I am getting ready to start my project finally. MC is within the recommended 2% and all seems ready to go. 3/4 solid maple 3 1/4 planks/strips. Laying in a 18x14 bedroom. I am trying to decide on the starting point. I have read maple has a tendency to expand more than other woods. I also read wood expands in the direction of the tongue. To minimize expansion, I have read, start in the middle and the floor will expand both ways. I have no trouble starting in the middle, but was wondering what the pros here think. It will definitely be less work starting along the outside wall. Will starting in the middle make that much difference? Will starting in the middle allow me to leave a 1/2" instead of 3/4" expansion gap? I am trying to avoid having to undercut my baseboard if I can except at the doors.