In which direction should you lay laminate?

Are you going to install a new floor and have chosen laminate? Then you probably can't wait to get that beautiful, comfortable floor in your home. Understandably so! To get the best result there are some things you should think about, such as the laying direction. While there are no standard rules you must follow when laying laminate, here we look at how you can find the most suitable laying direction for you.

Towards the light source?

A wisdom you will hear a lot before you install the floor is: ‘Lay the boards in the direction of the light source for the best result.’ In some cases, this can certainly be true, as it makes it harder to see the seams.

But don't pin yourself down on this logic. Equally, there are areas where laying the planks transversely looks nicer. For example, in narrow spaces such as a hallway, laying planks crossways can make the room look wider. This is because the joints of the planks are at right angles to the long walls, distracting the eye from the length of the room. So, the shape of the room, the width of the planks and the placement of your furniture also make a difference to the visual aspect.

Changing a room visually 

If you are going to lay laminate in a rectangular room, you have the chance to make it look wider or longer thanks to the laminate planks. Do you lay the planks crossways? Then the room will appear wider. If you lay the planks lengthways, the room will seem longer. So, you can choose the best direction to optically enlarge your living space.

You can also lay the planks in line with the most used doorway in the room to follow the walking line. This often gives a more pleasant feeling when you walk into the room. The same applies at the top of the stairs, by the way. Planks that are perpendicular to the walking direction at the top of the stairs simply feel wrong. Then again, in a hallway, most people like laminate planks that lie lengthways anyway.

For some people, walking over many lines - read: seams - does not feel nice. For others, it comes across as a nice, characterful accent. So just follow your instincts.

Original pattern, laying direction or size

Could your space have a bit more oomph? With the right choice of pattern, size and laying direction, you can create an atmosphere that suits you perfectly.

From a sleek and modern semi-stone pattern to a playful and natural random effect, there is something for everyone. Opt for a herringbone pattern for an elegant and chic look, or go for a unique and eye-catching floor with a special collection.

Pick a pattern

The direction of natural light can completely change the atmosphere of your floor. Lay your floor in line with the direction of light to accentuate the length of the room, or perpendicular to visually widen the room. A diagonal laying direction, on the other hand, creates a dynamic and playful atmosphere.

XL planks are perfect for those who want to create a clean and minimalist look. Available in different designs and materials, they look perfect in large rooms, while in small rooms a standard size often looks better.

Tip for laying laminate!

Having a hard time deciding? Then we have the ultimate tip for you: before installing your floor, the planks must first acclimatise for 48 hours. This is the ideal time to play around with them to determine the laying direction. Moreover, do it several times a day: in the morning, at noon, at dusk and with artificial light in the evening. You can also experiment via Floorfit, where you can try out different laying directions with a photo. If you are satisfied at any time, you have found your favourite laying direction!