Determining the ideal width for your wide plank flooring when you are doing a remodel can be a challenge.
There are many options and different sizes that can have different effects on your room, from making it feel more cluttered to providing a more spacious feel. Here are a few factors you should consider when you are ready to decide on the best width for your new wide plank flooring.
Your Personal Taste
Ultimately, this is your home, and you will be the one enjoying your new wide plank flooring every day, so it is important that the width matches your personal taste. Browse the internet to find some pictures of rooms and figure out if you like wider or more narrow-width flooring. Consider whether you’re interested in a pattern made with different stains, or even a border around the outside of your room. You have the freedom to make unique choices here so don’t hold back.
You can also use the floor to impart various feelings in the room you are working on. Decide whether you want the room to feel warm and cozy or airy and spacious. Different plank widths can help add depth to a room or make it feel small and homey. Your personal taste should influence these choices as you decide how you want your living space to feel.
Follow The Trends
If you’re looking for a traditional look, 2 ¼ to 3-inch wide planks are what you see in many standard hardwood flooring options. It has provided a classic, clean look for many homes over the years. However, recent trends have shifted to a wider wood plank flooring, with options between 3 and 6 inches, and even planks that are well over a foot wide. This could completely change the look of your wood flooring. The wider the planks you use, the more detail you will reveal of the natural wood and the fewer seams you will have across your floor.
Consider Your Room Size
Many homeowners are choosing wide plank flooring throughout their home, but it is important to consider the room you are working with when choosing the ideal width for your planks. Here are some of our tips for working in various size rooms with wide plank flooring:
- Small Rooms: A smaller room can still work well with wide plank flooring, but it is important to keep the size of your planks reasonable relative to the size of the room. If your planks are too large, they will make things look out of proportion. We recommend going no larger than 6-8 inches in width for small rooms. Anything larger than this may overwhelm the room and make it look even smaller. Also, consider choosing a light color and stain to give the room a more spacious appearance.
- Large Rooms: Large rooms have very few limitations when it comes to wide plank flooring and is a great place to get creative. You can choose virtually any width plank for large rooms and can even vary the widths to create an interesting pattern.
- Long or Narrow Rooms: Wide plank flooring can be helpful in a long room or narrow hallway if you lay them across the space, perpendicular to the wall. The planks help open up the space and give the illusion that the walls are farther apart than they actually are. You can also choose to lay your planks lengthwise, but we recommend keeping the width over 8 inches to make sure the space doesn’t feel cramped.
Need help selecting the perfect wide plank flooring option for your new home or remodel? Give our team of specialists a call today at Oak & Broad to set up a free consultation.