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.
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.
Hardwood flooring trends may ebb and flow, but some styles are simply too classic to ever truly go out of fashion. One such timeless option is wide plank hardwood flooring, a design choice that has been gracing homes for centuries but is now making a big comeback in modern spaces.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Installation of Wide Plank Flooring. Nail down installation of wide plank solid and wide plank engineered flooring requires additional bonding to the subfloor to prevent movement and squeaks. This is done by introducing glue to the nailing process.
Do Light Floors Make a Room Look Bigger? Light color flooring tends to brighten up a space and make it feel larger. Easily modernize a small room and add freshness and light by incorporating bright, creamy floor tones.
For these smaller rooms, it is best to choose a 6” to 8” width and no larger. A 10″ wide hardwood flooring plank would overwhelm a modest room. If you do go with a wider plank in a small space, use a lighter colored wood and stain to help the room maintain a roomy appearance.
Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.
Engineered wide plank floors are more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood floors. Because of this, they won't be as prone to buckle or split in response to humidity fluctuations or changes in temperature. Solid wide plank hardwood floors tend to have a more natural look because they are just plain wood.
IN: Warm Tile Tones
So do yourself a favor in 2025 and warm up your home with inviting hues of cream, beige, and lighter wood-effect tones. Whether you opt for ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile, choosing warm tones for your flooring can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere you'll love coming home to.
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.
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.
A 20 mil wear layer is thicker than a 12 mil wear layer and therefore will provide more durability and resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains. This means that a flooring with 20 mil wear layer will last longer than vinyl flooring with a 12 mil wear layer.
Rugged and rustic dark hardwood is a 2024 flooring trend that can make a bold statement in your home. The rich tones of dark wood species like cherry, hickory and mahogany invite sophistication and warmth to dining areas, bedrooms and living rooms.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
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.
If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don't have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.
Luxury vinyl flooring is susceptible to slight expansions and contractions in response to changes in moisture and humidity levels. An expansion gap permits the flooring to adjust without distortion. Neglecting to incorporate this gap can lead to damage, particularly if the floor expands significantly.
Solid wood hardwood flooring offers a timeless appeal due to its natural beauty, durability, and ability to age gracefully, enhancing its character over time.
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.