Start the layout with the longest continuous run and work outward to minimize offcuts.

Measure the bathroom precisely and sketch a to scale plan showing door swing, fixtures, and any offsets like toilet or vanity pipes. Calculate plank runs along the longest wall so you will reduce the number of crosscuts and keep seams in low-traffic lines. Dry lay a row across the room using labeled planks to test how the last row will finish; if the last row would be narrower than two inches, shift the starting line by ripping the first row so both edges finish at acceptable widths. Use off cuts from earlier rows to begin new rows whenever they match the required length and direction so you waste less full planks. Keep a small stash of correctly sized remnants labeled by color and batch number for narrow areas near pipes, under cabinets, and around the toilet, and store them flat in a climate controlled spot to avoid warping. When cutting around obstacles, measure twice and cut once, and use a scrap as a template before cutting the final plank.

A common mistake is starting at the wrong wall which forces many short slivers at the far wall; solve this by identifying the longest continuous run and dry laying a trial row before any cuts. Another issue is discarding useful off cuts instead of using them to start new rows; keep an organized stash of labeled remnants and plan row starts around their lengths. People also underestimate expansion gap needs and then have buckling or tight edges; follow manufacturer recommended gap measurements and trim baseboards if necessary so the floor can move without visible gaps.

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