Thanks! I'm glad fr the change. The carpet was terrible!
As far as layout, I started under the table, which is less in width than the full length of a plank. So this seemed logical route. The back end under the able is also sort of curved and the ensolite covers an
electrical wire there. So I started with a straight line parallel to the "step" up as my starting point. This line is also exactly a distance from the step that allows for using full width planks (6" wide each). The last piece I put in was the one in the rear. Since this floor is flexible I curved it up the wall over the ensolite. It's not perfect but an improvement from how the carpet sat in that spot. I haven't checked, but I'm hoping the adhesive edges stayed intact being sort of bent.
On the main area, I didn't really have a preference on direction. What I did was measure every direction and decide based on 6"x36" planks how it would layout best.....least amount of cuts the long way and most forgiving layout for hiding my lack of experience. So I figured under the cabinets would be the least visible area in case my ends weren't all cut exactly the same. The lower area was sooooo much easier. The dimensions were more consistent and corners were square. The fronts of the table benches were kind of wavy....over an inch difference across the length. So was expecting battle that.
Also, At the door, the trim piece (the metal one that wraps underneath) ended up being flush with the top of the floor so I could butt the floor right up to it and it looks like it was intended to be there. I was also able to use 4 full width pieces at the door....easier...less cutting.
I have to say, I thought about how to lay it out for way longer than I figured....but worth it.
So in a nutshell. I picked the direction that was easiest as far as cutting.