Virginia Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Practice Exam

Starting from the centerline when laying parquet flooring is considered the best approach to ensure a visually balanced and symmetrical appearance. This method allows the installation to proceed outward toward the edges of the room, which helps accommodate for any irregularities in the walls or room shape. By establishing a centered starting point, the end pieces that will be cut and fit along the walls will be of equal length, or at least visually balanced, creating an aesthetically pleasing look.

In contrast, beginning at the edges, in a corner, or along the wall may lead to an uneven distribution of shorter or awkwardly shaped pieces as you move toward the center of the room. These methods can amplify the perception of imperfections in the space, especially if the walls are not perfectly straight. Starting from the centerline allows for better control over the layout and alignment of the parquet pattern throughout the installation process.