More than 55 percent of the hardwood floors that are sold on the market today are wide plank wood floors. If you’re looking to install hardwood flooring in your Southeast Texas home, you may be overwhelmed by all the sizes and widths. Why not consider wide plank wood floors? They have a unique look that’s trending right now, and offer a great way to transform your home from dull to daring.
What’s the Difference?
You may think the difference between wide and narrow plank flooring is quite obvious, but there are even more subtle nuances that separate the two. Wide plank flooring usually starts at five inches wide, while narrow planks range from two to four inches. Because you get more surface area per plank, wider flooring shows more of the natural features and grains of the board, leading to a more rustic look and feel. Wide plank wood floors bring another benefit over narrow: they can make a room feel bigger and more open, especially if you go with a light-colored wood.
Challenges With Wide Planks
As far as installation goes, the challenges of wide plank vs. narrow plank are largely the same. Installers encounter many similar challenges with wide planks as they do with narrow planks. For a durable, beautiful, and well-installed wide plank wood floor, you have to start with quality materials, sufficiently-cured wood, adequate acclimation to your home’s climate, and finally, proper installation by professionals.
Because wide plank floors are, well, wider, it can be a challenge to achieve a precise fit between boards, particularly when installing a low-quality product. Wide plank boards have a lower humidity tolerance, which makes them more at risk for cupping.
Benefits of Wide Plank Wood Flooring
There are many advantages to installing this type of flooring in your home, such as:
Easier Installation
One wide plank takes up the space of two or even more narrow planks. Greater coverage equals fewer planks, and as a result, a quicker installation process. This means you can enjoy your new floor sooner, while at the same time reducing the cost of labor and other installation expenses.
Visual Expansion
Wide planks instantly make small spaces such as bathrooms and laundry rooms feel more expansive. That’s due to the fewer lines or crevices within the floor, making the eye perceive more space.
Natural Look
Wide planks offer a greater variety of wood grain, proving them with a natural, more unique look vs. narrow strips less than three inches wide. This exotic appeal is what adds to the visual interest of any room. Wide planks seamlessly match a wide range of styles, including contemporary, rustic, and Mediterranean.
Contact Designer Wood Flooring
Looking for wide plank wood floors in your San Antonio or Southeast Texas home? Contact us today to learn more and get a free quote!
