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Discovering Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring: Styles, Benefits, & Tips

Posted on May 3, 2023

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Exploring the World of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring: Styles, Advantages, and Selection Tips

Hardwood flooring has long been a popular choice for homeowners looking to add warmth, beauty, and value to their homes. Available in a wide range of styles and finishes, hardwood floors can create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication or a rustic, down-to-earth charm. One style that has been gaining popularity in recent years is wide-plank hardwood flooring. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the wide plank option, its benefits, and the different styles available to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home. Traditional wood floor

The Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring Revolution

Traditionally, hardwood flooring planks have been available in widths ranging from 2.25 inches to 4 inches. However, the wide plank trend has opened up the market to planks that are 5 inches or wider. The appeal of wide plank flooring lies in its ability to create a more spacious, expansive feel in a room as well as showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Benefits of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Enhanced Visual Appeal

One of the most significant benefits of wide-plank hardwood flooring is the striking visual impact it creates in a room. The broader planks draw attention to the wood’s natural grain patterns, knots, and colour variations, giving the floor a more authentic and organic look. This can make a room feel warmer, more inviting, and even a little more luxurious.

Easier Installation

Wide plank flooring can be easier and faster to install compared to traditional narrow planks. Fewer planks are needed to cover a given area, meaning less time is spent cutting, fitting, and nailing the boards into place. This can result in lower labour costs if you’re hiring a professional or a quicker DIY project if you’re tackling the installation yourself.

Spacious Feel

The use of wide-plank hardwood flooring can make a room feel more open and spacious. The wider planks create fewer seams, resulting in a cleaner, more unified appearance. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller spaces, where narrow planks might make the room feel cramped or cluttered.

Enhanced Durability

Wide plank hardwood floors are typically thicker than their narrow counterparts, which can make them more durable and longer-lasting. The additional thickness also provides better insulation, contributing to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Customization Options

Wide plank flooring is available in a wide array of species, finishes, and textures, allowing you to create a truly unique and personalised look for your home. From rustic, hand-scraped finishes to sleek, modern styles, there’s a wide plank option to suit every taste.

Styles of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Rustic

Rustic wide plank flooring features a distressed, weathered appearance that emphasises the natural knots, cracks, and colour variations in the wood. This style is perfect for adding warmth and character to country or farmhouse-style homes. Popular wood species for rustic wide plank flooring include reclaimed barn wood, pine, and hickory. Rustic Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Contemporary

Contemporary wide plank flooring is characterised by its clean, sleek lines and minimalistic appearance. This style often features matte or low-gloss finishes, as well as lighter wood species like white oak or maple. The contemporary wide plank option is ideal for modern or minimalist interior design styles.

Traditional

Traditional wide plank flooring offers a timeless, classic look that works well in a variety of home styles. This option typically features warm, rich wood tones and a smooth, polished finish. Popular wood species for traditional wide plank flooring include red oak, walnut, and cherry.

Hand-Scraped

Hand-scraped wide plank flooring has an artisanal, handcrafted appearance, with each plank bearing the unique marks of the artisan’s hand. This style adds texture, depth, and a sense of history to a room, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more authentic, rustic aesthetic. Hand-scraped wide plank floors can be found in various wood species, including hickory, oak, and walnut.

Wire-Brushed

Wire-brushed wide plank flooring is created by gently scraping the surface of the wood with a wire brush, removing the soft wood fibres while leaving the harder wood grain exposed. This process creates a subtle texture and a slightly weathered appearance, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a more casual, relaxed vibe. Wire-brushed wide plank floors are available in a range of wood species and colours, including oak, maple, and ash.

Exotic

Exotic wide plank flooring features wood species sourced from around the world, offering unique colours, grain patterns, and textures that can’t be found in domestic hardwoods. Some popular exotic wood species for wide plank floors include Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and acacia. This style is perfect for those looking to make a bold design statement or add a touch of global flair to their home.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring

Consider the room size.

When selecting wide plank flooring, it’s essential to consider the size of the room. While wide planks can create a more spacious feel, they may overwhelm a small space. In smaller rooms, opt for planks that are slightly wider than traditional narrow planks but not too wide to maintain balance and proportion.

Factor in your home’s style

It’s crucial to select wide-plank flooring that complements the overall style and design of your home. If your home features a modern, minimalist design, a contemporary or wire-brushed wide plank option might be the best choice. Alternatively, if your home has a more rustic or traditional feel, a hand-scraped or rustic wide plank style would be more appropriate.

Consider the wood species

When choosing a wide-plank hardwood floor, it’s essential to consider the specific wood species’ characteristics. Each species has its own unique grain patterns, hardness, and colour variations, which can impact the overall look and feel of your space. Be sure to research the different species available and choose one that aligns with your design preferences and practical needs.

Plan for maintenance

Wide-plank hardwood floors, like all hardwood floors, require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Be prepared to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly and use a hardwood floor cleaner to remove dirt and grime. It’s also essential to protect your floors from scratches and dents by using furniture pads and area rugs.

Conclusion

Wide plank hardwood flooring offers a stylish, versatile, and durable flooring option for homeowners looking to make a statement in their living spaces. With a range of styles, finishes, and wood species available, there’s a wide plank option to suit every taste and home style. By considering factors such as room size, home style, wood species, and maintenance requirements, you can select the perfect wide-plank hardwood floor to enhance your home’s beauty and value.