Wide Plank Hardwood Floors

What You Should Know about Wide-Plank Hardwood Flooring

You will need to decide which to go with…solid or engineered when choosing your wide-plank hardwood. Wide-plank hardwood flooring can be found in solid or engineered wood. Solid wood flooring is in a more natural state which is nice in some ways but not so ideal in other ways. Engineered wide plank wood floors are scientifically designed to be more stable with less buckling, easier care, and they generally have a longer life.

Species of wood is another consideration you’ll be required to figure out before you purchase your flooring. Some types of wood work better than others for wide planks. Ash is one of the best suited hardwoods for wide planks since it is durable and has nice qualities that are accentuated with the wide cut. Cheaper looking wood will show flaws more readily when using wide planks and woods that tend to buckle will have more issues when cut wide. Hickory is beautiful in a wide style but may show dings and pings so unless you’re going for a rustic look, you may want to refrain from hickory and softer woods.

The grade of wood is also important. The grade of wood is determined by what percent of boards in the selection are free of defects. Since wide wood will show imperfections more than narrower planks will, you may want to choose a high grade wood to show off.

You’ll have your choice of prefinished or site-finished wood for your wide planks. Prefinished flooring has a coating that is applied at the factory. It is easiest to install and doesn’t include any on-site finishing in the process. Site-finished flooring is flooring that you will finish yourself.

Deciding on the size of board you’ll opt for is an important part of the shopping process. You will need to choose the width and also the length. The size of room, the type of wood, and the color of the wood should be taken into consideration.