From what I can determine so far, a good way to do racking is to lay out 3-4 rows and then cut and nail each row at a time. I assume the end cuts are thrown into the scrap heap.

I've also seen the youtube video using pyramid racking where the entire floor has been cut and dry fitted prior to nailing. This seems like an efficient way to do this since the selection and cutting is done followed by all nailing. I guess you can also make sure the entire floor looks ok before you nail it down.

Any suggestions as to what is the best approach for a beginner where speed is not the top priority?

I would rack out the entire floor. Mixing from at least three bundles as you do. Don't worry about making your end cuts. Just lay the last board so it sits a couple of inches onto the boards in the row.

Then as you work watch your joint placement that it is not too close together, even when it is a row apart. I will often have to readjust one or more of boards now in the row before they are nailed, but most rows will not have joint issues.

No!!!! The end cuts are used to start other rows. Don't be affraid to use a long board for just a little cut on the end. That way you have a random selection of lengths, to use as starter boards in upcoming rows.

If you're dealing with a longer plank solid nail down when racking this is the best way to utilize as much as you can. I have an older pic at the bottom of the page link below that shows the procedure. With solids most of the cutoffs will be waste.

But..guys do different things everywhere including Perry.


Racking Hardwood Floors

The way I do it, there is very minimal waste. Damaged boards, and cut damaged areas of boards, along with a small amount of cut ends when i get to the end of the job. Most of my ends get used up.

Sounds like Austin and I rack out about the same. I plan for 5% overage and never have I used that up.