Hardwood floors come in different widths
If you’ve ever shopped for hardwood flooring, you’ve noticed there are differences in the size and shape of different planks.
The width and length of hardwood planks contribute to the floor’s overall appeal, which means your floor’s plank dimensions will bring out the features in your home – for better or for worse.
Today, let’s take a look at the real differences of wide vs. narrow timber planks and what their sizing does to the appearance of a room.
Wide vs. Narrow Timber Planks – Which Should I Choose?
Wide Planks:
Wide planks bring a unique beauty to a home that can’t be replicated with other plank widths.
Originally popularized by the “rustic cabin” interior, wide planks are the hallmark of a classic and weathered interior. Perfect for smaller rooms, wide planks reduce the number of gaps in a floor as a result of their abnormal breadth.
Today, 12cm boards are considered the standard width for wide planks, however “wide cuts” can also be found in more robust sizes such as 15, 20, and 25cm.
Note: if you choose to use extremely wide plank sizes (such as 15 and 25cm planks), you’ll likely be limited to the types of hardwood species you can choose.
Narrow Planks:
If you prefer a sleek and sophisticated interior, narrow-cut timber floors are for you.
Narrow planks can range from 5 to 10 wide. Traditionally used for parquet floors, this style became a popular trend in 2016 that will likely become a more frequent design in 2017. 3” planks are likely the most popular plank width of all the narrow sizes, and are used in classic settings to create an elongated, elegant look in rooms of all sizes.
Mix & Match Cuts
If you want a more unique floor, try sprinkling planks of different widths into your next hardwood floor. Choosing to install a mix of different plank widths is proven to be more affordable (on average) than installing an entire with uniform planks.
Not only will it look more artsy and appealing, it’s a design choice that will also keep your wallet happy!
Challenging Room? Here’s What to Do:
Some rooms have a size that makes them look strange and unwelcoming. By picking a floor that brings out the best in each section of a home, you can create the illusion of space and create a more appealing room appearance.
- Extra Small Rooms: Small rooms feel cramped and unwelcoming. Bring out the best in them by using extra-wide boards, you can reduce the number of “seams” in your floor and create the illusion of more space. If you’re designing a room with limited lighting, install a light floor with a glossy finish to bring out the room’s natural light.
- Extra Large Rooms: On the opposite end of the spectrum, large rooms can seem overwhelming to design. To add more character to a large empty space, add a multi-toned floor with a mix of plank widths – the contrast in colors and plank size will bring depth and texture to the area. Because of their size, large rooms work extremely well with brunette floors.
Before picking between wide vs. narrow timber planks, consider these important points:
- Your Budget
- Your Room (or Home) Square Footage
- Species Preference (if any)
- Aesthetic Goals
- Durability Requirements
Once you know where your goals and budget lie, you can pick a floor that suits your financial and design goals. If you’re interested in viewing samples of hardwood flooring, stop by our showroom to browse your options in person.