Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Wide plank hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the benefits of traditional hardwood floors and the size of modern engineered planks. Wide plank hardwood floors are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary homes, and for a good reason. They have a unique look and can make your room feel larger than it is.

Narrow vs. Wide plank hardwood flooring

Wide plank hardwood flooring, like the name implies, is wider than your standard hardwood planks. Whereas traditional narrow planks usually measure between 2 and 4 inches, wide planks can get up to 12 inches!

Wide planks show more of the grain and knots in the wood than narrow planks. For this reason, many people claim it gives the room a more rustic look. Of course, you can also buy wide planks with fewer knots and a cleaner look to them.

Wide plank flooring works well in most spaces, and in larger rooms, lighter shades can make it feel airy and more open. Because the planks are wider with fewer across a room, you’ll see more of the natural beauty of the wood.

However, wide plank flooring is more susceptible to expanding and contracting with humidity than narrow planks. For this reason, we recommend considering an engineered floor if you want to use wide hardwood planks; and if you live in an area with fluctuations in humidity, you should have a system to help control it (like an HVAC system) in your home.

What is the right width for me?

The width you need for your room depends on trends and the current size of the place you wish to install your wide plank flooring. Modern flooring trends have moved away from narrow planks, and more homeowners enjoy wide plank hardwood floors.

In larger rooms, wider planks stand out and make the whole area seem more open. This is perfect for homes with open floor plans or those designed in a contemporary style. However, in small rooms, wide planks will have the opposite effect and make the room feel cramped.

Are wide hardwood planks expensive

Wide plank hardwood flooring costs more than traditional narrow planks, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. As a rule of thumb, wider planks are more expensive than common sizes between 5 and 8 inches. If you order planks in random sizes, you can save money on manufacturing costs, and it gives your room a unique look and feel.