wideplank

Wideplank refers to hardwood floorboards that are wider than standard flooring boards. In common usage, wideplank boards are typically 4 inches or wider, with popular ranges from 4 to 12 inches and beyond. They can be solid wood or engineered wood and come in a variety of species such as oak, maple, walnut, ash, and hickory. Wideplank boards may be unfinished or prefinished, and finishes range from oil to polyurethane.

Wideplank boards are milled from longer sections of timber, which often reveals more natural variation in grain and color. Edge profiles can be square-edged or beveled between boards. They can be installed as site-finished or factory-finished products. Availability of wider boards has increased with modern milling and sourcing practices, expanding design options for traditional, rustic, or contemporary interiors.

Installation and care considerations include acclimation to the space and stable environmental conditions to minimize movement. Solid wideplank floors are typically nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor, while engineered wideplank floors can be installed as floating, glue-down, or nail-down systems. The subfloor must be flat and dry, and humidity levels should be controlled to reduce cupping, bowing, or gaps between boards.

Advantages of wideplank flooring include a more spacious look, prominent grain patterns, and fewer visible joints, which many designers associate with warmth and character. Disadvantages can include greater sensitivity to humidity and seasonal changes, higher cost, and a potential for more maintenance or refinishing over time.

Environmental considerations include sustainable sourcing and certifications such as FSC. Engineered wideplank options may offer improved stability and environmental performance in some applications.