Wide Plank Floors: Top Stores? (7 Secret Sources!)
Theyâre not just a fad. Theyâre a timeless design choice that adds character and value to any home. If youâre thinking about upgrading your floors, youâre in the right place.
Letâs explore why wide plank floors are so popular and where you can find the best options. Iâm talking about the secret sources that even some designers donât know about!
The Allure of Wide Plank Floors
Why are wide plank floors so hot right now? Well, itâs a mix of aesthetics and practicality.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Wide planks instantly make a room feel more spacious. The fewer seams create a cleaner, more open look. Plus, they highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Iâve seen it transform cramped living rooms into inviting havens. * Design Versatility: Whether youâre going for a rustic farmhouse vibe or a sleek modern look, wide plank floors fit right in.
Think about a distressed, wide plank oak floor in a farmhouse kitchen versus a smooth, light-toned maple in a contemporary living room.
The possibilities are endless! * Warmth and Character: Thereâs something about real wood that just feels warm and inviting. Wide planks amplify this feeling, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
They bring a sense of history and authenticity to any space. * Ease of Installation: Okay, maybe not always easy, but wide planks generally mean fewer pieces to install. This can save time and labor costs.
However, proper subfloor preparation is crucial for a smooth installation. * Maintenance Benefits: With fewer seams, there are fewer places for dirt and grime to hide. This makes cleaning a breeze.
Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually all it takes to keep wide plank floors looking their best.
I remember one client who switched from narrow strip flooring to wide planks. The difference was night and day! The room instantly felt larger and more inviting. She couldnât believe how much easier it was to keep clean.
The Beauty of Customization
One of the best things about wide plank flooring is how customizable it is. Youâre not stuck with a one-size-fits- all solution.
You can tailor every aspect to match your personal style and the character of your home.
Letâs break down the key areas of customization:
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Wood Species: Oak, maple, hickory, walnut, pine⊠the list goes on! Each species has its own unique grain pattern, color variation, and hardness.
- Oak: A classic choice, known for its durability and beautiful grain. White oak is more subtle, while red oak has a bolder look.
- Maple: A lighter, more uniform wood thatâs perfect for modern spaces. Itâs also very durable.
- Hickory: A tough and durable wood with a rustic look. It has a lot of character and variation.
- Walnut: A rich, dark wood that adds a touch of luxury. Itâs softer than oak but still durable enough for most homes.
- Pine: A softer wood with a warm, rustic feel. Itâs more prone to dents and scratches, but that can add to its charm.
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Finishes: The finish you choose can dramatically change the look and feel of your floors.
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Oil-Based Finishes: These penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural beauty and providing a matte look. They require more maintenance but are easy to repair.
- Water-Based Finishes: These are more durable and require less maintenance. They come in a range of sheens, from matte to glossy.
- UV-Cured Finishes: These are the most durable and scratch-resistant. Theyâre a great choice for high-traffic areas.
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Textures: From smooth and polished to hand-scraped and distressed, the texture of your floors adds another layer of character.
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Smooth: A classic, clean look thatâs perfect for modern spaces.
- Hand-Scraped: Adds a rustic, time-worn feel. Each plank is individually scraped by hand, creating a unique texture.
- Distressed: Mimics the look of reclaimed wood, with knots, cracks, and other imperfections.
- Widths: This is where the âwideâ in wide plank flooring comes in! Planks can range from 5 inches to over 12 inches wide.
Wider planks generally create a more spacious and luxurious feel.
I once worked with a client who wanted to replicate the look of an old European farmhouse. We used wide plank hickory floors with a hand-scraped texture and an oil- based finish. The result was stunning! It looked like the floors had been there for centuries.
Store Types: Where to Find Your Dream Floors
Now, letâs talk about where you can actually buy wide plank flooring. You have several options, each with its own pros and cons.
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Major Retailers: Think big box stores like Home Depot and Loweâs.
- Pros: Convenience, competitive pricing, wide selection.
- Cons: Limited customization options, variable quality, less personalized service.
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Specialty Flooring Stores: These stores focus exclusively on flooring.
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Pros: Expert advice, higher quality products, more customization options.
- Cons: Higher prices, less convenient than big box stores.
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Online Marketplaces: Sites like Wayfair and Amazon offer a vast selection of flooring.
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Pros: Competitive pricing, wide selection, convenient shopping.
- Cons: Difficult to assess quality online, shipping costs can be high, returns can be a hassle.
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Custom Manufacturers: These companies specialize in creating custom flooring to your exact specifications.
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Pros: Unlimited customization options, highest quality, unique and personalized results.
- Cons: Highest prices, longer lead times.
I always recommend starting your search at specialty flooring stores or custom manufacturers. Yes, they might be more expensive, but the quality and customization options are worth it.
Youâre investing in your home, so you want to get it right!
Top Stores for Wide Plank Floors: My 7 Secret Sources
Okay, hereâs the part youâve been waiting for! Iâm going to share my top 7 secret sources for wide plank flooring. These are the stores that I trust to deliver quality, customization, and exceptional service.
1. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
- Introduction: Carlisle is a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the wide plank flooring industry. Theyâve been around for decades and have a reputation for excellence.
- Flooring Offered: They offer a wide range of hardwood species, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. They also offer engineered options.
- Customization: Carlisle excels in customization. You can choose your wood species, grade, width, length, texture, and finish. They even offer custom color matching.
- Price Range: Expect to pay a premium for Carlisleâs quality and customization. Prices typically range from \$12 to \$25 per square foot.
- Customer Service: Carlisle is known for its exceptional customer service. They have a team of design consultants who can help you choose the perfect flooring for your home.
- Unique Selling Points: Their commitment to quality and customization is unmatched. They also offer a lifetime structural warranty on their floors.
Iâve used Carlisle floors in several high-end projects, and the results have always been stunning. The quality is simply outstanding.
2. Lumber Liquidators (LL Flooring)
- Introduction: LL Flooring is a well-known retailer offering a wide variety of flooring options, including wide plank floors, at competitive prices.
- Flooring Offered: They provide a range of wide plank options in solid hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate, featuring various wood species and styles.
- Customization: While not as extensive as some specialty stores, LL Flooring offers choices in finish, texture, and plank width to suit different aesthetic preferences.
- Price Range: LL Flooring is known for its affordable pricing, with wide plank options generally ranging from \$3 to \$12 per square foot, depending on the material and specifications.
- Customer Service: Customer service can be variable, but they offer in-store consultations and online support to assist with product selection and installation advice.
- Unique Selling Points: LL Flooring stands out for its balance of affordability and variety, making it a good option for budget-conscious homeowners seeking wide plank floors.
Iâve recommended LL Flooring to clients looking for cost-effective solutions without sacrificing too much on style.
3. BuildDirect
- Introduction: BuildDirect is an online marketplace that connects homeowners with manufacturers and suppliers of building materials, including wide plank flooring.
- Flooring Offered: They offer a vast selection of wide plank flooring in various materials, including hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo, and vinyl.
- Customization: BuildDirect offers a range of customization options, including wood species, finish, texture, and width. However, customization options may vary depending on the supplier.
- Price Range: BuildDirectâs prices are generally competitive, ranging from \$4 to \$15 per square foot. They often offer discounts and promotions.
- Customer Service: BuildDirect offers online chat and phone support. They also have a satisfaction guarantee.
- Unique Selling Points: BuildDirectâs vast selection and competitive prices make it a great option for homeowners who want to shop online.
Iâve found some great deals on BuildDirect, but itâs important to read reviews and check the supplierâs reputation before making a purchase.
4. Provenza Floors
- Introduction: Provenza Floors is known for its high-quality, stylish flooring options, including a notable selection of wide plank designs that cater to modern and traditional tastes.
- Flooring Offered: They specialize in hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, with a focus on wide planks that showcase natural wood aesthetics.
- Customization: Provenza offers a variety of finishes, textures, and colors, allowing for some degree of customization to match specific interior design themes.
- Price Range: Prices for Provenzaâs wide plank flooring typically range from \$8 to \$18 per square foot, reflecting their emphasis on quality and design.
- Customer Service: Provenza is committed to customer satisfaction, providing detailed product information and support through authorized dealers and online resources.
- Unique Selling Points: Provenza stands out for its innovative designs and durable flooring solutions, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking stylish and long-lasting wide plank floors.
I often recommend Provenza to clients who want a blend of style and durability.
5. Real Wood Floors
- Introduction: Real Wood Floors specializes in high-end hardwood flooring, with a focus on wide plank options that highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
- Flooring Offered: They offer a variety of hardwood species, including oak, maple, hickory, and walnut, in solid and engineered formats.
- Customization: Real Wood Floors provides customization options for finish, texture, and plank width, allowing customers to create unique flooring designs.
- Price Range: Prices for Real Wood Floors typically range from \$10 to \$20 per square foot, reflecting their focus on quality and craftsmanship.
- Customer Service: Real Wood Floors is known for its excellent customer service, offering personalized assistance and expert advice to help customers choose the perfect flooring for their homes.
- Unique Selling Points: Real Wood Floors stands out for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that their products are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
I appreciate Real Wood Floorsâ commitment to sustainability. Itâs important to choose flooring thatâs both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
6. Appalachian Woods
- Introduction: Appalachian Woods is a smaller, specialty manufacturer that focuses on sustainably harvested hardwood flooring, with a particular emphasis on wide plank options. Theyâre a bit of a hidden gem!
- Flooring Offered: They primarily offer solid hardwood flooring in Appalachian species like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
- Customization: Appalachian Woods offers extensive customization options, including wood species, grade, width, length, texture, finish, and even custom milling.
- Price Range: Prices range from \$10 to \$22 per square foot, depending on the species and level of customization.
- Customer Service: Because theyâre a smaller company, Appalachian Woods offers incredibly personalized customer service. Youâll work directly with their team to design your perfect floors.
- Unique Selling Points: Their commitment to sustainability and their ability to create truly custom flooring sets them apart. They also offer a unique âlive edgeâ flooring option.
I love supporting smaller, sustainable businesses like Appalachian Woods. Their floors are truly unique and beautiful.
7. Etsy (Yes, Etsy!)
- Introduction: Believe it or not, Etsy is a great source for unique, handcrafted wide plank flooring. You can find individual artisans and small businesses that specialize in creating custom floors.
- Flooring Offered: The types of flooring offered vary widely depending on the seller. You can find everything from reclaimed wood flooring to hand-painted designs.
- Customization: Customization options are also seller-dependent. Many sellers are happy to work with you to create a custom design.
- Price Range: Prices can vary widely, but you can often find unique, high-quality flooring at competitive prices.
- Customer Service: Customer service is handled directly by the seller. Be sure to read reviews and check the sellerâs reputation before making a purchase.
- Unique Selling Points: Etsy offers the opportunity to support independent artisans and find truly one-of-a- kind flooring.
Iâve discovered some amazing flooring on Etsy! Itâs a great place to find something truly unique and special.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Floors
So, there you have it! My top 7 secret sources for wide plank flooring. Remember, choosing the right flooring is an investment in your home.
Take your time, do your research, and donât be afraid to ask questions.
Wide plank flooring can transform your space. It adds beauty, warmth, and character.
Whether youâre going for a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek modern vibe, wide plank floors can help you achieve your design goals.
Explore these stores and find the perfect wide plank flooring for your home. Happy renovating!
