While wide plank flooring isn’t necessarily a new development in wood flooring design, it has seen a huge surge of popularity among homeowners and designers alike over the past few years. Indeed, wide planks can add a touch of elegance and drama to any room. However, like any flooring option, this trend is not for everyone. If you’re thinking about wide planks as an option for your next flooring project, let’s delve into some of the advantages and disadvantages.
What is Wide Plank Flooring?
Wide plank flooring typically refers to wood planks that are wider than the traditional 2 ¼ to 3-inch boards. Wide planks can range from 5 inches to as wide as 12 inches or more. These broader planks offer a distinctive look, showcasing the wood’s natural grain and texture in a way that narrower boards cannot. It’s essential to note that while wide plank flooring is often associated with hardwood, it can also be made from other materials such as engineered wood or luxury vinyl.
The Pros of Wide Plank Flooring
Let’s begin by looking at some of the advantages wide plank floors can offer.
Aesthetic Appeal
Wide planks are renowned for their stunning visual impact. The broader planks create fewer seams, allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to shine through. This enhances the overall appearance of the floor, giving it a luxurious and timeless feel. The wide surface area showcases more of the wood’s natural patterns, knots, and imperfections, creating a unique and authentic look. Wide planks can also make a room feel larger and more open. The fewer seams can create a sense of continuity, making spaces appear less cluttered.
Variety of Styles
Wide planks come in various wood species, finishes, and stains, offering versatility to match any interior design style. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek, modern aesthetic, there’s a wide plank option to suit your taste.
Increased Home Value
Investing in high-quality wide plank flooring can add significant value to your home. This flooring type is often associated with luxury and durability, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers. Not only can wide plank wood flooring give you a great return on investment by lasting for decades with proper care, but homes with wide plank floors tend to stand out on the market, potentially increasing resale value.
The Cons of Wide Plank Flooring
For some homeowners, the drawbacks of wide plank flooring outweigh the benefits. Let’s look at some of the potential disadvantages.
Higher Cost
One of the primary drawbacks of wide plank flooring is the higher upfront cost. High-quality wide planks often come at a premium price, especially if you opt for rare wood species or custom finishes. In addition, installing wide planks can be more labor-intensive, requiring skilled craftsmanship to ensure proper fitting and alignment.
Limited Availability
Finding the perfect wide plank floors can be challenging sometimes as not all wood species and finishes are available in wide formats. This can limit your choices and potentially delay your project. In some cases, you may need to place special orders or wait for custom milling, which can extend the timeline for your flooring project. Availability can also be affected sometimes by supply chain limitations because they tend to be in high demand. This isn’t to say you can’t get the flooring you want–you just may need to exercise a little patience when ordering certain types of wide plank floors.
Installation Challenges
Wide plank flooring requires precise installation to avoid issues down the line. The installation process for wide planks is more complex, necessitating careful subfloor preparation and meticulous fitting. Ensuring a stable and level subfloor is also essential to prevent problems such as squeaking or uneven surfaces. In short, you want to be certain that you’re working with an experienced technician since not all wood floor installers have the experience or qualifications to work with wide planks. (And it’s certainly not something to attempt DIY.)
Are Wide Plank Floors Right for My Home?
Ultimately, choosing whether or not to use wide plank flooring comes down to personal aesthetic and budget. However, design experts will generally tell you that wide plank floors are best for big rooms and refined or minimalist design styles because they add a sense of space and formality. In small rooms, wide planks can actually highlight the limited space and make it feel more claustrophobic.
At Renaissance Hardwood Flooring, installation teams have extensive experience in quality wide plank installation, along with many other types of custom styles and designs. Over the past 40-plus years, we have built a solid reputation for quality and craftsmanship across both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. Contact us here to schedule a complimentary quote.