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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
That's because fewer seams and grout lines make the room look more spacious. With hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl, shoot for planks at least 5 inches wide. Think big when it comes to tile, too. Whether you're choosing ceramic or vinyl, look for tiles 12 to 24 inches wide.
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.
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.
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.
A classic, inexpensive option for your hardwood floor layout is a straight pattern. If you want to make the room look bigger, the planks should be installed parallel to the longest wall of the room.
Hardwood, tile or even luxury vinyl flooring planks help train your eye to see a continuity from room to room, thereby reducing the confined feel of a small space. Use wider wood planks in a smaller space.
It's not recommended to have solid hardwood flooring more than 6″ wide. This is because if the floor boards get much wider, they are prone to damage. Solid hardwood reacts to temperature and humidity changes by expanding and contracting.
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.
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.
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.
Dark hardwood flooring is among the most popular styles. Its polished, rustic sheen makes for an unmatched quality look that will enhance the value of your home. With dark hardwood floors, you'll enjoy: Long-lasting color: Its color makes dark hardwood prone to absorbing sunlight, while light hardwood reflects it.
The Best Timeless Flooring Options
Opt for timeless wood colors such as oak, maple, mahogany, pine or ash. Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for its versatility and attractive price point.
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.
Instead, try engineered wood. The average lifespan of engineered hardwood flooring is about 25 to 30 years, but it can last even longer with proper maintenance. Throw rugs, area rugs, or runners can help maintain it longer.
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.
Contrast Dark Floors With Light Walls
If your average-height ceilings aren't capturing the ambiance of the elegant cathedral ceilings you desire, a dark floor—whether hardwood, tile, or carpet—can make a light-colored ceiling seem even higher.
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.
Choose Light Colored Flooring
What's beneath your feet can set the tone for the whole room, and having light-colored flooring will do wonders for the brightness level of your room. A light hardwood like pine or oak will add plenty of appeal to a darker room and expand the space to feel more open.