Installing Hardwood Floors On A Diagonal

Opinions on how to install a diagonal hardwood floor may vary depending on who you talk to. First off, what is a diagonal? For the most part, diagonal installations show the floor Installing hardwood floor on a diagonal layout on a 45 degree angle, but that does not mean you’re held to those dimensions only. A few variations can really set off the appearance of your home. Take for example the installation shown further down the page. Instead of a standard 45 degree layout, or the bowling alley look, this homeowner sought a ten degree layout.

Where To Start?

I’ve found the best area to start is in a corner. The image on the right best illustrates this. Keep in mind our example is a glue down installation and the procedure may vary. Principally what I wanted to achieve was a good solid starting point. The smaller sections behind the first board are anchor points to keep the first board aligned.

Other applications can include using a full length piece as a backer board for the start of the installation. Either method, they are held firm to the subfloor with concrete screws. No movement of the starter line area will occur, but keeping a watchful eye on the area is advised during the course of the first several rows.

For the starting area there is no set method on how far out from the corner, but you may want to dry lay pieces in the area if you're not fond of small triangles in the corner. In this example I simply took a three to four foot board, cut two outside 45 degree angles on the miter saw, placed it into the area finding a comfortable starting point where enough expansion space area was allowed.

Thoughts To Consider Using wedges to keep alignment

Diagonal installations have a tendency to bend at the perimeter because there is not enough backing to keep it aligned with the firmer larger areas. Bending can be slight, but over many rows can throw off the alignment into inches if you don't keep an eye on it. This is where wedges come into play. After every row or two is completed insert the wedges against the wall or base. At all times keep an eye on your control line. More on control lines can be seen with our naildown pages as a reference.

The Ten Degree Layout

The ten degree angle layout is not for the timid. Patience is critical with this type of installation especially in keeping the proper amount of expansion space around the perimeter. Generally the biggest problem is keeping the same angled cut around the wall lines with so many individual pieces being used. Standard chop saws cannot cut Hardwood floor installed at 10 degree angle past 45 to 48 degrees without using a jig.

For those interested, the easiest way to make these cuts is establishing a template with a two foot long scrap piece. Once the preferred angle is achieved simply create the template board to be used throughout the installation. As far as tools used to cut, any table saw will be the most efficient, but not the safest. Proceed with the utmost caution as blade binding with severe angles is commonplace. This often results in board kickback from the saw itself. A much safer tool to use is a jig saw but takes longer.

The easiest way to install a ten degree angle (80 degrees at the other end) is to begin the flooring along the walls that represent the 80 degrees. This way your final cut along the opposite wall will be easier to measure and cut.

Photo Courtesy Bill Price, Floormasters.com

• Using Control Lines
• Floor Layout. Which Direction To Install?