Hardwood Flooring Trend: It’s All About the Planks
What’s hot in hardwood flooring? At San Jose Hardwood Floors we see two common plank trends:
- Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring
- Random Width Hardwood Flooring
No matter what type of species you’re looking into, random width or wide plank hardwood flooring will likely be available; there doesn’t seem to be a trend toward certain widths for certain species. Although 2013 design trends are showing a lot of white oak, walnut, hickory and European oak, what we’ve been seeing at San Jose Hardwood Floors is homeowners customizing their hardwood flooring to match their own personal styles and tastes. You can even mix up the different plank sizes like the Santa Clara kitchen above, with 13, 14, 15 and 16 inch hickory planks.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, certain trends stand the test of time, becoming enduring classics. One such trend that continues to captivate homeowners is wide plank hardwood flooring. At San Jose Hardwood Floors, we’ve witnessed firsthand the growing popularity of both wide plank and random width hardwood flooring. These flooring options offer unique aesthetic and functional benefits, allowing homeowners to create spaces that are both stylish and personal.
All About Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring
How is wide plank different than random width hardwood flooring? The main difference is that wide plank hardwood flooring boards are a uniform length throughout the floor. A continuing trend that continues to become more and more popular, these hardwood floors are made from boards that are at least 6 inches wide, although they are usually much wider. New hardwood flooring with wide planks are hard to find, but there are a lot of fantastic options made from reclaimed wood, meaning that in addition to being eco-friendly the boards are rich with character and history.
All About Random Width Hardwood Flooring
Random width hardwood flooring is growing popularity, likely due to homeowners realizing that it’s an available option. Just like the name implies, these planks come in varying sizes throughout the floor, adding an element of personalized style to a home. We’ve seen clients mix the boards throughout the hardwood floors randomly or in a certain pattern. You can also choose to use extremely narrow planks, ultra-wide planks or a mixture of anything in between. Plus you aren’t limited by length of the boards – they can be as long or short as you’d like. As with other types of hardwood flooring, the possibilities are endless!
The Rise of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring:
What exactly makes wide plank hardwood flooring so desirable? Unlike traditional narrow planks, wide planks, typically measuring 6 inches or more in width, create a sense of spaciousness and grandeur. This visual effect is particularly impactful in larger rooms, where the wider boards minimize the number of seams, resulting in a cleaner, more expansive look.
Key Advantages of Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wide planks lend a rustic, yet sophisticated charm to any space. They highlight the natural beauty and grain patterns of the wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Spaciousness: As mentioned, wider planks make rooms appear larger and more open, ideal for both small and large spaces.
- Modern Elegance: Wide plank flooring seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, making it a versatile choice for various interior styles.
- Character and History: Reclaimed wide plank flooring, in particular, adds a unique touch of history and character to a home. These boards often bear the marks of time, telling a story and creating a truly one-of-a-kind floor.
- Uniform Look: Wide plank flooring is laid with planks of a uniform width, creating a consistent and smooth visual.
Species and Customization
While popular choices like white oak, walnut, hickory, and European oak continue to dominate the market, homeowners are increasingly embracing customization. At San Jose Hardwood Floors, we encourage clients to personalize their flooring to reflect their unique tastes. As exemplified in the Santa Clara kitchen project, mixing plank sizes (e.g., 13, 14, 15, and 16-inch hickory planks) can create a visually stunning and dynamic floor.
Sustainability and Reclaimed Wood
The growing interest in eco-friendly materials has further fueled the popularity of wide plank hardwood flooring. Reclaimed wood options offer a sustainable alternative to newly harvested timber, reducing environmental impact while adding a touch of vintage charm. These reclaimed boards are often rich in character, featuring unique grain patterns, knots, and imperfections that tell a story.
Comparing with Random Width Hardwood Flooring
While wide plank flooring offers a uniform and expansive look, random width hardwood flooring provides a more eclectic and personalized aesthetic. This option allows for a mix of plank widths within the same floor, creating a dynamic and visually interesting pattern. Homeowners can experiment with various widths, from narrow to ultra-wide, and arrange them randomly or in a specific pattern.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home:
Deciding between wide plank and random width hardwood flooring depends on your personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic you wish to achieve. Consider the following factors:
- Room Size: Wide planks are ideal for larger rooms, while random widths can add visual interest to smaller spaces.
- Style Preference: Wide planks offer a more traditional and elegant look, while random widths provide a more contemporary and eclectic feel.
- Personalization: Random widths offer greater flexibility in terms of customization and pattern design.
- Desired Look: Do you want a uniform clean look, or a more rustic, varied look?
Expert Guidance and Installation:
At San Jose Hardwood Floors, our certified experts are dedicated to helping you find the perfect hardwood flooring solution for your home. We offer a wide range of species, widths, and finishes to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of wide planks or the dynamic appeal of random widths, we can guide you through the selection and installation process.
Ready to transform your home with beautiful hardwood flooring? Visit our showroom or contact us today for a free in-home quote. Let us help you create a space that reflects your unique style and personality.
Do you know if you want wide plank hardwood flooring or random width hardwood flooring? Boards can be ordered in just about any width, as little as an inch wide to a foot and more. Our certified experts can help you figure out the exact type of hardwood floors you’re looking for in your home, so come visit our showroom or contact us today for your free in-home quote!