Finally , somebody gets it. 35 year floor veteran here. EVERY install we do you would not find but maybe 1-2 planks through the field that end in the same place. They may be close , but I always cut off an extra 2-3 inches at random. Much better visual effect.
Could you tell me your favorite brand of flooring? I’m looking to do this in my house and I need something that looks as good as what the dude in the video is putting down(I can’t make out the paper he has on the floor) Thank you
I see many posting about simply using the offcut of one row as a starter piece for the second. If you continue every row using this method, it will also result in a recognizable pattern. The way I’ve always approached an laminate or LVP installation is to take the first 3 planks from the box, cut the 1st one 1/4th, the second 1/2 and the third 3/4. This gives you three additional options in conjunction with the cutoffs to create the random effect throughout the installation process.
I’m so glad to see this small, yet significant detail exposed. As a flooring installer, seeing repetitive end joints on any type of flooring with a wood grained print is one my biggest peeves. It’s surprising how many professional installers fail to randomize the end joints. I think most make this error because the only manufacturer specification for installation is the minimum offset between runs. From the way I see it, the products are made to mimic authentic hardwood flooring and traditional hardwood flooring joints are completely random. You will never see a pattern in any direction. Thanks for pointing this out! I watch a lot of your content; very informative!
Can someone explain what the guy was talking about in the video? I don't get it and I'm trying to install laminate downstairs in my home and I don't want to mess it up
@X0YIZZY0X I can... when you start your floor you just start laying full boards. Once you get to the opposite wall from where you started... you will have to cut your last piece to fit correctly according to the size of your room. Once you do that... take the other piece from the cut board and use it to start your next row. This will give you a more random look rather than having a staggered look. Trust me on this. Still pay attention to make sure rhat you don't end up with any lines too close together but you usually don't. Other tips... make sure you start off square with your wall and after those first 2 rows are in you won't have to really worry about it so much. Also, make sure all of your boards are connected all the way and even after you move forward still keep an eye on the boards behind you to make sure they have stayed in. If you mess up and have one board that didn't stay connected... you will have to take up almost every piece that you laid down until you get back to that board that didn't stay connected. Good luck.
Iv installed floors every way known to man almost. Never had an issue with any style. It’s up to the client what they want as long as it fits the standards I’m going with it. 4 ft long pieces with a 16” stagger is beautiful and never fails. Most people just don’t want to have to keep layout and I understand
Same thing, worked my ass in germany for 13 years. Its always about the client and his wishes. U want cheap stuff no problem, u want the Best one no problem. I installed so many types an in all diferent paterns this guy in the clip cant even imagine. Its funny to me because i like to ask him why that "stair" type is not good. Cuz in germany are so many regulations this fella would have a brain damage if he would try to learn all that. Hes doing a well job but there are levels above him.
@@cristiancosenza1848 hey I was wondering if you possibly had any videography or portfolios from any of those jobs. I’m currently in school tying to make my way into the trade and I would greatly appreciate your efforts
4 rows at a time going up the full length and out. That way the pattern is appropriately spaced. Mix 3-4 the boxes up and flip end to end a few pieces.
@@567dirt8910 That doesn't work either. The tongue has to go into the groove at a certain angle depending on the product, and trying to install it the other way (forcing the groove under the tongue) requires a lot of banging with a mallet, shims to prevent the whole floor from sliding, possibly needing to cut the locking edges off with a knife and glue the joint up, and you run the risk of denting or buckling the seams. Sometimes you have to put in a piece backwards to finish out in a tight area and that's fine, but doing whole rows that way makes the project harder and more likely to mess up for no reason. It also wouldn't change how it looks after it's done.
Just like the other guys in the comments say... Use your off cut from the last piece of each row as your starter for the next row. Other tips... Cut your door jams, make sure you have a level floor, as you go check behind you to make sure that the boards that you had previously installed are still locked in as they should be.
I think H looks fine, and if anyone bothers reading the installation instructions from the manufacturer that is what they recommend on some (maybe not all, but definitely some).
Some manufacturers recommend a stair step installation. Read the instructions. The manufacturers include detailed instructions for installing their particular floor. Don't assume you did it once one way so from now on all are done that same way.
I personally wouldn't use a brand that recommends a stair step pattern. I think that pattern looks like garbage. Just my opinion. To each their own, but you are correct. There are companies that recommend it.
Been installing since I was little. It doesn’t matter what “you” want. Always discuss every option with your client because at the end of the day, thats who pays you. Not random strangers on the internet who do projects for free.
Let your drop off piece from the cut at the end of a row be your starter piece for the next row. Start your floor layout with a full piece and a random length cut piece. Your continual drop pieces will create random patterns throughout the whole job
It’s hard to avoid since the planks are all the same length, but taking the time to switch up the lengths makes a big difference. In our apartment, the floor planks have the step pattern and it doesn’t look good.
If the pieces are all the same size, it creates a stair effect anyway. As long as you make sure the end pieces are various sizes, that's all you can do!
@Bathroom Remodeling Teacher have been followed and watching you do great work for about 11 months. Thank you for your honest videos and life-learned techniques. Good stuff
You should always use the cut-off to start the next row. But I can't tell you how many customers have specifically requested both H and Stairstep patterns no matter what I suggest.
@Roy Folley If they sign off on the risks, I will. I'm one of the best carpenter/contractors in my city so not worried about someone choosing to have something installed minorly improper.
Ya that's your preference man lol 20 years always done stair pattern on laminate, vinyl, and hardwood never had an issue whatsoever. It will not affect the way the floor moves. Each product has there own recommendations so read the directions. But random is always good too
You're never getting that warranty my friend, they have to send out auditors to determine whether it was an installation or manufacturer defect, tons of wait time. You would be lucky to get your money back after 2 years of waiting IF you got it back at all, not really worth it for the couple thousand spent.
So agree , had similar situation goin over sumone’s else work an saw that pattern. i corrected it by staggering as u stated- An i see this video so i know im doing sumthing right- thx
I do contracts with a lot of schools, country clubs, and church’s. I will say, in 15 years i have always had a blueprint with a layout. I promise you the architect building the job wants things done his way, not yours. Now if your in a residential home, I guess you could randomly stagger LVT lol. Gotta love DIY 😂
What i do is i run 2 or 3 rows at a time and the end piece off of the ends i start my next rows. And it helps with waste. Not sure if it is a good way but it works..
If you do it purely randomly you may get joints too close together or practically stacked. I believe in having somewhat a pattern, just not an obvious staircase pattern.
As somebody who did this for week don’t ever get in to this profession it will destroy your back and knees stay in school all the guys I work with can’t even walk bad knees
This is my job, i always get mad when i see what you call a h pattern Finally someone who explains it. Because of that reason i start with 3 rows and when i find damaged planks wich i could use to start with ( so damage is removed or not visable) so i have a choice to mix these head lengts
I replaced 1000 sq ft of carpet with finished 3/4" hardwood flooring. I had practically no waste. Rather easy but tedious. Always glue the boards down in hallways.
No matter what you always end up with a stairstep when you have 4 foot planks. The only way that actually lay the floor random is to have random plank sizes
You are totally right. When I was a kid I stair cased the tongue and groove on my mum and dad's ceiling. Now when I lie in bed and look at it, I'm like, that was stupid😢
What? Ive put down a lot of laminate flooring. Working on 2 rows at a time is the same as your "staircasing" example. It will always be staircasing, it inherent in the design. Just use a cut off from an end at the start the next row. Its the exact same thing and youre working on one row at a time and making it easier for yourself imho.
Staircaseing is the proper way to lay a floor. Every single joint has 4 corners with no joints on them. When you have your joints spread out as this guy suggests causes the floor to spread in horizontal as it breathes causing your vertical joints to split open like stretch marks. Triangles are the strongest shape in geometry which is why it works out, and looks much more appealing
No staircasing inst a proper way to do it. I've seen on the back of the box of countless manufacturers, that say to specifically not stair step the pattern
@@benjaminziegler7437 incorrect. You should source more professional opinions, as long as your starter is at least 3 times the width or 4 stairs on a board. The most crucial to avoid is a H pattern which was stated and is correct. Also tell me what pattern is being done because you have a "H pattern" which is a plank off set by half a plank the proper is a quarter to a third. Any pattern you do that isn't an H is a stair step.
@@jesussilva3209 yes it does go faster, have you seen shingles? They are laid out the same way. Staggering works great, all this nonsense about stairstepping is wrong should go back to carpetenry school.
@@Goo6l3y manufactures specifically state on back of the box to not do a "patterned" stair step. Obviously there will be a random stair step at times but it's not supposed to be repeating.
thank you. ive been installing hardwood for 20 years and i cannot stand walking into a house and seeing a bunch of stair stepping. it looks like doodoo
Wooden floors make my feet ticklish that i have to wear shoes everytime i walk, so i dont get itchy/fall from ticklish logic. Luckily, i have no wooden floors.
The manufacture list exactly that way to do it. You’ll void the warranty if not done their way. Where does your recommendation come from? You can’t offer me a warranty, right? 🤦🏻
Finally , somebody gets it. 35 year floor veteran here. EVERY install we do you would not find but maybe 1-2 planks through the field that end in the same place. They may be close , but I always cut off an extra 2-3 inches at random. Much better visual effect.
If you’re cutting off 2-3 inches, isn’t a lot being wasted since no offset piece should be less than eight inches?
Could you tell me your favorite brand of flooring? I’m looking to do this in my house and I need something that looks as good as what the dude in the video is putting down(I can’t make out the paper he has on the floor)
Thank you
This method rocks. Off cut from the last piece becomes the starter for the next row
And it still winds up a stair case
@@Mr.Pop0 It definitely can. That's why you cut a random amount of extra off if you need to in order to adjust.
Also, no less than eight inches offset. It makes a weak joint. At least that's what the instructions say. 😅
Does not matter when the panels come the same length for each one . Still going to look like a cheap floor...
@@customsolutions7167 nice way to offend loads of potential customers, great business model there
I see many posting about simply using the offcut of one row as a starter piece for the second. If you continue every row using this method, it will also result in a recognizable pattern. The way I’ve always approached an laminate or LVP installation is to take the first 3 planks from the box, cut the 1st one 1/4th, the second 1/2 and the third 3/4. This gives you three additional options in conjunction with the cutoffs to create the random effect throughout the installation process.
I do the same
Thanks for the tip. Isn't cutting a ¼ off a board the same as cutting ¾?
Thanks
@@james6401 No because you have to start every run with a section containing the tongue of the plank.
I’m so glad to see this small, yet significant detail exposed. As a flooring installer, seeing repetitive end joints on any type of flooring with a wood grained print is one my biggest peeves. It’s surprising how many professional installers fail to randomize the end joints. I think most make this error because the only manufacturer specification for installation is the minimum offset between runs. From the way I see it, the products are made to mimic authentic hardwood flooring and traditional hardwood flooring joints are completely random. You will never see a pattern in any direction. Thanks for pointing this out! I watch a lot of your content; very informative!
I’ve been in flooring for 25 years and this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Drives me absolutely nuts when I see that.
Lol when you see what?
I floor only my own and some friends houses and it even drives me nuts.
Can someone explain what the guy was talking about in the video? I don't get it and I'm trying to install laminate downstairs in my home and I don't want to mess it up
@X0YIZZY0X I can... when you start your floor you just start laying full boards. Once you get to the opposite wall from where you started... you will have to cut your last piece to fit correctly according to the size of your room. Once you do that... take the other piece from the cut board and use it to start your next row. This will give you a more random look rather than having a staggered look. Trust me on this. Still pay attention to make sure rhat you don't end up with any lines too close together but you usually don't. Other tips... make sure you start off square with your wall and after those first 2 rows are in you won't have to really worry about it so much. Also, make sure all of your boards are connected all the way and even after you move forward still keep an eye on the boards behind you to make sure they have stayed in. If you mess up and have one board that didn't stay connected... you will have to take up almost every piece that you laid down until you get back to that board that didn't stay connected. Good luck.
@@x_MrYAYA_xa stair step pattern or a bricklay pattern. You want your breaks to be random. It improved the integrity of the floor
Speaks the truth. Love the 4 quarter cut method, cut them into 4 pieces, stagger each of the row, and then use end pieces to make the new row.
Iv installed floors every way known to man almost. Never had an issue with any style. It’s up to the client what they want as long as it fits the standards I’m going with it. 4 ft long pieces with a 16” stagger is beautiful and never fails. Most people just don’t want to have to keep layout and I understand
Same thing, worked my ass in germany for 13 years. Its always about the client and his wishes. U want cheap stuff no problem, u want the Best one no problem. I installed so many types an in all diferent paterns this guy in the clip cant even imagine. Its funny to me because i like to ask him why that "stair" type is not good. Cuz in germany are so many regulations this fella would have a brain damage if he would try to learn all that. Hes doing a well job but there are levels above him.
you want it to look nice not like a store floor
@@cristiancosenza1848 hey I was wondering if you possibly had any videography or portfolios from any of those jobs. I’m currently in school tying to make my way into the trade and I would greatly appreciate your efforts
@brandonblomme7797 ^
4 rows at a time going up the full length and out. That way the pattern is appropriately spaced. Mix 3-4 the boxes up and flip end to end a few pieces.
You can't rotate anything that's tongue and groove, it only installs in one direction.
@@bloodleader5 I think you’re right!
@@bloodleader5 I think he means start from the other end every so often
@@567dirt8910 That doesn't work either. The tongue has to go into the groove at a certain angle depending on the product, and trying to install it the other way (forcing the groove under the tongue) requires a lot of banging with a mallet, shims to prevent the whole floor from sliding, possibly needing to cut the locking edges off with a knife and glue the joint up, and you run the risk of denting or buckling the seams.
Sometimes you have to put in a piece backwards to finish out in a tight area and that's fine, but doing whole rows that way makes the project harder and more likely to mess up for no reason. It also wouldn't change how it looks after it's done.
Just like the other guys in the comments say... Use your off cut from the last piece of each row as your starter for the next row. Other tips... Cut your door jams, make sure you have a level floor, as you go check behind you to make sure that the boards that you had previously installed are still locked in as they should be.
As a flooring contractor I agree with you. Drives me crazy when I see butt joints, H’s, and stair stepping.
What is butt joints?
I think H looks fine, and if anyone bothers reading the installation instructions from the manufacturer that is what they recommend on some (maybe not all, but definitely some).
Some manufacturers recommend a stair step installation. Read the instructions. The manufacturers include detailed instructions for installing their particular floor. Don't assume you did it once one way so from now on all are done that same way.
I personally wouldn't use a brand that recommends a stair step pattern. I think that pattern looks like garbage. Just my opinion. To each their own, but you are correct. There are companies that recommend it.
Nobody recommends that quit lying 😂
Been installing since I was little. It doesn’t matter what “you” want. Always discuss every option with your client because at the end of the day, thats who pays you. Not random strangers on the internet who do projects for free.
Wow someone who makes a video that knows exactly what he’s talking about and knows his craft. Thank you my man 🎩s off too you
Ive watched this 10 times and have no idea how to do it correctly still
I watched it 10 times because the loop was so smooth.
Let your drop off piece from the cut at the end of a row be your starter piece for the next row.
Start your floor layout with a full piece and a random length cut piece.
Your continual drop pieces will create random patterns throughout the whole job
took this guy 10 seconds to think of this dumbass video dont worry.....
4’ starter, 2’ starter, 3’ starter then 1’ starter and repeat. Looks random and cuts back on waste is how I was taught.
@@Bottomshelf988 that’s literally what he said not to do lmao did you watch the video at all?
You also want to avoid starting on the shortest wall and laying over uneven floor
You also want to make sure the pieces snap together
Be quite
He may have started on the longest wall and did a few rows then pieced in the bay window.
Bruh this comment is facts 😂
DIY creators is probably the best DIYer in the country. He did what he could for his neighbor who wanted him to install it for free
It’s hard to avoid since the planks are all the same length, but taking the time to switch up the lengths makes a big difference. In our apartment, the floor planks have the step pattern and it doesn’t look good.
If the pieces are all the same size, it creates a stair effect anyway. As long as you make sure the end pieces are various sizes, that's all you can do!
Im curious if this would void a warranty? I believe the H pattern is required for Lifeproof flooring installation.
Follow manufacturers specs then 👍
@Bathroom Remodeling Teacher have been followed and watching you do great work for about 11 months. Thank you for your honest videos and life-learned techniques. Good stuff
Thanks for the informative vids, I learn a lot from these
Certain laminate manufacturers say to use brick or H pattern - it's what's recommend by the manufacturer and I'd trust them over you.
Quick question, I'm about to use roofing felt for to level small areas of my subfloor , is this normal and what's best practice with this method ?
You should always use the cut-off to start the next row. But I can't tell you how many customers have specifically requested both H and Stairstep patterns no matter what I suggest.
So you just install it improperly? Nice way to ruin your name
@Roy Folley If they sign off on the risks, I will. I'm one of the best carpenter/contractors in my city so not worried about someone choosing to have something installed minorly improper.
Ya that's your preference man lol 20 years always done stair pattern on laminate, vinyl, and hardwood never had an issue whatsoever. It will not affect the way the floor moves. Each product has there own recommendations so read the directions. But random is always good too
Stair don't even look good, sounds like u lazy
Pergo- laminate floor- What is the color?
A brave man with no legs explaining a proper flooring layout technique. Wow
That's what's up😊
But if u don't doit like it says on the box there si not warranty cover
You're never getting that warranty my friend, they have to send out auditors to determine whether it was an installation or manufacturer defect, tons of wait time.
You would be lucky to get your money back after 2 years of waiting IF you got it back at all, not really worth it for the couple thousand spent.
Usually I just cut some random starter pieces and when I get to the other end, I’ll use the cut offs from that side to start the other few rows
"Move in irregular ways"? Please explain
My question is why is the baseboard up ?
Two I hate shoe mold
Lots of scrap is what that's called but I agree and prefer to make it random
Great points for sure
Just read the instructions of the box of what kind of pattern is available for that kind of
Thank you!!!
Correct. Absolutely correct
So agree , had similar situation goin over sumone’s else work an saw that pattern. i corrected it by staggering as u stated- An i see this video so i know im doing sumthing right- thx
Shut up
So what can I do for a 7.8’ wide x 10’ l room? Planks are 48” I don’t have a lot of space to play around
That room is too small for them to shift much, displacement will only occur in bigger rooms where a ton of little issues can add up over large areas
I do contracts with a lot of schools, country clubs, and church’s. I will say, in 15 years i have always had a blueprint with a layout. I promise you the architect building the job wants things done his way, not yours. Now if your in a residential home, I guess you could randomly stagger LVT lol.
Gotta love DIY 😂
Hardwood 101. Obviously applies to that too. Does not apply to glue-down or tile. Though some people act like it does
Off cut starts the next row unless it's 2 close to the joints
Thank you
What i do is i run 2 or 3 rows at a time and the end piece off of the ends i start my next rows. And it helps with waste. Not sure if it is a good way but it works..
If you do it purely randomly you may get joints too close together or practically stacked. I believe in having somewhat a pattern, just not an obvious staircase pattern.
Great video
True, a lot of installers do that
Is this kinda the same as siding
Double the time going 2 rows only. As long as your expansion gap is correct, that floating floor will not move.
What product were you demonstrating with love all the different looking colors reminiscent of older wood floors
As somebody who did this for week don’t ever get in to this profession it will destroy your back and knees stay in school all the guys I work with can’t even walk bad knees
I agree, it looks like a roofer did your flooring, it's not random at all, I hate that look almost like shingles
Stair case pattern great for roof shingles
This is my job, i always get mad when i see what you call a h pattern
Finally someone who explains it.
Because of that reason i start with 3 rows and when i find damaged planks wich i could use to start with ( so damage is removed or not visable) so i have a choice to mix these head lengts
Such a beautiful floor
What is the brand for this laminate flooring?
What's wrong with H pattern? It satisfies my OCD.
I replaced 1000 sq ft of carpet with finished 3/4" hardwood flooring. I had practically no waste. Rather easy but tedious. Always glue the boards down in hallways.
One cuestion, you don't put nothing under the laminate floor??
Staircase method is the fastest and saves a lot of time and motion. Just do four at a time
It also looks like shit. You said it .. faster .. people love that
No matter what you always end up with a stairstep when you have 4 foot planks. The only way that actually lay the floor random is to have random plank sizes
Has anyone noticed that gap at the left side corner of the cove ?
You are totally right. When I was a kid I stair cased the tongue and groove on my mum and dad's ceiling. Now when I lie in bed and look at it, I'm like, that was stupid😢
You also want to avoid having to put qtr round to the existing trim to cover up you put a new floor down without doing trim work.
Trim on top is basically needed in all house that don’t have cut out for flooring under skirting boards
👀
What? Ive put down a lot of laminate flooring. Working on 2 rows at a time is the same as your "staircasing" example. It will always be staircasing, it inherent in the design. Just use a cut off from an end at the start the next row. Its the exact same thing and youre working on one row at a time and making it easier for yourself imho.
I prefer random stagger myself looks so much better imo
As a former installer and someone who always looks at the floor I like to see random staggering
Start the floor with 3 rows on your longest run. Then use your cut boards as your next starters.
Wat is the right way
Reading the comments I’m getting that the pattern is just a personal preference mostly.
Makes sense
They still gonna stairstep
And h joint. But thanks for the try to correct these hackers out there.
Staircaseing is the proper way to lay a floor. Every single joint has 4 corners with no joints on them. When you have your joints spread out as this guy suggests causes the floor to spread in horizontal as it breathes causing your vertical joints to split open like stretch marks. Triangles are the strongest shape in geometry which is why it works out, and looks much more appealing
It looks like shit. People do it to finish faster. Let’s be real .
No staircasing inst a proper way to do it. I've seen on the back of the box of countless manufacturers, that say to specifically not stair step the pattern
@@benjaminziegler7437 incorrect. You should source more professional opinions, as long as your starter is at least 3 times the width or 4 stairs on a board. The most crucial to avoid is a H pattern which was stated and is correct. Also tell me what pattern is being done because you have a "H pattern" which is a plank off set by half a plank the proper is a quarter to a third. Any pattern you do that isn't an H is a stair step.
@@jesussilva3209 yes it does go faster, have you seen shingles? They are laid out the same way. Staggering works great, all this nonsense about stairstepping is wrong should go back to carpetenry school.
@@Goo6l3y manufactures specifically state on back of the box to not do a "patterned" stair step. Obviously there will be a random stair step at times but it's not supposed to be repeating.
Flooring guy taught me, no H, no stairs.
he says while laying a laminate floor without underlay..🤣🤣
it is on the flooring already
That little white/slight color pad under the floor board is the 🌟underlayment🌟
Always like watching your vids hard fucking work when u could just pay someone to do it I keep putting my Thurgoods on
I called it stairing . It’s looks like a giant stair case going down your floor . People do that to finish fast.
thank you. ive been installing hardwood for 20 years and i cannot stand walking into a house and seeing a bunch of stair stepping. it looks like doodoo
I’m not a flooring guy but don’t you just use the 3,2,1 method off the wall on a straight line and go from there?
Thought you just did bathrooms.?
Especially you tubers 😂
Stair stepping my boy and that shit gets to me soooooo much lol I would be just staring at the pattern! No patterns guys!
Probably should quit listening to random guys on social media and just use the installation instructions that come with your flooring.
but didn't take the baseboard off????? 🤔🤔🤔
Yeah 5 cutting sizes bam mixthem in a pattern thats most random
Running racks is roofing comp, not floors👍🏼
You don’t play with budget lol where I from 5%max of waist material
What do the directions tell you to do? That’s what I go with.
Stairstepping*
This guy couldn't explain his birthday, let alone what ever his talking about.
Wooden floors make my feet ticklish that i have to wear shoes everytime i walk, so i dont get itchy/fall from ticklish logic. Luckily, i have no wooden floors.
Just installed flooring from Costco. Maybe not the highest grade stuff in the world, but their directions disagree with you.
The manufacture list exactly that way to do it. You’ll void the warranty if not done their way.
Where does your recommendation come from? You can’t offer me a warranty, right? 🤦🏻
Half lap
The picture you put up is of a random stagger.
if you do H pattern and it moves randomly won't it just be a random pattern 😂😂
Doubt it
Maybe this is why so many people buy remnants....?? Its the carpet people posting all that miss information .....😂
It’s called stair stepping
Yes and it looks like shit.
It’s laminate flooring mate not rocket science
When a man has a claw hammer strapped to his waist he ain't no hardwood/laminate floorlayer😮😂
Can I see ur full work pls