Why Can Hardwood Floors Look So Different?
Nothing beats a classic hardwood floor. When it comes to hardwood flooring in Minnesota, you may have noticed that wood floors come in different sizes. While some have wide plank flooring, others look narrow.
This can be confusing for homeowners who are trying to choose the right flooring for their home renovation project. Hardwood flooring sizes are just one of the many options you’ll have when choosing floors.
However, there are several reasons why wood floors come in different sizes. Understanding why hardwood floors come in different sizes can help homeowners make an informed decision when selecting their hardwood flooring.
Room Size and Layout
The size of the room or space will play a role in choosing your wood planks. Larger rooms may benefit from wide plank hardwood flooring to create a more spacious feel. A small room may benefit from narrower planks to make them appear larger.
The size of a room can also determine the best size of hardwood flooring to use. For instance, larger rooms may require wider planks to reduce the number of seams and create a more spacious feel. Smaller rooms may benefit from narrower planks.
Floor Installation Method
Wood floors come in different sizes because different installation methods and design preferences require specific sizes. Here are some common reasons why wood floors come in different sizes
Different installation methods require different sizes of wood flooring. For example, glued-down installations require smaller planks compared to nail or floating installations.
Wood Floor Design preference
Personal preference and style also play a role in choosing plank size. Some homeowners prefer a more traditional look with narrow planks, while others prefer a modern aesthetic with wider planks.
Wood flooring is available in various sizes to suit different design preferences. For instance, wider planks create a more rustic, traditional look, while narrower planks may suit contemporary or modern styles.
Wood Species and Grading
Different species of trees have different growth patterns and characteristics, which can result in varying widths and lengths of planks.
Different wood species have varying natural characteristics, such as grain patterns and color variation. Consequently, some wood species are better suited for wider or narrower planks. Additionally, some grades of wood have fewer knots and other imperfections, making them better suited for wider planks.
Flooring Availability
Manufacturers offer different sizes of wood flooring to cater to the varying needs and demands of consumers. Additionally, some wood flooring sizes may be more readily available than others depending on supply and demand. Popular wood flooring options include oak and maple hardwood floors.
Pros and Cons of Wide vs Narrow Wood Floors
The size of wood flooring can impact maintenance. It ultimately depends on the specific type of wood flooring and its installation method. Here are some ways that wood floor sizing can affect maintenance:
Cleaning Wood Planks
The size of wood flooring can affect the ease and frequency of cleaning. Wider planks may be more challenging to clean thoroughly because they have more surface area. In contrast, narrower planks may be easier to clean.
Moisture absorption and Expansion
Wider planks may absorb more moisture and expand more than narrower planks, leading to potential buckling or warping. This means that wider planks may require more attention to maintain proper moisture levels in the home. They may need more care during cleaning to avoid excessive water exposure.
Wear & Tear
The size of wood flooring can affect the wear and tear on the finish. Wider planks may wear more evenly with fewer seams showing scratches. Smaller planks may have more seams, which could lead to more wear and tear.
Repair and Refinishing
When it comes to repair and refinishing, different sizes of wood flooring may require different approaches. Wider planks may be more difficult to work with. It may require replacing a large section of the floor to repair the damage. Smaller planks, on the other hand, may be easier to repair or refinish.
Where Do I Start With Wood Flooring?
Choosing the right wood floor for your Minnesota home or business can be a daunting task with so many options available. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice due to its durability, longevity, and timeless beauty. However, selecting the perfect wood flooring that meets your needs and complements your space can be challenging.
Wood floors come in different sizes to accommodate different installation methods, room sizes, design preferences, wood species, grading, and availability. The choice of size ultimately depends on the desired visual effects and installation requirements.
Talk To A Wood Flooring Expert
It’s essential to talk to a professional who can guide you through the process. They can help with choosing the right wood planks for your small or large space. A professional can help you evaluate factors such as foot traffic, room size, and humidity levels. This can help to determine which type of wood flooring would work best in your Minnesota home.
Don’t leave such an important decision up to chance. Contact a hardwood flooring expert from Dave’s Floor Sanding today to ensure that you make the right choice for your Twin Cities home or business.