We are laying bruce hardwood 3/4" floors in foyer, kitchen, LR and DR. We were asked if we wanted the wood laid the traditional way or diagonally. What does this mean? What does diagonally look like? Should I be concerned about diagonally? We are told it gives a more elegant look, is this so? Do you have photos of traditional layout and diagonal layout that I can view?

Diagonal is more labor. I like 2 miters set up, one with each 45º, so I'm not flipping back and forth.

Diagonal has more upscale and less bowling alley look.

How it looks is just a matter of personal preference but diagonol will cost you more in material and labor.

Simply ask the installer the cost of each type of installation. When the wood arrives, ask the installer to loosely lay out some boards in each direction you are considering. Since the wood needs to acclimate before it is installed, you have a little time to decide which way looks best to you. Most people choose the traditional method which is paralell to the longest dimension of the rooms.

Gary,

I'm installing wood floors in my home and plan on running the floor seamlessly from room to room. I hope you're not suggesting that I would need to "change directions" to run the floors lengthwise in the one room that runs perpendicular to the rest of the house?

Direction changes are traditional and done everyday. It doesn't mean you have to do it that way. Some prefer to keep the flooring all going in the same direction throughout the house, even if that means it will run the "short" direction. Others prefer the flooring to run the length of each room, even if that means a change in direction. It is purely a matter of preference, assuming your subfloor and joist locations will allow for your preferences.

Thanks Gary. I'm going to stay the same direction for a seamless look.