Expanding Your Horizons with Smart Flooring Design.
Designers have a secret weapon for visually transforming a space without knocking down a single wall: wide plank flooring. This trend, once exclusive to high-end custom hardwood, is now dominating the laminate market and is changing the look of homes across Southeastern Wisconsin.
If you're looking to create an open, airy feel in a smaller West Allis bungalow or enhance the grand scale of an open-concept living area in Waukesha, the wide plank laminate options at Carpetland USA Flooring Center are the perfect place to start.
Why Wide Planks Work Wonders
A plank is considered "wide" when it measures 6 to 8 inches or more across, often coupled with extra-long lengths. This format works magic on your visual perception for three reasons:
-
Fewer Seams, Less Clutter: Narrower planks create a busy, choppy look because the eye is forced to stop at every seam. Wide planks dramatically reduce the number of seams across the floor, creating a continuous, sweeping sightline that tricks the eye into perceiving the room as larger and less cluttered.
-
Showcasing the Wood Grain: Wide planks allow the photograph layer of the laminate to showcase the full, complex pattern of the wood grain. This emphasis on natural texture and fewer repeats makes the laminate look far more authentic and luxurious.
-
Modern Aesthetic: Wide planks are a defining characteristic of contemporary and farmhouse-chic design. They provide a clean, horizontal pattern that complements minimalist decor and large furniture better than traditional narrow strips.
Trending Wide Plank Dimensions and Styles
The most popular wide-plank laminate dimensions that our customers in Milwaukee and Germantown are choosing include widths from 7.5 inches to 9.5 inches, and lengths of 48 inches or longer.
When selecting your wide plank laminate, consider these trending styles:
-
Warm Tones: To maximize the effect, choose warm, natural tones like honey oak, wheat, or light maple. Lighter colors reflect more light and enhance the spacious, open-concept feel.
-
Matte Finishes: A low-gloss or matte finish prevents harsh reflections and allows the unique texture of the wide planks to stand out without glare, perfecting that authentic wood aesthetic.
Choosing wide plank laminate isn't just about following a trend; it's a strategic design decision. It gives you the high-impact visual of expensive custom flooring at the smart price point that only laminate can deliver. Let the employee-owners at Carpetland USA Flooring Center help you achieve this look for your home—visit one of our many locations to request an estimate today.
