When selecting hardwood flooring for your home, a common question we hear at Desitter Flooring is, “Does the width of the hardwood planks really matter?” It’s a great question, especially with options ranging from narrow strips to ultra-wide boards, each creating a distinct look and feel in a space. As a family-owned and operated business since 1920, we’ve guided generations of homeowners through flooring decisions, helping them make choices that fit their style, lifestyle, and budget. Below, we break down why plank width is more than just an aesthetic choice and explore how it impacts your home's functionality and style.
1. The Impact of Plank Width on Room Aesthetics
Plank width directly influences a room's overall appearance. Narrower planks, traditionally around 2 to 3 inches wide, create a classic look that’s perfect for smaller rooms. This narrower width can make a space appear more continuous, adding length to the room while maintaining a traditional, elegant feel. On the other hand, wider planks, generally 5 inches or more, lend a modern, open feel, making large rooms appear even more spacious.
Choosing between narrow and wide planks can come down to the look you envision for your home. If you love a classic, timeless look, narrower planks may be ideal. If you prefer a modern aesthetic with a more expansive feel, wide planks are likely the way to go.
2. Wide Planks vs. Narrow Planks: Durability and Stability
Plank width not only affects appearance but also performance. Narrow planks tend to be slightly more stable, as they expand and contract less than wider boards. This can be particularly important in regions with varying humidity, like Illinois, where hardwood flooring is prone to expand and contract with seasonal temperature shifts. Narrower planks can better accommodate these fluctuations, reducing the chance of gaps or warping.
However, this doesn’t mean that wide planks aren’t suitable—they can be an excellent choice with proper installation and acclimation. At Desitter Flooring, we ensure all hardwoods are prepared for our Illinois climate, whether narrow or wide. By allowing the wood to acclimate and ensuring precise installation, we help minimize the impact of humidity on wide-plank floors.
3. The Cost Factor: How Plank Width Influences Budget
For homeowners on a budget, it’s worth noting that wide planks typically cost more per square foot than narrow planks. This is because wider planks require more raw material, and higher-grade wood is often selected to maintain stability in larger widths. Additionally, wide plank installation requires more precision, which can slightly raise the cost.
At Desitter Flooring, we work with each customer to find a balance between their style preferences and budget. Our wide selection of both narrow and wide plank hardwoods means that we can help you find the perfect floor to fit your space without breaking the bank.
4. Installation Techniques for Different Plank Widths
The width of hardwood planks also influences installation techniques. Narrow planks require more rows and can have a more seamless appearance, particularly in smaller rooms. Wide planks, however, require a little extra attention during installation to account for potential expansion and contraction. Skilled installers, like the team at our Glen Ellyn and La Grange showrooms, use advanced techniques to ensure that wide plank floors look stunning and perform well for years to come.
5. Consider the Acoustics of Your Space
One often-overlooked factor is how plank width affects the acoustics of a room. Wider planks can create a slightly softer sound, which can be ideal for homes with high ceilings or open floor plans. Narrow planks tend to have a different acoustic quality and may suit smaller, more contained rooms where a bit of echo isn’t an issue. If you’re unsure, stop by one of our showrooms and hear the difference for yourself—we’d be happy to demonstrate how different plank widths impact sound.
6. Maintenance and Care: Does Plank Width Make a Difference?
While cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors are essential regardless of plank width, some homeowners find wider planks easier to care for due to fewer seams. However, wide planks may also show scratches or dents more prominently due to their larger surface area. Whether narrow or wide, proper maintenance practices, like using soft cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals, will keep your floors looking their best.
Making the Best Choice for Your Home
At Desitter Flooring, we believe the best choice for your hardwood flooring depends on your unique style and functional needs. The width of your hardwood planks certainly matters, as it impacts the overall look, feel, and performance of your floor. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of narrow planks or the spacious, modern vibe of wide boards, our team in Glen Ellyn and La Grange, IL, is here to help you navigate your options.
Visit Us to Explore Your Hardwood Flooring Options
Since 1920, Desitter Flooring has provided Illinois homeowners with high-quality, expertly installed flooring solutions. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through every step of selecting the perfect hardwood for your space, helping you decide which plank width best complements your home. Stop by our Glen Ellyn or La Grange showroom today and discover the difference that generations of flooring expertise make.
