Installing wide plank flooring can rejuvenate a house in a way not many things can. Hardwood has been a classic for a long time, and for good reason. It's sophisticated, and it will last for decades if properly cared for. And wide planks just have a special appearance you don't see in most homes.
Installing wide plank flooring can rejuvenate a house in a way not many things can. Hardwood has been a classic for a long time, and for good reason. It's sophisticated, and it will last for decades if properly cared for. And wide planks just have a special appearance you don't see in most homes.
However within the category "hardwood flooring" there are a number of different possibilities. One of the biggest decisions you'll have to make is whether you want narrow or wide plank hardwood floors.
The difference between wide and narrow plank floors may, at first glance, seem obvious. Wide plank flooring starts at about 5 inches wide and can go up to as much as 12 inches wide, depending on the wood and the manufacturer. Narrow plank floors have a tendency to run somewhere between 2 and 4 inches in width.
But the differences go further than just the width of the flooring. Both floors provide very different feels to a room, and you'll need to think about the appearance you wish to go for prior to choosing your flooring design.
If you would like to create a traditional or rustic appearance in a space, you can not top wide plank wood flooring. Because a wide plank is, well, wider, it tends to show more of the grain of the wood and includes more knots and imperfections. Some designers cherish these special touches, as they help make an area one-of-a-kind and can add a rustic charm. Select Grade wide plank floors are also available that have very few if any knots. These work well in Contemporary or Modern spaces.
Wide plank flooring, lighter shades, particularly, are also gaining popularity in contemporary rooms. In large areas, the wide planks and light wood can give an airy, open feel. Wide plank flooring additionally means fewer seams between boards and therefore fewer interruptions of the natural lines of both the wood and the space.