Wide plank hardwood flooring offers a stunning, modern, and classic look. It’s generally a great choice for adding value and style to your home, featuring a durable and beautiful natural material. However, understanding its specific advantages and potential drawbacks will help you make the best decision for your space.
Hey there, DIYers and home renovators! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to nailer guy. Are you thinking about giving your floors a facelift with that gorgeous wide plank hardwood? It’s a popular choice, and for good reason. Those wider boards can make a room feel grander and more luxurious. But before you start dreaming of your beautifully transformed space, it’s smart to get the full picture. Choosing the right flooring is a big decision, and I’m here to help you cut through any confusion. We’ll break down exactly what makes wide plank hardwood so special, and what you need to watch out for. Let’s get started so you can build confidence in your flooring choice!
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What Exactly Are Wide Plank Hardwood Floors?
When we talk about “hardwood floors,” most folks picture the classic, narrower planks you see in older homes or traditional settings – typically around 2 ¼ inches wide. Wide plank hardwood floors, as the name suggests, feature boards that are significantly wider. While there’s no strict industry definition, most consider planks at least 5 inches wide to be “wide plank.” Some can even stretch to 7 inches, 8 inches, or even wider! This difference in width has a big impact on the overall look and feel of a room, offering a more modern, spacious, and sometimes even a rustic aesthetic, depending on the wood species, finish, and installation style.
The Upside: Essential Pros of Wide Plank Hardwood
Let’s dive into why wide plank hardwood floors are so popular. They bring some fantastic benefits to the table that can really elevate your home.
1. Aesthetic Appeal – A Statement Piece for Your Home
This is usually the biggest draw. Wide planks create a cleaner, less busy look compared to narrow planks. With fewer seams running across the floor, the natural beauty of the wood grain and color takes center stage. This creates a more unified and expansive feel, making rooms appear larger and more open. It’s a look that can range from sleek and contemporary to warm and rustic, depending on the wood type and finish.
- Modern & Sophisticated: Perfect for achieving a clean, upscale look.
- Expansive Feel: Fewer lines make the room feel bigger.
- Showcases Wood Beauty: The natural patterns shine through.
- Versatile Style: Fits well with many interior design trends.
2. Enhanced Home Value
Hardwood flooring, in general, is a significant selling point. Wide plank hardwood, with its more modern and in-demand look, can often command a higher resale value. Potential buyers are often drawn to the sophisticated and high-quality appearance of wide planks. Installing them can be a smart investment in your home’s appeal and marketability.
3. Easier Installation (in Some Ways)
While every flooring job has its challenges, wide planks can sometimes be faster to install per square foot than narrow planks simply because there are fewer boards to lay down. This can translate to less labor time and potentially lower installation costs if you’re hiring professionals. However, handling wider, heavier boards might require more than one person for certain steps.
4. Durability & Longevity (When Cared For)
Hardwood floors are known for their durability, and wide planks are no exception. Higher quality wide planks, especially those made from harder wood species, can last for decades, even generations, with proper care and maintenance. Unlike carpeting or laminate, hardwood can be sanded down and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan to repair scratches, dents, and wear, essentially giving you a brand-new floor without having to replace it.
According to the Forest Products Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Forest Service, wood density plays a crucial role in its strength and durability, with harder species naturally resisting damage better over time.
5. Timeless Appeal
While styles change, natural hardwood flooring has a timeless quality that never truly goes out of fashion. Wide planks, in particular, have seen a resurgence and are currently very popular, offering a look that is both current and classic. This means your investment is likely to remain stylish for many years to come.
6. Good for Larger Spaces
Wide planks excel in larger rooms. The fewer seams reduce the visual clutter, making the expanse feel even grander and more cohesive. In smaller rooms, very wide planks (over 7 inches) might make the space feel a bit overwhelming, but generally, they contribute to an open and airy feel.
The Flip Side: Essential Cons of Wide Plank Hardwood
Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin. While wide plank hardwood is fantastic, it’s important to be aware of its potential downsides so you can plan accordingly.
1. Cost
Let’s be upfront: wide plank hardwood flooring is generally more expensive than its narrower counterparts. The cost difference comes from a few factors. Wider boards require larger, more uniform trees to mill, which are scarcer and more valuable. The milling process itself can also be more complex. Add to this the fact that you might need more specialized installation techniques, and the overall price tag can be higher.
Here’s a general idea of the cost comparison:
| Flooring Type | Typical Material Cost Per Sq Ft | Typical Installed Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Width Hardwood (2 ¼” – 3 ¼”) | $3 – $7 | $8 – $15 |
| Wide Plank Hardwood (5″ – 8″+) | $5 – $15+ | $10 – $20+ |
Note: Prices are estimates and can vary significantly based on wood species, quality, brand, and your geographic location.
2. Susceptibility to Expansion and Contraction
Like all solid wood products, hardwood floors expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. Wider planks have more surface area, meaning they can expand and contract more noticeably than narrower planks. This can lead to gapping between boards over time, especially in environments with fluctuating humidity levels.
Proper acclimatization before installation and maintaining a stable indoor climate with a humidifier or dehumidifier is crucial. The EPA advises maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30-50% for optimal indoor air quality and to protect building materials like wood flooring.
3. Installation Challenges
While fewer boards can mean faster coverage, handling wider planks can be more difficult. They are heavier and can be more cumbersome to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or on staircases. If specific patterns or precise cuts are needed, the larger dimensions can add complexity. Many installers recommend face-nailing wide planks for security, which requires a specific technique and tools, potentially increasing labor costs.
4. Shows Gaps More Readily
Because wide planks have fewer seams, any minor gapping that occurs due to humidity changes becomes more visually apparent. A small gap on a narrow plank might be barely noticeable, but on a 7-inch-wide board, it can be quite obvious. This requires diligent attention to climate control.
5. Can Be Noisy
In some cases, especially with floating floors or if not installed perfectly, wider planks can sometimes produce more hollow or creaky sounds. This is because there’s more unsupported surface area between the fastening points of each board. Proper subfloor preparation and secure fastening are key to minimizing this issue.
6. Scratching and Denting (Depending on Wood Species)
While hardwood is durable, it’s not impervious to scratches and dents. Softer wood species, regardless of plank width, will be more prone to damage from pet claws, high heels, and furniture movement. It’s especially important to choose a harder Janka-rated wood species for wide planks if you’re concerned about wear and tear.
The Janka hardness scale measures the resistance of woods to denting and wear. For instance, an oak might score around 1290, while a softer pine could be as low as 380. Harder woods like Hickory (around 1820) or Maple (around 1450) are excellent choices for high-traffic areas concerned about dents.
Wide Plank Hardwood vs. Other Options
When deciding on flooring, it’s helpful to see how wide plank hardwood stacks up against other popular choices.
Wide Plank Hardwood vs. Narrow Plank Hardwood
The main difference is aesthetics. Wide planks offer a more modern, spacious feel, while narrow planks provide a more traditional, classic look. Wide planks can be more expensive and show gaps more readily, but they require less installation labor per square foot.
Wide Plank Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a more budget-friendly option that mimics the look of wood. It’s generally more resistant to scratches and moisture than hardwood. However, laminate can’t be refinished, and its “wood” look can sometimes appear less authentic. Wide plank hardwood offers genuine wood beauty, can be refinished, and adds more inherent value to a home.
Wide Plank Hardwood vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is also a more affordable and often more water-resistant alternative. It’s durable and comes in many wood-look designs. However, like laminate, it doesn’t offer the same authentic feel or long-term refinishing potential as real hardwood. Wide plank hardwood provides a premium, natural feel and can last much longer if maintained.
Choosing the Right Wide Plank Flooring
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided wide plank hardwood is for you, here are a few things to consider:
- Wood Species: Opt for hardwoods with a higher Janka rating (like Hickory, Maple, or Oak) for better durability, especially in busy areas.
- Plank Width: For most rooms, 5 to 7 inches is a great standard. Wider planks (8 inches plus) can be stunning in very large spaces but might feel too dominant elsewhere.
- Finish: Consider the finish’s durability. Matte or satin finishes tend to show less scratching than high-gloss finishes.
- Solid vs. Engineered:
- Solid Hardwood: This is a single piece of solid wood. It can be sanded and refinished many times. Better for drier climates or areas where refinishing is a priority.
- Engineered Hardwood: This has a top layer of real hardwood veneer over layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). It’s more stable and less prone to expanding/contracting with humidity changes. Often a better choice for basements, kitchens, or areas with fluctuating moisture. Most wide plank options are engineered for stability.
- Installation Method: Tongue-and-groove planks can be nailed down, glued down, or floated. Nailing or gluing generally provides a more secure and quieter floor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wide Plank Hardwood
Q1: Is wide plank hardwood flooring more expensive than narrow plank?
Yes, generally, wide plank hardwood flooring costs more per square foot than its narrower counterparts due to the selection of larger, premium wood logs required and potentially more complex milling processes.
Q2: Can wide plank floors be installed in a kitchen or bathroom?
Solid wide plank hardwood is not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms due to high moisture and spill risks. Engineered wide plank hardwood can be a better option for kitchens because it’s more dimensionally stable, but vinyl plank (LVP) or tile are usually the safest choices for areas with consistent moisture exposure.
Q3: How do I maintain wide plank hardwood floors?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming (with a hard floor attachment) to remove grit is essential. Clean spills immediately. For deeper cleaning, use a wood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer and a damp (not wet) mop. Avoid excessive water and abrasive cleaners.
Q4: Will wide plank hardwood scratch and dent easily?
All hardwood floors can scratch and dent, but the likelihood depends on the wood species’ hardness and the finish applied. Choosing a harder wood (like Oak, Maple, or Hickory) and a durable finish will help reduce the appearance of scratches and dents.
Q5: Can I install radiant heating under wide plank hardwood?
Yes, many engineered wide plank hardwood floors are compatible with radiant heating systems. It’s crucial to select a product specifically designed for this application and to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines precisely to prevent damage.
Q6: How much longer does wide plank hardwood last compared to narrow plank?
The lifespan of hardwood flooring is more dependent on the thickness of the wear layer (how much solid wood is on top) and how many times it can be refinished, rather than the plank width. Both wide and narrow planks, if properly maintained and refinished when needed, can last for many decades. Wide planks might just look more visually appealing for longer due to fewer seams.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Wide plank hardwood flooring can be an absolutely stunning addition to your home, offering a modern, elegant look that enhances space and value. We’ve seen how its aesthetic appeal, potential for boosting home value, and timeless beauty make it a strong contender. But remember, like any project, it’s about being informed. Understanding the potential cons – like the higher cost, susceptibility to humidity changes, and installation considerations – is just as important as knowing the pros.
By carefully considering the wood species, finish, and whether solid or engineered is right for your environment, you can make a choice that you’ll love for years to come. Whether you’re tackling this as a DIY project or hiring a pro, arming yourself with this knowledge is your first step towards a beautiful, enduring new floor. Now go forth with confidence and create that dream space!