With the increasing popularity of farmhouse living, wide-plank flooring has been a focal obsession for many. After all, it’s hard not to notice the stunning beauty when entering a home with wide-plank floors. So, what makes people so drawn to this option? Is it the style, the finish, or the farmhouse trend? We’re sharing with you some insight into why people continue to fall hard for wide-plank flooring.

What is Considered Wide-Plank Flooring?

When shopping for wide-plank flooring, how do you choose the best option? Strip flooring is considered 2 ¼” and 3 ¼” wide, so a wide plank hardwood would be regarded as 5” wide and above. If you love the look of wide-plank, but want a hybrid size, consider a 4” plank. 

If you’re all in on the wide-plank trend, certain manufacturers make 6”, 7”, 8”, 9”, and 10.” If you’re going for a truly customized look and feel, a much wider plank would be the way to go.

The Beautiful Aesthetic of Wide-Plank Floors

While wide-plank hardwoods are all the rage today, its classic style dates back to early colonial America. Back then, the flooring was taken from forests filled with aged trees. Most had a massive diameter, and the heartwood was very tight-grained, making it harder and more durable than some of the newer trees harvested in today’s day and age. It’s one of the reasons why the original flooring still exists in old colonial homes.

You can certainly mix and max strip flooring and wide planks for a custom look. In the 18^th century, this was done to maximize the tree’s lumber in the most efficient way possible. Who would have thought it would be such a widespread trend today?!

Features of Wide-Plank Flooring

• For hardwood flooring installation, subfloors must be at least ¾” thick.
• A wider plank needs a longer acclimation time as it tends to hold more moisture than slimmer planks. To avoid shrinking or buckling, allow the planks time to acclimate to your home’s temperature.
• As an industry-standard, flooring over 4” wide must be glued or stapled.
• A key feature of wide-plank flooring is the graining pattern. With strip flooring, the grain can be seen on a significantly smaller level. However, with wider planks, you’re able to see the beautiful grains in the most natural form, making this option so appealing.

If you’ve fallen in love with wide-plank hardwoods and their rich history, feel free to schedule a consultation with us! We have many financing options available to help make your flooring dreams a reality.

If you’re looking for inspiration, feel free to head on over to our hardwood gallery. And, stay up to date on the latest and greatest news from Flooring Design Center by following us on Facebook and Instagram.