Getting ready to install 3/4" solid ash hardwood planks 6" wide, that came in eleven different lengths from 18" to 50". I understand avoiding H and stair patterns. I know to keep the end joints between adjacent rows min 6" apart, and to avoid common placement of end joints from row to row. My question is the instructions say to place ends min 6" and MAX 11 3/4" apart. I feel these instructions were written for standard length planks - not the huge variation in random lengths in my product.

Do I really have to keep the joints closer than 12"? As long as I avoid breaking any of the above pattern rules, can they be farther than 12" apart?

Thanks for any help!

Joints further apart will not bother the strength of the flooring. Fasten within 3 inches of both boards at each butt-joint or use suitable glue. You can also fasten the middle of the boards through the tongue on one board at butt-joints.

Thank you! We're using a glue-assist install so they should be pretty secure. Thanks again for the help!