I am about to replace the carpeting in our foyer with BR-111 exotic 3/4" hardwood planks ........ about 72 square feet or roughly 10 feet by 7 feet.

In the installation instructions, they suggest laying the wood planks parallel to the longest wall for the "best look". But, the instructions also indicate it is best to lay the wood flooring perpendicular to the floor joist (ours are 16" on center).

My dilemma: We have determined that the flooring would probably look better if it is laid parallel to the longer wall, but doing so would also have the flooring laying parallel to the floor joist. In a room of this size, would this really matter? Or, is it always best to lay the flooring perpendicular to the joist?

Just as info: Floor joist are 16" on center - there are two layers of sub-flooring: bottom layer is 1/2" plywood and the upper layer is 5/8" pressboard. (I WILL replace the pressboard with plywood sheeting before installing the new flooring.

Thank You![/b]

Having those two layers you will be fine running it parallel.

Underlayment: The instructions indicate one can use roofing paper. Is this considered acceptable or would you recommend something better??

And last, there are grooves cut in each 3/4" plank. What is the purpose of the grooves??

Thanks

1.grooves were for the milling line

2. Lowes sells the #15 roofing felt for 16 bucks (400 square feet). Yes that is what most people use.