7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring
In-home design, wide plank hardwood flooring is in the spotlight in 2024. These big, stylish floorboards not only make a room look more spacious and elegant but also add a touch of class. Besides, wide planks are versatile and can complement a variety of interior design styles, from modern to rustic, providing a sleek and contemporary look while adding warmth and character to your space.
The dimensions of hardwood planks with 10 or more inches significantly impact a room’s ambiance, elevating its overall aesthetic. Beyond aesthetics, they offer a unique way to manipulate spatial dynamics and visual depth in a room, creating a sense of openness and tranquility, fostering a spacious and calm environment subtly.
Moreover, wide plank hardwood flooring showcases the natural beauty of the wood. The larger surface area of these planks highlights the intricate grains and textures present in a single, uninterrupted slab. Conversely, narrower planks are better suited for cozier spaces where their scale can complement the intimate surroundings.
Before embracing the wide plank flooring trend, consider essential factors ensuring your new floors not only look beautiful but also remain durable over time.
1. Play properly with dimensions
When selecting wide planks, ensure that the dimensions are appropriate to prevent overwhelming the space. There are some rules to explore the dimensions of wood floors to manipulate the depth and spatial perception of a room. Larger planks can make a room appear longer and cozier, especially in big spaces. For spacious rooms, choose planks from 10” to 14” to keep the balance just right. However, if you are considering a wide hardwood floor for an apartment, where slender hallways or small spaces are common, avoid super-wide planks. Narrower planks ranging from 6-8 inches are ideal for compact settings, contributing to a balanced and visually pleasing aesthetic.
2. Opt for Fixed Lengths for Consistent Aesthetics
When selecting hardwood flooring, opt for brands that sell fixed lengths to ensure visual consistency in the installation. Fixed-length planks offer longer pieces, guaranteeing a seamless appearance. On the other hand, while random lengths may come at a lower cost, you cannot preview the sizes of the planks. The risk? Receiving shorter pieces of planks, which may result in a less visually appealing outcome.
3. Visit a Showroom
If you’re feeling unsure about sizes, quality, or how it’ll look in person, avoid purchasing online to ascertain the actual dimensions and ensure that they align with your design vision. Head to a trusted showroom that carries hardwood flooring. Seeing and feeling the quality of the product will fill you with confidence that you are making the perfect choice. Chat with a salesperson to know how the flooring is made, affects how you’ll need to care for it and how long it’ll last. Choosing high-quality material as European Oak is key to keeping your floors looking great for years to come. Access this link to find the nearest store in your area: https://www.rivaspain.com/locations/
Pick a size that suits the room and enhances its look. RIVA Elite 8” in color Crystal, Character grading.
4. Choose technology over robustness
When beginning the installation of wide planks, it is crucial to carefully deliberate on the optimal material selection, considering not only the ease of handling the boards but also their inherent stability. Engineered hardwood flooring, boasting cutting-edge technology, offers unparalleled stability along with effortless stainability, thermal adaptability, and simplified installation procedures. In contrast, solid hardwood floors, characterized by their weight and predominantly narrow planks, are primarily chosen for their structural robustness.
5. Decide Wood Grade Style
The type of wood grain can change how your floors look overall. If you want a modern feel, go for a smooth, knot-free surface. Called select grade, this grade style comes from the younger part of the tree and it provides a uniform appearance and sleek finish. Keep in mind that select grade flooring has a higher price because of demand. If you prefer a more rustic look, go for character grade, embrace knots and imperfections for added charm, unique appearance and a distinctive look.
6. Make an Intentional Color Choice
There are many wood colors to choose from, so pick one that fits your style and the ambiance you want. Light colors can make a room feel airy, while dark shades add warmth and sophistication. (insert link: https://www.rivaspain.com/rivamax/ )
7. Prioritize Material Quality
As the world of design shifts towards quiet luxury, homeowners are looking for ways to bring quality and timeless style to their homes. Once a floor is not something you change easily in a home, it is one of the things worth investing in quality to ensure durability. Choose a stable wood species like European Oak, which is durable and sourced sustainably. Also consider opting for engineered hardwood flooring, because it can handle everyday use and it is easier to maintain. Remember that a hardwood flooring is an investment that will enhance the value of your property and bring daily satisfaction with every step.
Choose a stable wood species like European Oak, which is durable and sourced sustainably. RIVA MAX 10” collection in Crystal color and Character grad.
