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Building a Home Flooring Design Dilemma

How should we lay out the flooring?

2 years ago

We are trying to decide on a couple things. The foyer, great room, kitchen, office, and dining room are all getting LVP that looks like wood by Cali floors. Which way should the planks be laid out? Secondly, should we opt for tile in the foyer area to break things up a little bit? We're not thrilled about the idea of a transition strip at the entry though.

Featured Answer

PRO

Sabrina Alfin Interiors

2 years ago

Please don't use LVP. It's horrific for the environment, tends to off-gas some pretty nasty fumes, and it's not easily recyclable. Find some hardwood you like. More expensive, yes, but you'll get far more life out of it and it can be refinished multiple times.

But to answer your question, I'd have the planks run vertically from the foyer all the way through the great room. Then have it run in the same direction for the other rooms you mentioned. I wouldn't do tile in the foyer. Keep it all the same.

Comments (15)

houssaon
2 years ago
I would lay it from the direction of the front door to the back of the house. I don't think it matters much. I don't link it needs to go in the opposite direction of the beams like hardwood does.

I would keep the same flooring throughout, most definitely.
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DP
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for your advice. We have animals and kids and have had bad experience with engineered hardwood and water. Real hardwood is cost prohibitive unfortunately. We chose a vinyl product that appears to have less off-gas and better "green" ratings. https://www.calibamboo.com/product-aged-hickory-vinyl-waterproof-flooring-pro-7904009501.html
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
2 years ago
Is porcelain tile that looks like wood an option? Very inexpensive material and you can buy it in planks. Most porcelain tile is also made with recycled material. Just a thought.
dan1888
2 years ago
Cali offers a hybrid flooring product you may want to look at. Geowood is the same as LVP except the visual layer is 1.2mil hardwood veneer. No repeat. Link.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
Have you started construction?
WestCoast Hopeful
2 years ago
We ran ours horizontally from the front door as we wanted the wood to go across the longest expanse of the main floor which is open concept like yours. We have three kids and a dog and have engineered wide plank white oak. It’s lovely.

We do have LVP in the basement which just flooded today though. Lame. But it won’t need to come out so I see the draw!
DP
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks everyone. Yes, Mark, we have started construction. Why do you ask?
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
I do not think you will want to hear what I had to say.
calidesign
2 years ago
One material, run vertically from the front door to the back so it runs the same direction as your fireplace and kitchen island. Add a large area rug to the entry for interest. The whole point of lvp is so you can use it in areas you couldn't otherwise, including the half bath and laundry area.
DP
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks, I think we’ll take your advice on the direction of the planks.

Mark, I’m curious what yoh have to say but we are past drywall at this time so maybe filter a bit? Hope we didn’t make any huge mistakes 🤞
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Next time you build, post the floor plans and exterior elevations before construction drawings are started.
LH CO/FL
2 years ago
How do you get from the garage into the house? Maybe tile that area? (Is it through the laundry?)
Lenox Smith
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The dining area will be uncomfortable to walk around due to traffic pattern. Closets inside bathroom are not ideal (moisture) and dookie rooms, well, stink.
WestCoast Hopeful
2 years ago
Folks the OP said they are drywall. Critique of the floor plan is moot.

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