Wider luxury vinyl planks provide a more modern tile feel and are excellent for larger or wider rooms. Bigger rooms allow for wider 6- to 8-inch planks since smaller planks will make it appear too busy. Narrower planks may give a more traditional feel and be better suited for smaller spaces.
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.
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.
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.
Standard residential thickness between (1/4 inch / 6.5mm) and (3/8 inch / 9.5mm) works great in most homes, while the thickest vinyl plank flooring at (5/8 inch / 15mm) provides maximum protection and sound reduction.
12-inch vinyl.
A 12-inch record offers ample space for full albums and is the preferred choice for listeners and record collectors who enjoy looking at the art and exploring the packaging of a vinyl album.
1) Light and dark flooring
Choosing lighter coloured flooring to compliment your furniture can expand the perceived size of any room and can open the space right up.
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.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
To properly compare wide- versus narrow-plank hardwood flooring in your home, we'll now look at the advantages of narrow planks. Narrow planks are great for smaller spaces, and they can be easier to maintain than wide planks. They're best suited for contemporary interior designs.
Stick with thin widths for a classic wood floor: If you're a traditionalist, planks between 2 ¼ inches and 3 inches are most common in homes and give you that classic hardwood floor appearance. Go wide if you love character: Wider floorboards of 5 to 12 inches reveal a wood's character, including grain and knots.
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.
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.
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!
However, wide plank flooring in lighter shades and cleaner grade are a good match for modern and contemporary-styled homes. Swedish-style, wood-centric homes look fabulous when floored in wide planks. Traditional: Wide planks in darker tones and highly textured is always a good match to traditionally styled homes.
So, what's the difference? Luxury vinyl planks are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. They're also easier to install, as they can be clicked together like laminate flooring. Standard vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is thinner and less durable.
The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.
Wider luxury vinyl planks provide a more modern tile feel and are excellent for larger or wider rooms. Bigger rooms allow for wider 6- to 8-inch planks since smaller planks will make it appear too busy. Narrower planks may give a more traditional feel and be better suited for smaller spaces.
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.
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.
Beige Vinyl Floors
If you're looking for a natural and elegant look for your home, beige vinyl flooring is the way to go. This flooring option is perfect for any room in your house, from the living room to the bedroom. Plus, beige vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain, and it will give your home a timeless look.
Light wood furniture on a dark wood floor offers a striking look. The best choices usually are furniture that is just a few shades lighter in color than the floor. Too much of a contrast will leave the room feeling stark.
Matching flooring is often recommended because it creates a seamless finish and better flow throughout your home.