Wide floor boards are an old trend that is reemerging because of the benefits and unique qualities it offers home, owners. Here is everything you should know about the flooring style, from a brief history to its benefits, to things you may want to consider before purchasing:
Brief History
Wide floor boards are an old style that has quickly gained popularity in recent years due to its beautiful finish and versatility. The trend was once the only style used in the 19th century when large trees were deforested to create walls and floors in homes. However, as the older and much large trees were cut down, populations were forced to adapt, using smaller trees to fulfill their wood needs.
This is why most flooring is typically only two or three inches wide, as opposed to at least five inches like it once was. To meet demand, manufacturers have had to get creative by using reclaimed wood from older buildings because there is a lack of larger trees that are regularly deforested. This often impacts pricing and availability for such a style.
Benefits of Wider Planks
With larger floor boards, the details and unique features of each wood type comes through a lot more than it does with thinner flooring. This is essential because you're able to see more of the ridges and line work with each cut piece. For homeowners, this can really set your home apart, adding to its value and also making your floors one of the main focal points of your home.
Also, wider flood boards are not limited to a specific type of wood. The only problem that manufacturers have is 1) Following deforestation rules across the world; 2) Having enough stock to meet the demand. Before deciding on a singular style of wood for your home, you'll want to make sure that it's available for purchase. There are quantities of wood types to choose from with wide planks, but not all are readily available as thinner wood planks typically are.
Things to Be Mindful Of
Wide floor boards can be difficult to use in humid environments. This is because the moisture in the air can cause the wood to swell and shrink with ease, an issue that narrower boards don't necessarily face. To combat this, you'll want to talk to a flooring professional who may offer tips like going with a more solid wood if humidity is definitely an issue in your area.
To learn more, contact a company that deals in wide board flooring to get more help.
