If you have decided on hardwood floors, the width of each plank is not just another decision on your checklist. It is one of the key style options you have and selecting floor plank size will have a dramatic effect on the final look.
If you are having a hard time deciding on hardwood floor widths and are not sure how to get an attractive floor right for your home, make an appointment with 50Floor for an in-house consultation. A flooring expert can bring in different types of floor planks so you can see exactly what these floors will look like in your home.
Choosing the Width of Hardwood Flooring
It’s not as simple as the difference between wide or narrow plank flooring. Floor width affects style, look and how appropriate your floors are for your décor. You may wish to start by considering the style and feel you want. Here are some tips for picking floor plank size:
- Go thinner for an elegant look: A refined look often works best with slender 2 ¼-inch widths.
- Try wide for a rustic feel: Wider boards of at least 5 inches in width will look the most rustic and are most appropriate if you’re also looking for a weathered, bleached or distressed wood look.
- Stick with thin widths for a classic wood floor: If you’re a traditionalist, planks between 2 ¼ inches and 3 inches are most common in homes and give you that classic hardwood floor appearance.
- Go wide if you love character: Wider floorboards of 5 to 12 inches reveal a wood’s character, including grain and knots. If you love to highlight the uniqueness of wood, wider boards are an option. If you want a more uniform look with fewer unique characteristics, narrow boards may be right for you.
- Go wide if you love contemporary looks and modern trends: Modern designers love wide floorboards and widths of 10 inches or even more are not uncommon. This is a very versatile look that works with modern décor but also looks current with traditional or historic homes.
- Try wide widths if you want fewer seams: Some designers love the look of many seams, which means narrow floorboards are ideal. If you prefer a uniform look where seams are not visible, choose wider widths.
Other Considerations
When choosing your flooring, you may also wish to consider how the planks will be used. Consider these conditions:
- If you’re hoping for a herringbone pattern: Thinner boards will work best with a pattern and will give you the most flexibility to line up corners correctly.
- When mixing and matching different widths and sizes of planks: If you want to mix and match for effect, wider planks work with the eclectic look best.
- When considering your budget: Narrower hardwood boards tend to be less costly when compared with the wider styles. If budget is a concern, 50Floor may be able to help. With a price match guarantee and low prices on quality manufacturers, 50Floor helps you enjoy a beautiful floor at a very competitive price.
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You may also want to consider the overall dimensions of your room. Large rooms look great with wide planks. If you want to make a small room look larger, you can do so with narrow boards. You can also create a dramatic look by choosing wider boards for smaller rooms.
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The Right Size
Still having a hard time deciding? The reality is that a living room, kitchen or any room can look amazing with thin, medium or wide boards. Essentially, it is a style decision that can shape the design of your home.
To get expert help, make an appointment with 50Floor experts. Our flooring professionals come right to your home and bring samples so you can review the exact looks which will work in your home. Explore what we have to offer for your home today.
