Wide plank flooring is a hot commodity these days, both in traditional, modern, and rustic homes. However, there are some things to take into consideration before you dive into the many variances of wide plank flooring. Not every room is suited for wide plank hardwood floors. Let’s take a look at the various stylistic effects that a wider plank will have on your interior decor and overall ambiance.
Shape and dimension of the room
Wide planks will show off the grain pattern.
Wide plank flooring will have an impact on how the room as a whole is perceived. With smaller rooms, widening the planks can also broaden the perspective, and make the room look bigger. With a large room, wide plank flooring may be better suited because it is proportionately pleasing.
Smaller rooms
By using wider planks, you are giving the illusion of a bigger room. The wider the plank, the fewer planks you’ll need to complete your floor, and it will appear to be a bigger, smoother, more solid surface. Wide plank flooring minimizes the number of breaks and seams, making it less busy.
Bigger rooms
With a big grand room, not only will wider planks make everything look proportionate and much more aesthetically pleasing, but you have a chance to show off the wood. Wider planks have a bigger surface and will, therefore, have a more pronounced grain pattern. Showing off the natural characteristics of the wood is a massive trend in hardwood flooring, along with wider planks.
Grain pattern
For a more warm and rustic effect, choose wood that has more character and allows each grain, knot, and imperfection to shine. Having a rich grain texture will also help hide wear and tear and let your floors age naturally.
Installation process
Wide planks can make a small room feel bigger, and a bigger room more proportionate.
Another bonus of wide plank flooring is that there are fewer boards to install. However, acclimation is a bit trickier. With a wider plank, you have a bigger piece of wood that is prone to react to moisture. If you don’t correctly acclimate the wood before you install, wide planks will warp and cup much quicker and much more dramatically than skinnier planks.
Exact measurements
You may love a very wide plank, but you want your wide plank flooring to be installed evenly from wall to wall. The width of your wide plank hardwood floors will be best determined by measuring the room and then finding a width that can be divided evenly so that each board is the same width. Having one skinny board to fill in the last gap is going to have a poor visual effect on the room.
T&G Flooring is one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in the front range. If you have questions about whether wide plank flooring is right for your home or commercial property, schedule a free consultation with a hardwood flooring craftsman.