Império Contractor LLCHome › Blog › Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring for Sarasota Homes
Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring for Sarasota Homes
Wide plank hardwood flooring has become a popular choice for Sarasota homeowners who want a floor that feels open, modern, and warm at the same time. Wider boards mean fewer seams and a cleaner look across a room, which is why so many older Florida homes are being updated with this style.
Império Contractor LLC installs wide plank hardwood flooring in homes throughout Sarasota, FL, along with herringbone patterns and custom medallion inlays. Here's what homeowners should know before choosing wide plank for their space.
Why Wide Plank Works So Well in Sarasota Homes
Many Sarasota homes have open floor plans with large living areas, kitchens, and dining rooms that flow into one another. Wide plank flooring suits this layout because the larger boards create a sense of continuity from room to room instead of breaking up the space with lots of narrow strips and seams.
- Fewer seams mean a smoother, more unified look across large rooms
- Wider boards show off natural wood grain and character more clearly
- Works well with both traditional and modern interior styles common in Florida homes
For homeowners dealing with a worn or dated floor that drags down the whole room, switching to wide plank can change the feel of a space without changing the layout.
What Makes Wide Plank Different From Standard Hardwood
Standard hardwood strips are typically narrow, often two to three inches wide. Wide plank boards are usually five inches or wider, sometimes reaching seven or eight inches depending on the style chosen.
This difference affects more than just looks:
- Wider boards can show more natural movement from humidity changes, which matters in a Florida climate
- Installation requires careful attention to subfloor flatness since wider boards are less forgiving of uneven surfaces
- The overall board-to-board pattern is simpler, since there are fewer individual pieces per square foot
Important: wide plank floors need a stable, properly prepared subfloor. This is part of why the installation process matters as much as the material itself.
How Wide Plank Handles Florida's Climate
Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. Because wide boards are larger, that movement can be more noticeable than with narrow strip flooring.
This doesn't mean wide plank is a bad fit for Sarasota. It means the installation needs to account for local conditions, including:
- Allowing the wood to acclimate to indoor conditions before installation
- Maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels once the floor is in
- Choosing plank widths and wood species suited to the specific room and its exposure to sunlight or moisture
Homeowners considering wide plank should talk through these details before committing to a width or finish.
Wide Plank, Herringbone, or a Custom Medallion?
Wide plank isn't the only option for hardwood flooring. Some Sarasota homeowners choose herringbone patterns for a more dynamic, textured look, while others add a custom medallion inlay as a focal point in an entryway or dining area.
- Wide plank suits open, flowing spaces where a clean, continuous look is the priority
- Herringbone adds visual texture and works well in smaller or more formal rooms
- Custom medallions serve as a statement piece, often combined with wide plank or herringbone flooring around them
Império Contractor LLC works with all three styles, so homeowners can decide based on the look they want rather than being limited to one option.
Common questions
Is wide plank hardwood a good fit for humid climates like Sarasota?
Wide plank hardwood can work well in Sarasota homes when the installation accounts for acclimation and indoor humidity control. Proper prep and attention to the subfloor matter more than with narrower boards.
What room sizes work best with wide plank flooring?
Wide plank tends to look best in larger, open spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas, where fewer seams create a more continuous look.
Can wide plank flooring be combined with a medallion inlay?
Yes. A custom medallion can be installed as a centerpiece surrounded by wide plank boards, creating a focal point in entryways, foyers, or dining rooms.
How is wide plank different from standard hardwood strips?
Wide plank boards are wider than standard strips, usually five inches or more, which reduces the number of seams and highlights the wood grain more clearly across the floor.
Thinking about wide plank hardwood, herringbone, or a custom medallion for your Sarasota home? Call Império Contractor LLC at (941) 275-4603 or fill out the contact form to talk through your options and get started.