So it sounds like the general idea is to have it run side-to-side (perpendicular to the hall)? That's interesting, I figured we would do it the other way, and wonder if it would look weird to have planks running the short way down the hall... but honestly, if you all say do it, you haven't steered me wrong yet! :) ddr000, as neat as that would be, I'm installing it myself and definitely don't have the stomach or patience for a diagonal install. LL, yes we changed plans. If you'll recall, we had to change builders and were having trouble finding one who would build our previous slaved-over plan (that everyone here so graciously provided much input on). It was an extremely difficult decision after spending a year working on it. I came across the plan on our iPad and got sad thinking about how neat that house would have been. But, a house is not our entire life, and it was time to move on and focus on other things. We're still thrilled with our new house, and I don't know that I've ever been in a house I like better, regardless of cost. We're using Traffic Master Allure Plus from Home Depot. I have it under my desk at the office right now, and I think it looks and feels great. The other option in our budget was laminate, and I think these planks look and feel better (and are far more water resistant) than laminate. I want a floor I don't have to worry about my kids and dogs destroying! Thanks everyone!

Thanks. I know that was a little confusing. I'd post a photo of the layout but the photos are on a computer that is inaccessible right now. Anyway, it sounds like you are both recommending laying the floors in the same direction as existing ones(was my instinct, too) despite the thresholds - the opposite of what the builder wants to do. My Q about the island was really whether or not it's preferable to have wood planks go parallel to the island. The fireplace is opposite the kitchen (hood and fireplace face each other at end of a "great room". and the island is between the two. Wood can either be parallel to the island or to the length of the room leading to fireplace, but not both. Doing the latter also runs the floors the same way as existing. Hope that clarifies somewhat! The thresholds are to adjust for a 3/4" or so difference in floor height. busybme, Good question as to what material we are using. Existing floors are prefinished hardwood, but addition needs to be an engineered product, since it's on a slab. Complicating things are that my existing floors(Mirage) are an unusual width and set of lengths and I really want to match the look. The existing floors also have a microbevel, something i'm not sure I want in a kitchen. I hear it's hard to match old prefinished to new, since the colors will be off after a few years. The answer seems to be to put in site finished engineered floors and stain both floors to match. Still not sure what to do about matching the planks for size and bevel, though.

The only time to violate the unwritten rule of running wood flooring with the length of a room might be if a majority of doors and windows were located on the long walls. Although the book says to run flooring perpendicular to the underlying joists, I have violated that rule many times with no adverse effects. Run it the way it looks best to you with the foreknowledge that you may be running it with the joist direction and possibly creating an unorthodox and potentially troublesome install.

I’m installing wood plank porcelain tiles 6x24. Which direction should I run the tiles? Should I run it vertical or horizontal as soon as I walk in from the main entry way? Right now I’m thinking of running it Vertical longways from front to back. I shot a video of the house, the floor is bare right now. https://youtu.be/oRStitu8zJ8 There’s a house, exactly the same model nearby that i saw online and they had their wood look tiles running horizontally. I’ll attach pictures. Main entry away Main living room formal dining area or living room 2 Guest bathroom Laundry area kitchen master bath