Yes, wide plank flooring is highly susceptible to cupping. Because wider boards have more exposed surface area and less structural rigidity across their width, they are more likely to curl or bow upward at the edges when absorbing moisture.
Wide plank flooring, while visually expansive and elegant, carries notable disadvantages. Its primary drawbacks include a higher upfront price, pronounced vulnerability to humidity-driven warping, increased visibility of gaps, and stricter installation and subfloor requirements.
Hardwood floors cup when the edges of the boards rise higher than the center, creating a concave (U-shaped) appearance. The primary cause is a moisture imbalance where the bottom of the floorboard absorbs more moisture than the top, causing the underside to expand and curve upward.
Wide planks are perfect for opening up an interior space. Using a wide plank causes an optical illusion making your space appear bigger than it is. We always recommend wider planks for bigger and more vast, open spaces.
Wide planks may be the right fit if you need flooring in large rooms or open spaces with a modern or rustic design. Narrow planks could be ideal if you prefer a timeless appeal, and installation versatility, especially in traditional spaces or small rooms.
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
A question we get a lot here at Hamernick's is, “Which is more expensive: hardwood wide or thin plank?” Generally, wide plank hardwood flooring is more expensive than thinner boards. This is because wide planks require more wood from each tree, making them a higher-end product.
Sustainability is central to flooring choices in 2026. The trend emphasises materials that are both stylish and environmentally responsible: – Wood & vinyl: Reclaimed or responsibly sourced. – Carpet: Wool and recycled‑fibre carpets are gaining popularity for their natural feel and eco‑credentials.
Options like hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl are built for durability, but their real beauty lies in their versatility. With classic patterns and neutral tones, they create a perfect canvas that complements any décor, ensuring your floors won't go out of fashion.
To make a room look bigger, choose light-colored flooring with wide planks or large-format tiles, laid parallel to the longest wall or diagonally to create depth. Using the same continuous flooring throughout multiple rooms also eliminates visual breaks, making the entire space feel much more expansive.
How to prevent floor cupping.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
When the sides of hardwood floors are higher than the center of the boards, then it will produce a concave-like appearance or pattern. This is what cupping is. It doesn't matter if the hardwood flooring is solid or engineered, this phenomenon may occur to both types.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
Houses generally sell better with hardwood floors. They offer a much stronger return on investment (often 70%–80%), can increase a home's overall value by 2% to 5%, and are actively filtered for by buyers.
These broader boards can be made from solid hardwood or engineered wood. Originally, very wide planks were cut from the trunks of large old-growth trees – which is why they're rarer and more expensive (you can't get a 12″ board out of a small tree!).
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
The most popular flooring colors are natural light blonde woods (like white oak) and warm, earthy mid-tones (like honey or chestnut). Cool-toned grays have largely phased out in favor of these inviting, nature-inspired neutrals.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
Although carpet has traditionally been a favourite living room flooring choice, today hard surface materials such as wood, rigid LVT, and laminate are often the preferred choice. These flooring materials are all much easier to clean and maintain than carpet, and more resistant to stains.
Flooring Choices That Make Your Home Look More Expensive
Wide plank flooring provides a modern, expansive feel with fewer seams, while narrow plank offers a traditional, detailed look that holds up better against humidity. Wide planks (usually 5–10 inches) are ideal for large rooms and open-concept spaces, while narrow planks (usually 2.25–3 inches) suit smaller rooms and classic design styles.
Installing 1,000 square feet of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring typically costs between $4,000 and $13,000 fully installed, with the average project falling around $6,000 to $9,000. This breaks down to $4 to $13 per square foot, covering both materials and professional labor.