Perks of Wide Plank Wood Flooring First, it has a more natural and rustic look than other types of flooring, making it perfect for anyone who wants to create a cozy atmosphere in their home. It also creates a smooth look that lets the eye seamlessly roam around the room.
Wide plank wood boards don't have as many seams as narrower boards. This makes them prone to warping or cupping due to changes in humidity. That's why wide planks are not recommended for environments that have wide humidity fluctuations.
Wide Plank Hardwood Floors
Wide plank hardwood floors are experiencing a resurgence in popularity in 2025. These floors feature wider individual planks compared to traditional narrow planks, and this difference in width has a serious impact on the overall appearance of the flooring.
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. Don't forget that picking the right colour of your wide plank will also affect how 'big' your small room feels.
First, wide plank floors are more premium-feeling and make a statement in your home – not only do they showcase the unique beauty of natural timber, but they can also make your space feel wider and more contemporary.
If your planks are too large, they will make things look out of proportion. We recommend going no larger than 6-8 inches in width for small rooms. Anything larger than this may overwhelm the room and make it look even smaller. Also, consider choosing a light color and stain to give the room a more spacious appearance.
While it's true that certain design choices can fall in and out of style, wide plank hardwood has proven to be a timeless flooring option. This style dates back centuries, particularly in historic homes, and its current resurgence is a testament to its staying power.
Temperature also plays an important role when it comes to selecting the right type of flooring. Wide planks expand more in hotter environments, making them better suited for cooler climates while narrow planks are better in warmer environments due to their smaller size.
But all of our floors are made to be versatile and look fantastic in any space. “Wide planks have had a good run! They are very DIY-friendly and work well in so many spaces,” Melissa says. “I think narrow planks are definitely making a comeback!
Think cream carpets, natural and neutral toned tiles and whitewashed wood flooring. These attractive, light and neutral colours give a room an open and airy feel, making it appear larger, whilst also drawing in the natural sunlight from outside.
Softening Wood Trends
In 2024, wood LVT trends are shifting from the rustic, distressed aesthetic to softer wood graining and more minimalist wood looks. Preference for grey-hued or industrial wood colorways is now moving toward warmer, richer color tones and soft beiges to evoke an overarching Scandinavian feel.
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
Warm Oak Tones Replace Grey Floors
The preference for grey, with its understated and neutral character, has gradually waned with time, making way for the resurgence of warm oak tones. This shift reflects a broader desire for a cozier and more inviting atmosphere within living spaces.
If you pay attention to the plank sizes in most homes, you might notice that skinny wood planks are common. However, wide plank hardwood floors have appeared in more homes over the years, and the trend is here to stay in 2023.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Like any type of flooring, luxury vinyl flooring can suffer from damage if not properly protected, especially from heavy furniture. Indentations, scratches, and tears can mar its surface, reducing its longevity and visual appeal.
Selecting wide floor planks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a room look bigger. Instead of thin strips, go for boards at least seven inches wide. Longer planks (four or more feet in length) can help as well.
Humidity and moisture are major factors to consider when choosing between narrow and wide plank flooring. Wide plank floors need more space to expand and contract with humidity when compared to Narrow planks. This means they won't shift as much with changes in humidity and will be less likely to cup or gap.
Goodbye grey floors because 2025 is all about warm, honey-toned woods that bring a sense of comfort and cosiness to both traditional and modern spaces. Think warm oak, subtle grains, and matt finishes that feel organic and understated.
Determining the Cost of Plank Hardwood Flooring
In most cases, the wider planks tend to cost more than narrower planks. The main reason for this is because the wider planks are made from older growth trees which are more valuable. The wider planks means each tree produces fewer planks.
Yes, the width of your planks can affect the perceived size of a room. Wide planks can make a room appear larger due to fewer seams, while narrow planks can create a sense of space in smaller rooms due to the increased number of lines.
For kitchens, dining rooms, and bedrooms, a 5-inch-wide plank will work quite well. Hardwood floor widths like these are often more popular, and more often stocked, and you can usually find a good deal. As well, they come in a wide array of colors and design features.
Natural Wood Flooring
The allure of natural wood as the ultimate flooring choice is undeniable and has stood the test of centuries in both residential and commercial settings.
Do builders use luxury vinyl in high end homes? Hardwood flooring is typically the most popular choice for high end homes. However, some extremely discerning customers request vinyl, particularly if they have children, due to its increased durability.
Use Wider Planks
Wide plank flooring can make a room look bigger. Since wider flooring takes up more space, there are fewer seams on your floor, making the space feel less crowded and overall bigger. They can also be more affordable because you need fewer of them.