Thinking about wide plank flooring, but not sure what it is? From rustic decor to modern spaces, premium wide plank flooring adds character. This guide breaks down wide plank floors and helps you choose the perfect option for your flooring upgrade.
A wide floor product has floorboards that are significantly wider than the standard planks. These wide planks also tend to have longer lengths which will make a room feel more cozy and less busy.
Table of Contents:
- What Defines Wide Plank Flooring?
- Why Choose Wide Plank Flooring?
- Pros and Cons of Wide Plank Flooring
- Cost of Wide Plank Flooring
- Wide Plank Flooring Styles
- Installation and Maintenance
- FAQs about wide plank floors
- Conclusion
What Defines a Wide Plank Floor?
Standard hardwood flooring planks range from 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 inches wide.
Wide planks start at 4 inches and can go up to 20 inches wide. Some manufacturers even offer wide hardwood planks up to 16 inches wide, sometimes even wider.
This width difference impacts a room’s aesthetic, changing how you perceive the space.
Why Choose Wide Plank?
Wider planks are trending up. Consider how wide planks create an open, airy feel with fewer seams. Fewer seams also mean a streamlined look, highlighting wood grain and character.
These wide planks emphasize the natural beauty of wood, creating a dramatic focal point.
Pros and Cons of a Wider Plank
Weighing the pros and cons of wide plank floors helps in decision-making.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing, contributing a classic look.
- Creates a sense of spaciousness, visually expanding rooms.
- Showcases wood grain.
- Versatile, adding appeal to formal rooms or rustic decor.
- Increases home value, often seen as premium flooring.
Cons
- Higher cost than narrow plank flooring.
- Installation requires an experienced professional.
- Though regular maintenance is similar to other wood floors, repairs cost more.
- Susceptibility to moisture and humidity changes, leading to potential warping or cupping. Proper acclimation between 30% to 50% relative humidity is critical for installing reclaimed wood.
Cost of Wide Plank Flooring
Several factors influence the cost of wide plank flooring, typically ranging from $8to $20 or more per square foot. Wood species, whether reclaimed wood versus newly milled planks, plank length, and the wood’s origin (domestic versus imported) all play a role. Ask your flooring professional about wood sources for wide planks and where the trees grow as there's variety even within similar U.S. sourced wood planks.
Consider the solid hardwood boards' origins, like where the wood for these wide boards comes from.
Here's a table summarizing cost factors:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood Species (Oak, Hickory, Pine, Walnut) | Exotic or rarer species increase cost. |
| Width and Length of Planks | Wider and longer planks are more expensive. |
| Reclaimed vs. New | Reclaimed wood is usually less expensive than new planks. |
| Finish (Prefinished, unfinished solid, engineered wood flooring) | Prefinished is typically cheaper and faster than site-finished floors. |
| Installation | Complex layouts increase installation costs, especially with reclaimed wide plank wood. Installing wide planks is often more intensive. This may require special tools and materials |
Wide Plank Flooring Styles
A wider floor showcases grain patterns differently than narrow plank wood flooring. There’s a stark contrast between heart pine wood floors and lighter shades like ash or rift & quartersawn white oak.
Planks sawn from the center of the log (the cant) yield stable, interesting boards. Choosing plainsawn versus quartersawn affects grain prominence. Consider flooring planks carefully.
Installation and Maintenance for Wider Planks
Proper installation by experienced installers is crucial for wide planks. They understand expansion and contraction in various climates. Vintage wide plank flooring may be salvaged, requiring special considerations. Remember to purchase extra planks to cover unforeseen repairs or defects. Tongue-and-groove planks can often be purchased pre-finished or raw, to stain in place after installing.
For new planks with tongue-and-groove edges, installation is similar to narrow boards, using face-nailing. Regular cleaning methods apply, but avoid excessive water. A damp duster is preferable to a steam cleaner. This is due to the wood's wider shape compared to narrow planks.
FAQs about wide plank floors
What are the disadvantages of wide plank flooring?
The primary disadvantages are higher expense wide planks and specialized installation. Wide plank floors are susceptible to environmental changes like extreme climates. This is important for reclaimed wood flooring and a newly manufactured product.
Are wide plank floors more expensive?
Yes, due to increased material needs. Wider planks tend to mean higher cost per square foot and wider boards range in pricing based on species.
What size is considered wide plank flooring?
Planks 5 inches or wider are considered “wide plank,” often ranging up to 12 inches. Flooring planks have variable lengths. It may not match how most solid wood flooring for sale online range in size. Keep this in mind while learning more about plank flooring wide plank and determining ideal board length and plank size. For many projects, you'll need boards that vary between six to eight inches.
Does wide plank flooring look better?
Many prefer the look for an expansive feel. However, “better” is subjective. Some consider the more uniform appearance of narrower boards preferable for their homes, while others prefer the expense wide plank look.
Conclusion
Understanding what wide plank flooring is allows for confident choices. Knowing its characteristics helps determine suitability for your home and lifestyle. Consider pros, cons, cost, moisture issues. For instance, it provides openness to larger rooms and a sense of space in smaller ones.
From solid wood to reclaimed flooring, consider the long term look. Wide planks emphasize grain, creating an elegant, rustic, or modern feel. Installing reclaimed flooring will have its own complexities so hire accordingly. Choosing wider planks provides a completely different visual appeal than narrow planks.
