While wide plank flooring isn’t necessarily a new development in wood flooring design, it has seen a huge surge of popularity among homeowners and designers alike over the past few years. Indeed, wide planks can add a touch of elegance and drama to any room. However, like any flooring option, this trend is not for everyone. If you’re thinking about wide planks as an option for your next flooring project, let’s delve into some of the advantages and disadvantages.

What is Wide Plank Flooring?

Wide plank flooring typically refers to wood planks that are wider than the traditional 2 ¼ to 3-inch boards. Wide planks can range from 5 inches to as wide as 12 inches or more. These broader planks offer a distinctive look, showcasing the wood’s natural grain and texture in a way that narrower boards cannot. It’s essential to note that while wide plank flooring is often associated with hardwood, it can also be made from other materials such as engineered wood or luxury vinyl.

The Pros of Wide Plank Flooring

Let’s begin by looking at some of the advantages wide plank floors can offer.

Aesthetic Appeal

Wide planks are renowned for their stunning visual impact. The broader planks create fewer seams, allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to shine through. This enhances the overall appearance of the floor, giving it a luxurious and timeless feel. The wide surface area showcases more of the wood’s natural patterns, knots, and imperfections, creating a unique and authentic look. Wide planks can also make a room feel larger and more open. The fewer seams can create a sense of continuity, making spaces appear less cluttered.

Variety of Styles

Wide planks come in various wood species, finishes, and stains, offering versatility to match any interior design style. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek, modern aesthetic, there’s a wide plank option to suit your taste.

Increased Home Value

Investing in high-quality wide plank flooring can add significant value to your home. This flooring type is often associated with luxury and durability, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers. Not only can wide plank wood flooring give you a great return on investment by lasting for decades with proper care, but homes with wide plank floors tend to stand out on the market, potentially increasing resale value.

The Cons of Wide Plank Flooring

For some homeowners, the drawbacks of wide plank flooring outweigh the benefits. Let’s look at some of the potential disadvantages.

Higher Cost

One of the primary drawbacks of wide plank flooring is the higher upfront cost. High-quality wide planks often come at a premium price, especially if you opt for rare wood species or custom finishes. In addition, installing wide planks can be more labor-intensive, requiring skilled craftsmanship to ensure proper fitting and alignment.

Limited Availability

Finding the perfect wide plank floors can be challenging sometimes as not all wood species and finishes are available in wide formats. This can limit your choices and potentially delay your project. In some cases, you may need to place special orders or wait for custom milling, which can extend the timeline for your flooring project. Availability can also be affected sometimes by supply chain limitations because they tend to be in high demand. This isn’t to say you can’t get the flooring you want–you just may need to exercise a little patience when ordering certain types of wide plank floors.

Installation Challenges

Wide plank flooring requires precise installation to avoid issues down the line. The installation process for wide planks is more complex, necessitating careful subfloor preparation and meticulous fitting. Ensuring a stable and level subfloor is also essential to prevent problems such as squeaking or uneven surfaces. In short, you want to be certain that you’re working with an experienced technician since not all wood floor installers have the experience or qualifications to work with wide planks. (And it’s certainly not something to attempt DIY.)

Are Wide Plank Floors Right for My Home?

Ultimately, choosing whether or not to use wide plank flooring comes down to personal aesthetic and budget. However, design experts will generally tell you that wide plank floors are best for big rooms and refined or minimalist design styles because they add a sense of space and formality. In small rooms, wide planks can actually highlight the limited space and make it feel more claustrophobic.

At Renaissance Hardwood Flooring, installation teams have extensive experience in quality wide plank installation, along with many other types of custom styles and designs. Over the past 40-plus years, we have built a solid reputation for quality and craftsmanship across both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. Contact us here to schedule a complimentary quote.

Some style trends appear once, and you never see them again. Others, however, seem to make their way back into popular culture again and again. That’s exactly what we see happening with herringbone wood flooring. Although this flooring pattern has been around for centuries, it’s recently become one of our most requested floors yet again. It’s like this classic style has been rediscovered, and now, it’s making waves in modern homes, beautifully marrying old-world charm with contemporary design.

What’s the Story Behind Herringbone?

The herringbone pattern isn’t a newcomer. It’s actually been around since the days of the Roman Empire, deriving its name from its resemblance to fish bones. Originally used in brick roadways for its stability under compression, this pattern made its grand entrance into homes during the 16th century, dressing up the floors of fancy French chateaus and Italian villas. At that time, it was the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Fast forward a few centuries, and herringbone is still captivating homeowners all over the globe.

Why We’re All Falling for Herringbone

There’s something about the zigzag pattern of herringbone that just draws you in. It’s not your ordinary flooring; it’s got character and drama. It plays with light and space, making rooms look bigger and more interesting. Whether your home design is ultra-modern or more Downton Abbey, herringbone wood flooring fits right in.

It’s Not Just Pretty—It’s Practical, Too

Herringbone isn’t just about good looks; it’s also incredibly durable. The interlocking pattern of the wood planks is not just for show–it adds an additional layer of stability that can withstand lots of foot traffic and plenty of weight. (Remember–the Romans used the herringbone pattern as a way to reinforce their roads!) Ultimately, when it’s properly installed, herringbone wood flooring can last for generations–not just in style, but in substance.

Boosting Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of selling your home someday, herringbone floors might just be your secret weapon. Wood flooring in itself is known to boost home values, but the herringbone pattern amplifies this trend because it attracts more attention. It’s an investment that pays off by making your space more desirable to future buyers.

Trendy, Yet Timeless

Yes, herringbone wood flooring is having a bit of a moment–but considering this style has been around for ages, there’s also a timeless quality to it. This style is the perfect blend of beauty, versatility, and durability, with a splash of history thrown in for good measure. It’s a choice that says, “I love my home, and I want it to have something special.”

One important thing to keep in mind: herringbone flooring should not be installed by novices. It’s a complicated process that requires precise measuring and a high level of craftsmanship. That’s why you should only use a trusted wood flooring company to install it. At Renaissance, our team of master craftsmen are highly skilled in installing herringbone wood flooring, along with many other intricate patterns and styles. For a complementary quote in Tulsa, Catoosa, Claremore, Oklahoma City, or other parts of Green Country, contact us here.

Despite the timelessness of wood flooring itself, preferences do change over time as to how these floors look and what people are asking for. Now a few months into 2024, we’re noticing some specific design trends taking the forefront. Some of these are timeless looks that are making a comeback, while other trends seem to be new and innovative. Let’s dive in and explore some of the top wood flooring design trends we are tracking this year.

Natural & Light Wood

In keeping with the ongoing popularity of the “modern farmhouse” style, we’re seeing a consistent demand for natural finishes, lighter wood tones, and a more “unfinished” look that embraces the natural imperfections of the wood such as knots, grains, and color variations. This move toward nature and authenticity makes each floor unique and tells a story of its own.

Mixed Tone Wood Floors

Mixed tone wood floors are gaining popularity as they offer a unique and visually interesting aesthetic. This trend involves combining different shades and tones of wood within the same floor, creating a beautiful blend of colors that adds depth and character to your space. Watch for this trend to grow in popularity this year.

Wide Plank Floors

While some previously dismissed wide plank hardwood as a fad, its popularity is continuing to rise. The wider planks give a sense of luxury and spaciousness, making them perfect for open-plan living spaces. Additionally, these wide planks can feature natural imperfections and saw marks, further enhancing their rustic charm.

Large Format Flooring

Hand-in-hand with wide plank floors is a trend known as large format flooring. These floors not only integrate wider planks, but larger and longer planks, to create a dramatic and expansive look. This style is particularly suited to larger rooms where the scale of the flooring can truly shine.

Patterned Wood Flooring

While patterned styles have been around for centuries, herringbone floors are making a huge comeback in 2024, along with other classic patterns like parquet flooring. There’s also a trend toward more innovative, modern, and abstract patterns as homeowners seek to add a one-of-a-kind look to their homes. This trend truly gives homeowners an opportunity to express their creativity and individuality.

Whether you’re renovating your home or planning a new build, these wood flooring trends offer a wealth of inspiration. That said, remember that the best floor is one that fits your personal style and meets your practical needs. At Renaissance, our skilled craftsmen are highly experienced in all wood flooring styles. Whatever style you choose, you can trust that you’re getting the highest level of quality, both in product and in installation. For a complementary quote on your next wood flooring project in Tulsa, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Oklahoma City, or anywhere else in Green Country, contact us here.

The beauty of hardwood flooring lies not only in its durability and natural charm but also in its versatility. If you choose to stain your floors, for example, the type of stain you choose can dramatically transform the look of the space. You can then choose furniture and other decor that either complements the floor to add warmth or contrasts with it to create drama. From airy and beachy to elegant to cozy, the possibilities are nearly endless. Let’s talk about how different stains can affect the look and feel of your home so you can make informed choices.

Different Stain Colors for Hardwood Floors

Stains can dramatically change the appearance of your hardwood floors. Here are some popular choices:

• Light/Natural Stains: These preserve the original hue of the wood, often enhancing the grain patterns. They’re perfect for a minimalist or Scandinavian design aesthetic.

• Medium Stains: Ranging from amber to rich brown, medium stains offer a balance between showcasing the wood’s natural beauty and adding depth to the color. These work well with traditional or rustic interiors.

• Dark Stains: These stains, such as espresso or mahogany, lend a luxurious and sophisticated feel to a room. They’re ideal for modern, contemporary, or industrial-style spaces.

Stain Reactions to Different Wood Floor Types

The type of wood you choose can also affect how a stain is absorbed and, consequently, the final look. To illustrate, let’s look at some of the most common hardwood flooring options:

• Oak: Known for its strong grain patterns, oak is by far the most popular choice for hardwood floors. Oak absorbs stains evenly, making it suitable for both light and dark stains.

• Maple: This wood has a smooth, subtle grain and can appear blotchy with dark stains. Light to medium stains work best on maple.

• Cherry: Cherry wood naturally darkens over time and takes well to light stains, which highlight its rich red undertones.

The Stain Selection Process

Choosing a stain involves considering color choices, finishes, and sheens. Test multiple stain samples on a spare piece of your hardwood before making a decision. Finishes range from matte to glossy, while sheens—the amount of light reflected from the surface—can be low, medium, or high.

Designing with Stain Shades

The real magic of hardwood staining happens when you match the stain shade to the style and decor of your room. Light stains can make small rooms appear larger, while dark stains can add warmth and coziness. If you’re thinking to install new wood floors or restain your existing ones, here are a few design ideas to give you inspiration:

• Light/Natural Stains with Bold Colored Furniture: If you have furniture and decor in bold, vibrant colors, a light or natural stain can offer a neutral backdrop that allows these pieces to pop. This contrast creates a dynamic, lively space.

• Dark Stains with Light-Colored Upholstery: Dark, richly stained floors can create a dramatic contrast with light-colored upholstery or soft furnishings. This look exudes sophistication and elegance, perfect for a contemporary or modern home.

• Medium Stain with Vintage or Rustic Furnishings: A medium stain complements vintage or rustic furnishings beautifully. The rich brown tones of the wood can echo the patina of antique wooden furniture, creating a cohesive, warm, and inviting space.

• Grey Stained Floors with Monochrome Decor: Grey-stained floors are a modern trend that pairs excellently with a monochrome color scheme. The cool tones of the grey stain provide a sleek, contemporary backdrop for black and white furniture and decor.

• Dark Stains with Metallic Accents: Dark-stained floors can also create a stunning contrast with metallic accents in your decor. The reflective surfaces of gold, silver, or brass elements can add a touch of luxury against the deep hues of the floor.

Remember, the above are just guidelines. The beauty of design lies in personal expression, so don’t be afraid to explore your options until you find a combination that feels right for you.

Quality Hardwood Flooring Installation in Tulsa and OKC 

Regardless of which stain you choose, the key to long-lasting beauty is to have your floors installed and stained by master craftsmen. At Renaissance, we’ve got four decades of experience installing and refinishing hardwood floors throughout the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. We’re widely known for our uncompromising commitment to quality materials and workmanship. Contact us for a complimentary quote.

In recent years, homeowners and interior designers have been turning to environmentally friendly and sustainable options for their flooring needs. One popular trend is to use reclaimed hardwood flooring, which offers a unique and rustic look. But is it worth the investment? Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of reclaimed hardwood floors to help you make an informed decision.

What is Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring?

Reclaimed hardwood flooring refers to wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, or factories and then repurposed for use as flooring. This practice not only saves valuable resources but also preserves a piece of history. Reclaimed hardwood flooring comes in various types, including oak, maple, walnut, and heart pine. Each type offers a distinct appearance and characteristics, ensuring that no two reclaimed floors are the same.

Benefits of Reclaimed Hardwood Floors

Granted, there are some advantages to installing reclaimed hardwood into a space. These include:

Environmental Sustainability

Using reclaimed wood helps reduce the demand for new lumber and promotes recycling, leading to less deforestation and waste. It also reduces the energy used in processing new wood, decreasing the overall carbon footprint.

Unique Aesthetic

Because the wood itself has a history, reclaimed hardwood offers a sense of character, often featuring knots, nail holes, and saw marks that add a rustic charm and texture to the space.

Durability and Longevity

Despite its age, reclaimed wood is often quite durable and long lasting, especially if it was properly cared for during its previous installation. It has had time to expand and contract with age, making it less susceptible to warping and cracking.

Drawbacks of Reclaimed Hardwood Floors

Now that we’ve explored some of the “pros” of using reclaimed wood, let’s look at some of the “cons” as well.

High Cost

You might think “used” hardwood would be cheaper, but in fact, the opposite is true. The process of sourcing, salvaging, and preparing reclaimed wood for flooring can be labor-intensive—not only in finding wood that’s in good condition, but also in sourcing enough to cover the square footage of your project. This can lead to much higher costs than traditional hardwood floors.

Limited Availability

In part due to the scarcity of reclaimable wood, and in part due to its recent surge in popularity, it can be downright difficult to find. It may take many weeks or months to source the wood for your project, so you’ll need to be patient during the process. (If you’re on a tight time schedule, reclaimed wood may not be a practical option for you.)

Installation Challenges

Reclaimed hardwood floors may require additional preparation before installation, such as removing nails or sanding down rough spots. This can make the installation process more time-consuming and complicated—which again may increase costs.

Are Reclaimed Wood Floors Right for You?

At the end of the day, there’s no objectively right or wrong answer. Reclaimed hardwood floors may be an excellent choice if you’re seeking a more sustainable, unique, and durable flooring option—as long as you don’t mind the cost, and as long as you don’t mind waiting. It’s also a matter of personal taste: reclaimed floors have a natural rustic feel, so if you prefer a modern look, you’ll likely do better with new wood flooring.

As an alternative, for those who want the rustic look of reclaimed wood but don’t have the budget or the time…with modern installation technologies, our craftsmen can now use advanced distressing techniques to make any floor look weathered and rustic. Thus, it’s possible to make brand-new wood floors appear to be reclaimed without the added cost or delays.

Whether your flooring project calls for new or reclaimed hardwood, Renaissance Hardwood Flooring can help. For a complementary quote in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Claremore, Catoosa, Glenpool, Norman, or other parts of Green Country, contact us here to get on our schedule.

(Photo credit: Flickr/Inhabitat)