When thoughtfully chosen, flooring offers a timeless foundation for any interior, combining exceptional durability with sophisticated visual appeal. Hard surface flooring, specifically Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), laminate, and hardwood, is a versatile option that allows for a wide range of design possibilities. There are a few aesthetic and practical concerns to consider when selecting your flooring, such as the type of material, grain patterns, plank size, and laying pattern. We’ll guide you through.

Explore the Possibilities

Balancing your style preferences with practical factors, such as durability, maintenance, and budget, can be a challenge. Solid hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl, and laminate, options are durable, easy to clean, and, of course, stunning. With thoughtful selections, your floor sets the tone for the entire space.

When selecting your flooring, consider:

Hardwood & LVP Flooring: Functional to Focal Point

Wood Grain Patterns

The grain pattern in hardwood is determined by the species, as well as by the method used to mill the wood. Oak, for instance, has coarse, open grain with distinct lines and flecks, while walnut has a uniform grain, rich, chocolatey color, and may have waves and swirls. The former can be more rustic, the latter more refined. Cutting techniques also affect the finished look. Plain-Sawn or Flat-Sawn, for example, cuts the log straight across, revealing varied patterns that are frequently dramatic. Quarter-sawn, on the other hand, yields very consistent, straight grain patterns with ray flecks. LVP, engineered wood, and laminate can be manufactured to mimic the look of wood, so any grain pattern and style possible with hardwood is also possible here. The choice comes down to your preferences and the overall aesthetic you wish to create.

Hardwood & LVP Flooring: Functional to Focal Point

Plank Size

Depending on the look and feel you want to create, you can opt for:
  • Traditional (2” - 4”): Thanks to advances in production, narrow planks became “trendy” in the 19th century, particularly in formal rooms. Today, these 2” - 4” planks evoke a classic, refined feel.
  • Wide (5”+): Wider planks can create a more expansive look with fewer visible seams. They also allow the unique beauty of the wood to shine through, adding warmth and charm.
  • Dramatic Wide or Open (9” - 12”+): Outsized planks are well-suited to large areas (e.g. an open kitchen/dining/living space), but they can also help make smaller rooms appear larger by minimizing seams. They are indeed dramatic, but be aware that the cost is generally higher and installation can be more complex.

Hardwood & LVP Flooring: Functional to Focal Point

Laying Patterns

The pattern in which planks are installed can have a dramatic effect on your design.
  • Herringbone: This enduring classic exudes sophistication. Here, LVP, hardwood, engineered hardwood, or laminate planks are installed in a staggered zig zag pattern, forming a V shape. A timeless investment, herringbone layouts are generally more costly, and getting the pattern just right does result in some product waste.
Hardwood & LVP Flooring: Functional to Focal Point Image courtesy of Shaw Floors
  • Chevron: Quite similar to herringbone, the end planks are miter-cut in a chevron pattern to form a sharp V, which is a great way to tell the difference between the two styles. There is some product waste to factor in here as well, and again, installation comes at a higher price point.
Hardwood & LVP Flooring: Functional to Focal Point Image courtesy of Shaw Floors
  • Straight Staggered: A simple, straightforward approach, this layout offers a clean look with practical benefits. It can help distribute weight over the floor and it creates a smooth, even surface that beautifully highlights the quality of the flooring material.
  • Brick: Similar to the way bricks are laid in a wall, the planks are staggered in a repeating pattern. The offset effect is well suited to both traditional and contemporary designs.
  • Diagonal: With many layouts (including staggered straight and brick), planks are aligned parallel with a starting wall. You could create a unique look by laying them out at an angle (say 45°) from the wall. This can create a sense of greater depth and add visual interest.
  • Random: Here, flooring components are installed… randomly. That is, the length of the planks vary, and they don’t follow a structured pattern as a staggered straight or brick layout would. This lends the flooring a more casual, laidback air.
  • Mixed-Width: On these floors, different plank sizes are used to create a unique aesthetic, adding a dynamic touch to the space. They can be installed in a staggered or random style; when done thoughtfully, the effect is quite striking.

Selecting New Flooring for Enduring Style

With a wide array of styles and laying patterns, your hard surface flooring can adapt effortlessly to any number of design and style preferences. With the right choice for your home and needs, it is an investment that enhances the functionality, beauty, and value of your home well into the future.

Start planning your flooring project with an ACo expert. Schedule a free 30-minute design appointment for targeted recommendations.