What is the best layout strategy for the best looking floor? Each box has 10 different sizes, ranging from 7 foot to 1 foot. Is it best to sort them by size or lay them as they come out of the box? Suggestions? Thanks

we opened three boxes at a time and laid out pieces before nailing them. we looked at the grain and the size of each to make sure that we didn't have joints near each other. we laid out 6 rows at a time like this before nailing them down. as far as any patern, we avoided that so it wouldn't have that "mechanical" look. also, we chose them to minimize the amount being cut off on the ends. this reduced the amount of scrap.

and the best part is: we're still married after doing our first floor!!

I like to open 3 to 4 cartons for a common oak or anywood without much variations.

If the wood you have chosen has a lot of variation, I open a lot, if not all of cartons and sort color variations, then recarton what I don't think I'll be using that day, so they don't get bowed or banana'd.