Flooring 101: Different Plank Sizes and What to Do With Them

Indecisiveness is one of the top reasons for over-budgeting and unfinished projects with home remodeling. It becomes more concerning for first-time remodelers and homeowners with a strict, tight budget. Any home improvement addition, like hardwood flooring, can be a massive headache without proper planning and research. The rising number of options available will make any inexperienced buyer purchase a hardwood that won’t match the place’s size, look, and budget. One of the considerations when buying hardwood floors is their size. Knowing more about the different plank sizes and what you can do with them is a step to successful floor remodeling.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Plank Width

Before choosing what plank size is best for your home, there are several considerations that you need to check. Doing this will allow you to purchase the most suitable plank for each room. In addition, the right plank size can also affect and help you lower the flooring costs during remodeling. There are three things buyers need to remember before buying.

·         Room size

·         Style and trend

·         Budget

Knowing the size of the room is essential when buying hardwood floors. Some plank widths are better placed in larger spaces, while other measurements are suitable for long and smaller areas. The room size also influences which flooring patterns and designs apply to your hardwood.

Hardwood floorings are timeless and elegant additions to any home. But it doesn’t mean its original look will fit your aesthetic and the trends every year.

In many cases, using the wrong plank size affects the timeless effect of hardwood floors in homes and can even account for costly repairs.

Although they’re durable and long-lasting, hardwood floors are expensive. Choosing which hardwood species, type, and plank size fit your home is critical to stay on budget. Many novice remodelers overspend because they don’t have plans and knowledge about floorings beforehand. 

Narrow Planks

Narrow planks or strip planks are hardwood boards around two to three inches wide. Unlike other sizes, these boards were part of the industry for centuries and were the standard until recently. Depending on their placement and color, narrow strips can offer a clean and timeless look. Straight-strip planks give rooms a more elegant look, while light-shaded planks create a modern, linear style.

Smaller hardwood boards are cleaner and have fewer knots and wood qualities. It allows homeowners to have floors with fewer blemishes and grain on them. In addition, these small planks are ideal for smaller rooms or spaces, making them feel bigger. For homeowners with more traditional tastes, narrow-width hardwood is a nice option for classic, older homes. They also work best for patterns like parquet, herringbone, and chevron.

Unlike other plank sizes, narrow hardwood boards are easier to line up in corners but are more time-consuming to install. Moreover, remodelers may need professional hardwood services for quality flooring patterns like parquet. Although they’re great for smaller areas, narrow planks are not a go-to for places with a lot of décor and furniture as it makes the room feel too busy.

Standard Planks

The hardwood flooring industry considers a width of four to five inches as the industry standard for plank sizes. Standard planks are the most popular and top-selling sizes for residential homes and commercial spaces. Unlike narrow and wide boards, they fit well in most room sizes and are readily available. Because of their availability, remodelers can also find more competitive pricing for these hardwood strips.

In addition, four to five-inch width planks work well with kitchens and dining rooms and are the ideal option for houses with rustic or farmhouse décor. Due to their popularity, standard planks are always stocked and have varied choices, making it easier to find a good deal.

Wide Planks

Wide planks are part of this year’s flooring trends. Broad plank widths range from six to twelve inches wide and are the most popular choice for large, open rooms and spaces. Besides that, they also have numerous advantages to offer in homes.

Unlike other choices, wide planks have fewer seams on display but offer homes with a flowy and luxurious look. Wide, weathered hardwood can fit in with rustic farmhouse designs because the wood grain is more noticeable, and their tone adds more character.

However, wide planks are not meant for every room and are more prone to warping. Maintaining them is more challenging, and scratches are more visible. Wide hardwood strips are not preferable in homes in high-humidity regions or rooms with high moisture, like bathrooms.

Hardwood Plank Sizes Matter

Deciding what your hardwood floor looks like is challenging, especially for newbie remodelers. With the rising popularity of hardwood floorings worldwide, the variety of options available for homeowners can make them indecisive. Learning about each option, like plank sizes, will allow you to find the ideal choice for your home and style. In addition, you can avoid overspending, which can lead to a delay in your project.

Consult which plank is best for you with Kelly Hardwood Floors today!