flooring to conceal the gaps. Position the lengths of trim directly above the floor and secure these to the corresponding wall with nails.