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Where to start – wall or hall?
Hey Joe, Back in September, you replied to my question about where to start. After some delay, I’m back watching your videos.
Back then, you recommended starting with the family room outside wall. See attached image (you may remember)…
Now, as I watch your videos, it seems starting can happen either in the hallway or against the outside wall.
From “Where to start” at https://laminateuniversity.sothatshowyoudothat.com/laminate-flooring-installation-getting-started/ it seems to say to start in the hallway.
“Where to start” is mostly about measuring in the hallway, but there’s an impression that’s also where the installation should start too.
Your layout drawing (see attached image) says starting should happen against an outside wall. Your email reply (Sep 30, 2020, 11:36 AM) also advises starting with an outside wall.
Here’s what’s confusing. In other images from the videos (attached) it’s obvious the flooring has begun in the hallway only.
In the “How to install the first few rows” video, at time point 3.06, the camera moves from the floor up to your face. In the background, the hallway is seen with planka already installed. Seconds before this, your drawing shows the layout starting against the outside wall. Very confusing.
Is there something I’m missing? Is there some circumstance that determines starting either with an outside wall versus starting in the hallway?
I look forward to your guidance. George W
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3 Replies
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If you want to start in the hall, you sure can. I only make suggestions on what I would do if I were in your shoes.
I always base the layout off of the hallway and that is why there is so much focus on it.
The video was shot at 2 different locations and the part you seen was just a scene to show the sheetrock off of the floor. If you would like to share your drawing again we can look it over again.
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Hey Joe, Thanks for your prompt reply.
The planks we are installing are 7 inches wide.
I understand your advice about the hallway center line – having equal outer plank widths is for appearance sake.
In the same way, but on a larger scale, the planks from the room’s outer walls, to the hallway’s center line, should all be as close to 7 inches wide as possible – also for appearances sake.
To completely fill the space from the room’s outer walls to the hallway’s center line, a final installed plank may need to be cut lengthwise (rip cut) so the final plank fits. Obviously, the final cut should not be too thin – like less than 3.5 inches.
With a forward installation (the male side inserting into female side) the final plank’s side that’s rip cut should be the female side (?). Likewise, if it’s a backwards installation, the final plank’s side rip cut should be the male side. Correct?
“If you want to start in the hall, you sure can.”
Yes, it’s a free world. I can do whatever I want. But why would I, if it’s the wrong way. You’re the Pro. Why would I not follow your suggestion?
“I always base the layout off of the hallway and that is why there is so much focus on it.”
OK, great. I measure the hallway to establish the center line, I then use that line to build out from the hallway to the outer walls of the various rooms and around floor area obstacles.
If I’m still not “getting it”, please advise. Thanks, George
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George, I recorded a video for you and here is the link! Thanks for your help brother!
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