I have two questions for the pros

#1 If you had the choice between random length (12"-48") and a fixed length of 36" whitch would you choose. This is on a 5" wide product. I am worried that the random length could end up being about 20"-24" average. On the fixed length you would just have to stagger the starting wall pieces like you do with laminate.

#2 On a random width product (3"-4"-5") does it look best to keep repeating the same pattern, or go totally random.

I know everybody has there own preference but I would like opinions from installers who have done this many times.


Thanks Phil

I like a standard pattern that repeats. The all 48 inch product may need to include some very short lengths at wall line, but I do not like to have very short lengths in the field. In the old days aces, 12 inch or shorter were culled out when there were too many to use for either starting or finishing a row.

On a 3-5-7 I always stay with the pattern or you may end up having to many of one width at the end.
If ya had the option of seven/six footers in a random I would go with that, i've had some 4 foot boxes with to many shorts and it limits your options. Gonna go do one today and I know theres way to many shorties.