Affordable Wide Plank Floors? (3 Best Buys!)
More often than not, it’s the flooring, isn’t it?
I’m talking about that instant upgrade that makes a space feel bigger, brighter, and way more stylish.
And lately, the trend that’s been catching everyone’s eye is wide plank flooring.
It’s no longer limited to the ultra-rich; it’s now accessible to almost everyone.
Changing your flooring can feel like a big deal, but honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to give your home a total makeover.
Think about it: you can go from drab to fab in just a few days, and wide plank floors are incredibly versatile.
They work in rustic farmhouses just as well as in sleek, modern apartments.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Wide plank floors? Sounds expensive!”
And that’s where I come in. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to empty your bank account to get this look.
In this article, I’m diving deep into the best affordable wide plank flooring options on the market.
I’ll share my insights on what to look for, where to find the best deals, and how to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to transform your home, one plank at a time!
Understanding Wide Plank Flooring
Okay, let’s get down to basics. What exactly is wide plank flooring?
Well, traditionally, flooring planks were around 2-3 inches wide.
Wide plank flooring, on the other hand, typically starts at about 5 inches wide and can go up to 12 inches or even more!
Think of it as the difference between skinny jeans and wide-leg trousers – a totally different vibe, right?
But it’s not just about the size; it’s about the whole aesthetic.
Wide planks show off more of the wood’s natural character, creating a more open and airy feel in your space.
Now, let’s talk materials. You’ve got a few options here:
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Hardwood: The real deal. It looks amazing, adds value to your home, and can last for generations.
But, it’s also the most expensive and requires more maintenance. * Engineered Wood: This is real wood on top of a plywood core.
It’s more stable than solid hardwood, especially in humid climates, and often more affordable. * Laminate: Made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures, laminate mimics the look of wood with a photographic layer.
It’s super durable, scratch-resistant, and budget-friendly. * Vinyl: Waterproof and incredibly durable, vinyl plank flooring is a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
It comes in a huge range of styles and is often the most affordable choice.
Each material has its pros and cons, so it really depends on your budget, lifestyle, and the look you’re going for.
I’ve seen homeowners totally transform their living rooms with wide plank laminate, while others swear by the timeless beauty of solid hardwood.
Benefits of Wide Plank Floors
So, why choose wide plank floors anyway?
Well, for starters, they can make a room feel bigger. The fewer seams mean less visual clutter, which creates a sense of spaciousness.
Plus, wide planks can be easier to install, especially if you’re going with a click-lock system. Less cutting, less fuss, and you’re done faster!
And let’s not forget the maintenance factor. Wide planks often have fewer grooves where dirt can accumulate, making them easier to clean.
A quick sweep or mop, and you’re good to go.
Now, let’s bust a few myths. I often hear people say that wide plank flooring is only for large homes or that it’s super expensive to install.
Not true! Wide plank floors can actually make a small space feel bigger, and there are plenty of affordable options out there, as I’m about to show you.
As for installation, while it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional, many wide plank options are DIY-friendly, saving you even more money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Affordable Wide Plank Floors
Alright, so you’re sold on wide plank floors. Awesome! But before you run out and buy the first thing you see, let’s talk about the factors you need to consider to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
Budget, Budget, Budget
I always tell my clients to start with a budget. How much are you willing to spend per square foot?
This will help you narrow down your options and avoid falling in love with something you can’t afford.
As of today, June 5, 2024, here’s a general price range you can expect:
| Material | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | \$8 – \$15+ |
| Engineered Wood | \$4 – \$10+ |
| Laminate | \$1 – \$5 |
| Vinyl | \$2 – \$7 |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and prices can vary depending on the brand, finish, and where you live.
And don’t forget to factor in the cost of installation if you’re not doing it yourself.
Durability is Key
Next up: durability. Think about where you’re installing the flooring and how much traffic it will see.
Got kids and pets? You’ll want something that can stand up to scratches, spills, and general wear and tear.
Laminate and vinyl are great options here, as they’re both incredibly durable and easy to clean.
Engineered wood is also a good choice, as it’s more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood.
Style and Color
Now for the fun part: style and color! Your flooring should complement your overall home decor and reflect your personal taste.
Do you want a rustic, farmhouse look? Go for wide planks with a distressed finish and natural wood tones.
Prefer a modern, minimalist vibe? Consider light-colored planks with a smooth, matte finish.
Dark floors can add drama and sophistication, but they can also make a room feel smaller, so keep that in mind.
I always recommend getting samples of different flooring options and seeing how they look in your space with your existing furniture and lighting.
Installation Methods
Finally, let’s talk installation. There are a few different methods to choose from:
- Click-Lock: These planks simply snap together, making them super easy to install yourself.
- Glue-Down: As the name suggests, these planks are glued directly to the subfloor. This method is more permanent and requires a smooth, level surface.
- Nail-Down: This is the traditional method for installing hardwood floors, where the planks are nailed to the subfloor. It requires specialized tools and skills.
Click-lock is generally the most affordable and DIY-friendly option, while glue-down and nail-down are best left to the pros.
The Top 3 Affordable Wide Plank Flooring Options
Okay, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Based on my experience and research, here are my top 3 picks for affordable wide plank flooring:
Option 1: Pergo Outlast+ Laminate
Pergo is a well-known brand in the flooring industry, and their Outlast+ laminate line is a fantastic option for budget-conscious homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the hefty price tag.
- Material: Laminate
- Dimensions: Typically comes in planks around 7-8 inches wide and 4-5 feet long.
- Finish: Available in a variety of realistic wood-look finishes, including oak, hickory, and maple.
Pricing: You can usually find Pergo Outlast+ laminate for around \$2-\$4 per square foot at major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Where to Purchase: Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other flooring retailers.
Warranty/Customer Service: Pergo offers a limited lifetime warranty on their Outlast+ laminate, which covers things like staining, fading, and wear.
Their customer service is generally well-regarded, with helpful representatives available to answer questions and resolve issues.
Customer Reviews/Testimonials: Customers rave about the durability and water resistance of Pergo Outlast+ laminate.
Many reviewers mention that it looks and feels like real wood, and they’re impressed with how well it holds up to heavy traffic and spills.
One reviewer on Lowe’s website wrote, “I have two large dogs and two kids, and this flooring still looks brand new after a year! It’s so easy to clean, and I don’t have to worry about scratches or water damage.”
Option 2: Lifeproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Lifeproof is another popular brand that’s known for its high-quality vinyl plank flooring. Their wide plank options are a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, as they’re 100% waterproof and incredibly durable.
- Material: Vinyl
- Dimensions: Typically comes in planks around 7-9 inches wide and 4-5 feet long.
- Finish: Available in a wide range of wood-look and tile-look finishes, with realistic textures and patterns.
Pricing: Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring typically costs around \$3-\$5 per square foot at Home Depot.
Where to Purchase: Home Depot
Warranty/Customer Service: Lifeproof offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl plank flooring, which covers things like staining, fading, and wear.
Their customer service is generally well-regarded, with helpful representatives available to answer questions and resolve issues.
Customer Reviews/Testimonials: Customers love the waterproof and scratch-resistant properties of Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring.
Many reviewers mention that it’s easy to install and maintain, and they’re impressed with how well it stands up to moisture and heavy traffic.
One reviewer on Home Depot’s website wrote, “I installed this flooring in my basement bathroom, and it’s been a lifesaver!
No more worrying about water damage from leaky pipes or spills. It looks great, and it’s so easy to clean.”
Unique Aspects/Innovations: Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring features a unique rigid core construction that makes it more stable and durable than traditional vinyl plank flooring.
It also has an attached underlayment, which provides added comfort and sound insulation.
Option 3: Select Surfaces Laminate
Select Surfaces is a brand exclusive to Sam’s Club, and their laminate flooring is a hidden gem for budget-conscious homeowners.
They offer a wide range of stylish and durable wide plank options at incredibly competitive prices.
- Material: Laminate
- Dimensions: Typically comes in planks around 6-8 inches wide and 4-6 feet long.
- Finish: Available in a variety of wood-look finishes, including oak, hickory, and walnut.
Pricing: You can usually find Select Surfaces laminate for around \$1.50-\$3 per square foot at Sam’s Club.
Where to Purchase: Sam’s Club
Warranty/Customer Service: Select Surfaces offers a 10-year warranty on their laminate flooring, which covers things like staining, fading, and wear.
Their customer service is generally well-regarded, with helpful representatives available to answer questions and resolve issues.
Customer Reviews/Testimonials: Customers are impressed with the quality and value of Select Surfaces laminate.
Many reviewers mention that it’s easy to install and looks great, especially considering the price.
One reviewer on Sam’s Club’s website wrote, “I was skeptical about buying laminate flooring from Sam’s Club, but I’m so glad I did!
It looks amazing, it was easy to install, and it’s held up great to my kids and pets. You can’t beat the price!”
Standout Characteristics: Select Surfaces laminate is known for its exceptional value and wide range of stylish designs.
They also offer a variety of coordinating moldings and accessories to complete your flooring project.
Plus, their laminate is FloorScore certified, which means it meets strict indoor air quality standards.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! My top 3 picks for affordable wide plank flooring.
As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look you want.
Whether you choose Pergo Outlast+ laminate, Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring, or Select Surfaces laminate, you can transform your space without breaking the bank.
Remember to consider your personal style preferences and practical needs when selecting flooring.
Think about your budget, the amount of traffic your floors will see, and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
And don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix and match different colors and textures to create a unique look that reflects your personality.
I encourage you to explore these options and envision the transformation of your spaces with affordable wide plank flooring.
Changing your floors is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to update your home, and with the right choices, you can create a space that you’ll love for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your flooring makeover today!
