Go thinner for an elegant look: A refined look often works best with slender 2 ¼-inch widths. Try wide for a rustic feel: Wider boards of at least 5 inches in width will look the most rustic and are most appropriate if you're also looking for a weathered, bleached or distressed wood look.
These days, the standard width in hardwood flooring is the 4- or 5-inch wide plank. Curious minds may know that the standard has grown wider with time. These widths are often the go-to because the boards can fit nicely and effectively in most rooms.
Wide plank flooring can work well in a number of spaces, but narrow plank flooring only really works well in contemporary spaces. Narrow plank flooring can run on the more expensive side. Because there are more planks in the floor, it may take longer to install.
If you're looking for a traditional look, 2 ¼ to 3-inch wide planks are what you see in many standard hardwood flooring options. It has provided a classic, clean look for many homes over the years.
Perks of Wide Plank Wood Flooring
It also creates a smooth look that lets the eye seamlessly roam around the room. Lastly, with fewer seams, this type of flooring is easier to keep clean, as dirt and debris can't easily hide in between the cracks or crevices.
Color: when we think about a spacious room, blonde wood often comes to mind. Floor color plays a major role in making your small space seem larger. We often recommend light colors to give the room an airy feel. For example, blonde, light brown, or whitewashed hardwood can make the room seem more open.
The cost—wide planking is considerably more expensive than standard planking. Availability—despite being a popular choice, wide plank flooring is scarcer and must often be special-ordered. More humidity sensitive. Wide plank flooring can be more susceptible to cupping and crowning due to changes in humidity levels.
Using narrower 3- to 5-inch planks will help to open up a narrow or tiny room and make it appear bigger than it really is, whereas using the wider planks will dwarf the space. The wrong size plank, such as too wide in a narrow area or too narrow in a large area, can make the entire room feel “off.”
Larger planks stretch the eye, giving the appearance of more square footage. On the other hand, it's important to avoid narrow or thin planks, as the many small lines offer a more crowded atmosphere. Whether you're installing hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl planks, wider is better.
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.
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.
Oak floors continue their dominance.
But there's one runaway favorite: Oak overtakes 60 percent of the hardwood market. It takes a stain easily, it lasts for years, and it has the classic hardwood look that many buyers look for.
Wide Planks
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.
The minimalist trend is still going strong and this applies to flooring too. Neutral tones like honey, cream, and white will be top choices in 2023. These colors will work well with almost any decor style.
Prime grade or AB-grade wood flooring is the highest quality of hardwood flooring that you can find. The wood in this grade has been carefully selected, and it features a minimal amount of natural defects like knots, sapwood, and grain irregularities.
It keeps the house looking consistent
If you have a color scheme or style that you love, having the same flooring flow from room to room will allow you to extend that feel throughout your entire home. Using the same flooring material ensures your home will have an elevated and cohesive design.
Use wider wood planks in a smaller space. Smaller patterns - such as a parquet floor or tiny, multicolored tiles - in a small room can look busy to the eye, increasing a cramped feel. Select planks that are 5"+ in width. This means you'll have fewer seams which will keep the space looking clean and uncluttered.
Choosing lighter coloured flooring to compliment your furniture can expand the perceived size of any room and can open the space right up. Think cream carpets, natural and neutral toned tiles and whitewashed wood flooring.
If installing in a room with little to no natural light, run the floors with the length of the room. The length of the planks will make your space appear larger. Consider your dimensions – a floating floor should not run more than 40ft long or 20ft wide, and must be broken up at these dimensions.
Use 3”-5” wide planks to help open up smaller areas, while larger rooms tend to look better when you use 6”-8” planks. If you have a large room with 3” planks, this will make your floor look extremely busy. If you use larger than 5″ planks in small rooms, it will dwarf the room and make the room feel smaller.
Small Room: In a small room, narrow planks can create an elongated linear look which can make a small room look longer and formal. Whereas wide plank floors can make a small room feel cramped as a wide plank tends to have more grain and knots which can interfere with the poised ambiance of the room.
Today's standard plank is three inches and you can find just about every wood species in 3” planks. Many are also available in two, four and five inches. Wide plank flooring means boards six inches or wider. One advantage of wide plank flooring is that it can make a room appear larger.
Hardwood Flooring
what's better than hardwood flooring? It's beautiful, it's durable, and it never goes out of style. Not to mention all of your friends, family, and neighbors aspire to have it, so you'll have your entire network envying your home's flooring design.
Why are wide plank floors more expensive to install? Simply put, wide plank floors are more expensive to install than the other types of flooring because the installation process for wood floors requires more skill and expertise.
Wide planks are much more expensive to buy and install than the smaller pieces. Much of this has to do with their source. Wide planks must be milled from the trunks of very old trees.