Wide plank wood flooring is solid wood floor material that is sold in planks wider than typical 2.5- to 4-inch width hardwood boards that dominate the flooring market. Although current design trends are moving toward the wider end, averaging around 4 inches in width, authentic wide plank wood flooring represents a small niche of the hardwood flooring market. True wide plank wood boards range between 6 and 20 inches wide.

When choosing the width of your hardwood floors, vintage wide plank wood floorboards are highly desirable these days. They were usually made of solid hardwood boards, hand-scraped, with a rough-hewn texture. Reclaimed wide plank wood flooring boards are often sought after by homeowners. Still, several manufacturers do offer brand new wide plank wood flooring that reproduces that vintage rough-hewn and distressed look. Of course, newly manufactured wide plank wood flooring can also feature a smooth texture and finish for a more modern look and feel.

Photo of Wide plank Wood Flooring via Gaylord Hardwood Flooring

The Pros and Cons of Wide Plank Wood Flooring

Like any other flooring product, there are both pros and cons to wide plank wood flooring, which you should consider before deciding to install wide plank wood flooring in your home.

The Pros of Wide Plank Wood Flooring

• With wide plank wood flooring, there are fewer visible seams.
• Wide plank wood flooring is often used to create a more classic look.
• Wide plank wood flooring works well with rustic décor.
• Wide plank wood flooring can add value to the home.

The Cons of Wide Plank Wood Flooring

• Wide plank wood flooring tends to be more expensive than other wood flooring products.
• The availability of wide plank wood flooring is often quite limited.
• Typically, wide plank wood flooring products need to be special-ordered.
• Wide plank wood flooring is prone to damage and warping in certain extreme climates.

The Cost of Wide Plank Wood Flooring

The cost of true wide plank wood flooring is measurably more expensive when compared to the cost of regular hardwood flooring products, both for material and labor costs. Installing reclaimed wide plank wood can be even more costly because it requires a significant amount of skill in choosing the right pieces, matching wood grain, and avoiding gapping and cupping between the floorboards.

The materials cost of newly manufactured wide plank solid hardwood flooring is typically between $12 and $50 per square foot. You can get reclaimed wide plank wood flooring for, on average, $10 a square foot. However, that price varies based on the hardwood floor species. Also, it is important to remember that the money you save on purchasing reclaimed wood flooring will likely be spent on labor and installation.

When it comes to installation, manufactured wide plank wood flooring will cost about $2 a square foot more than typical narrow plank solid wood flooring. As mentioned above, reclaimed flooring will cost even more because installing reclaimed floorboards is more labor-intensive. With the average $3 to $7 a square foot cost of narrow plank wood flooring, you quickly realize that wide plank wood flooring is clearly the most expensive option.

Wide Plank Wood Flooring Maintenance and Repair

The regular maintenance required for wide wood plank flooring is quite similar to any other wood flooring product. The best method for cleaning your wide plank hardwood floor is to use a damp duster along with a quality hardwood floor cleaning product. You should immediately wipe up any spills and never clean your wide plank wood floors with water or with a steam cleaner. Like other wood floors, wide plank solid wood floors should be sealed regularly using polyurethane varnish.

Whenever possible, you should keep a few extra planks handy in case there is ever a need to replace individual damaged floorboards. Repairing wide plank wood flooring can be tricky and usually requires the help of a wood flooring professional. Like other types of wood flooring products, wide plank wood flooring can be renewed and rejuvenated through hardwood floor sanding and refinishing. However, if the floorboards were face-nailed as part of the installation, this could be a complicated process. Again, seeking professional help is advised.

When to Hire a Wide Plank Wood Flooring Expert

Although more and more homeowners these days are trying their hand at DIY wood flooring installation, the installation of wide plank wood flooring is a whole different animal. Whether you choose newly manufactured wide plank solid wood flooring or decide to use reclaimed wide planks for your floors, it is best to hire a professional for hardwood floor installation in Philadelphia to handle the job.

When you hire a professional with experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of wide plank solid wood flooring, you will save yourself time and money in the long run by eliminating the risk of making more costly mistakes.

If you are interested in the installation, care, or refurbishing wide plank wood flooring, or if you have additional questions, contact the PA hardwood floor experts at Artisan Wood Floors LLC at 215-515-7355 and ask for Steve!