Are you thinking about upgrading to hardwood flooring? Good choice! Hardwood floors introduce a classic appeal to any home and boast an incredibly long lifespan.
Among the key decisions when selecting hardwood flooring is choosing between wide and narrow plank designs. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations.
Learning about each will help you make an informed choice based on your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
COMPARE THE VISUAL IMPACT OF WIDE VS. NARROW PLANKS
EVALUATE THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS FOR YOUR SPACE AND LIFESTYLE
CHOOSE THE PLANK SIZE THAT ENHANCES YOUR HOME'S CHARACTER
WIDE PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORS
Wide plank wood flooring features boards that are wider than 5 inches. They also tend to come in longer lengths since they are sourced from the trunks of larger, older trees. These generous dimensions allow for a more cohesive and high-end look that is harmonious to the eye.
NARROW PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORS
Narrow plank wood flooring generally ranges from 3-1/4 and 4-1/4 inches with lengths spanning from 10 to 76 inches, and up to 27 to 82 inches long for 5-inch-wide planks. As a result, narrow planks can be cut from every part of the tree. This traditional style has been used for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for its classic, versatile appearance that adds visual texture to rooms.
COMPARING KEY FEATURES
The decision between wide plank vs. narrow plank hardwood flooring comes down to practicality, budget, and personal preference.
- Appearance
Wide planks offer a high-end, sophisticated appearance, often associated with custom or upscale homes. Because fewer boards are needed to cover the floor area, they create fewer seams, resulting in a cleaner, more cohesive look, especially in larger rooms. Additionally, wide planks enhance the sense of space, making open-concept layouts feel even more expansive.
Narrow planks lend a more traditional or transitional feel. Part of their beauty comes from the ability to create increased visual texture, which adds depth and richness to any space. Their smaller size means more seams and a busier-looking floor that feels more dynamic and detailed. While some homeowners appreciate the texture and traditional charm this creates, others may prefer the streamlined aesthetic of wide boards.
- Ease of Installation
Wide planks demand more precise installation techniques but require fewer nails or staples. Knowing how to install wide plank hardwood flooring correctly minimizes movement and helps the floor stay beautiful. In fact, glued-assisted is mandatory for nailed/stapled down and floated installations for floorboard widths of 7-3/4 inches or wider to ensure stability.
Being more stable and lightweight, narrow planks have more flexible installation requirements and tend to be more forgiving. However, installing narrow planks is more time-consuming, as more boards are needed to cover the same square footage.
Before purchasing hardwood flooring, always chat with a professional to ensure you get the right product for your space and lifestyle.
- Cost
Wide planks are typically more expensive due to the size of the material and the quality required to source large, aesthetically consistent boards.
Narrow plank flooring tends to be more budget-friendly, primarily due to the availability of materials and the efficient use of wood during manufacturing. However, labor costs may be higher because of the increased time it takes to install more pieces.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOORING FOR YOUR SPACE
Selecting the right hardwood flooring size involves assessing how each option complements the room's square footage, style, and purpose.
- Room Size
In larger areas, wide-plank wood flooring makes a strong visual impact. It brings a sense of grandeur and flow that works beautifully in open-concept kitchens, living rooms, or great rooms. On that note, you might be wondering: Does wide plank flooring make a room look smaller? The answer depends on the design. In a small, enclosed room with dark planks and limited light, the wide boards might feel overwhelming. However, when paired with the right color palette and lighting, they can actually open up the space by reducing visual clutter from seams.
For smaller rooms, narrow plank flooring adds depth and dimension. Installed parallel to the longest wall, they guide the eye in a way that makes small rooms appear longer. For this reason, narrow planks are often recommended in hallways, guest rooms, and offices.
- Interior Design Style
The style of your home also matters. Modern, farmhouse, or Scandinavian design styles often benefit from the clean look of wide planks. If your home has a more traditional layout or colonial design elements, narrow planks may feel more appropriate and historically accurate.
- Climate Considerations
Whether you choose wide or narrow planks, the humidity of the room and temperature fluctuations must be taken into account to ensure long-term performance. It's not the width of the plank that determines sensitivity to environmental changes, but the construction technology behind it.
Wide planks, often available in a three-layer engineered format, offer excellent stability and resistance to gaping or cupping when properly selected and installed for the conditions. Similarly, narrower planks—such as those between 3-1/4 and 4-1/4 inches—are typically solid hardwood and perform best in environments with stable humidity between 35% and 55%, making them less suitable for basements, near fireplaces, or over radiant heat.
In contrast, 5-inch planks are often engineered for greater flexibility and can be installed in a wider variety of settings. Choosing the right plank construction for your environment—regardless of width—is essential to avoiding moisture-related issues and ensuring long-term dimensional stability.
Always refer to product installation guides and technical sheets to ensure the right conditions for your hardwood flooring.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Both wide and narrow plank hardwood floors have incredible strengths. Take time to consider how your chosen flooring will interact with your home's architecture, layout, and daily use. Wide planks may be the right fit if you need flooring in large rooms or open spaces with a modern or rustic design. Narrow planks could be ideal if you prefer a timeless appeal, and installation versatility, especially in traditional spaces or small rooms.
EXPLORE HARDWOOD FLOORING SIZES AT MIRAGE
Mirage Floors takes pride in offering luxury hardwood flooring options across North America. Our floors are engineered for longevity, featuring the most wear-resistant finishes in the industry. With a 35-year warranty on finish wear-through and a structural lifetime limited warranty, our customers enjoy enduring beauty and unmatched value. Choose from a wide range of colors, plank widths, and wood species to match any design taste.
If you're not sure how it will look, try InstaVu™, our floor visualizer that lets you see our products in your space. When you're ready, order free samples to experience the look and feel firsthand. Then, find a Mirage dealer near you to begin your project.
