Designer Tips for Wide Plank Flooring
Wide plank flooring has become a popular option because of the many benefits it offers. For example, you’ll need fewer planks to cover your square footage, which means fewer seams spanning your space. Of course, wide planks also add incredible visual appeal to your home.
Whether you choose traditional white oak or opt for a bold, exotic hardwood species, it adds a luxury feel. Before you get started, consider the function and style. With this in mind, take advantage of these designer tips for wide plank flooring to deliver a gorgeous, long-lasting addition to your home.
Tips for Wide Plank Flooring: Consider Your Space
The first thing you need to consider when choosing wide plank flooring is where you plan to install it. Why is this important? The size and orientation of your flooring will change the room’s visual impact. Some homeowners get nervous about installing wide plank flooring in a small room, but in reality, these floors can make a room look larger, so it’s ideal for smaller spaces.
If you’re working with a larger space where you can have some fun, consider choosing a busier pattern. For example, a chevron or herringbone pattern can be stunning in a bigger room. It’s also essential to get the orientation right. In most cases, you’ll want to line up the planks parallel to the longest wall in the room.
The exception to this rule is in narrow rooms, where you can change perceptions and make the room seem wider by arranging planks to span the narrow channel. You can even place them diagonally!
Choosing the Right Wood Species
There are endless options for the type of wood you want for flooring. Qualified professionals can easily show you samples and help you focus on the species most likely to suit your needs and preferences. From a practical standpoint, you’ll want a hardwood that can stand up to furniture, foot traffic, and general wear and tear.
There are several ideal species for this purpose. Maple, hickory, and oak (red and white) are among the most popular hardwoods used for flooring. This is because they’re so durable and resilient. However, you can also consider making a statement with exotic woods like knotty Australian Cypress or dramatic Tigerwood.
Color and Grain Pattern
The color of wood you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but it can be helpful to think about what fits with your home’s aesthetic. If you live in a Victorian or arts and crafts home, for example, a warm, rich, traditional wood color is likely preferable. If your home is modern and your style is minimalist, a weathered wood look might work better.
Whether you prefer the natural character of nude wood or you want a specific stain, color is an important part of the flooring that will serve as the base layer for your interior design. You’ll also need to consider its pattern. If you want to make a statement with your flooring, a heavy grain can add incredible dimension and tons of visual interest.
To Cover or Not to Cover?
Whether to add area rugs to wood flooring is an age-old debate. One that mainly depends on personal preference. Designers may be of two minds when it comes to tips for wide plank flooring. Some believe in letting the wood serve as the star of the show, while others opt to add color, texture, and depth with rugs.
In truth, area rugs are a great way to tie together seating areas or other social zones in a room. They can also add comfort underfoot and prevent wear and tear in the areas you utilize most. Just adopt a “less is more” mentality to make sure your hardwood flooring is still the star of the show!
When you need help finding the perfect hardwood flooring to add luxury and value to your home, we are here. The qualified professionals at Elite Hardwood Flooring are ready to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to learn more or stop by our Annapolis showroom.
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