Even if wide plank flooring is new, it adds a natural, welcoming charm to any home.
Purists insist that wide plank flooring must be made from wood.
Wide boards call for long planks, as well, for be visually proportional.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Genuine wide planks are always cut from the trunk of the tree since the branches aren’t suitable.
By contrast, tree branches and limbs are frequently used in the production of conventional wood flooring.
Cleaning with a damp duster and hardwood floor cleaner is the best method.
Like any wood floor, wide plank flooring should be sealed periodically with a polyurethane varnish.
If possible, keep some extra planks around in case replacement of damaged boards is necessary.
Repairs are not easy with wide plank floors and will likely require a professional.
Design
Vintage wide plank flooring’s look doesn’t lend itself to every style of home.
Newly manufactured wide planks can also be finished with the same smooth texture found on other hardwood flooring.
Besides style-matching, another advantage of wide plank flooring is that it means fewer seams between boards.
It’s simply a floor for anyone who has respect for wood."
New wide plank flooring, while easier to install, is still not recommended for most DIYers.
These floors are often installed with random-width boards, which require special skills to install.
Installation methods depend on how the boards are engineered.
By contrast, site-finished flooring has a more forgiving surface that lends itself well to refinishing.
This includes wood that is air and kiln-dried prior to manufacturing.
That said, most wide plank flooring performs best in environments with stable humidity.
The best humidity range for wide plank flooring is between 28 and 48 percent.
In terms of general comfort, wide plank floors have exactly the same profile as standard wood flooring.
This flooring is relatively warm under foot and hard enough to be durable.
Wide plank flooring isn’t usually found in bathrooms or kitchens unless it’s a historic house.
Many believe that standard hardwood flooring is just as good for a fraction of the cost.
There are many hardwood options, including oak, hickory, cherry, and walnut.
