Why Seattle Homeowners Are Choosing This Expansive Style
Imagine walking into a room that instantly feels more open, more luxurious, more calming — and it’s all thanks to what’s under your feet. Wide plank hardwood flooring has taken the design world by storm, and for good reason. Whether you live in a modern Seattle condo, a craftsman in Bellevue, or a spacious suburban remodel, wide plank floors can transform your space with timeless elegance and a contemporary edge.
At LUKS Construction, we’ve installed hundreds of hardwood floors across the Puget Sound, and the demand for wide planks is soaring. In this guide, we’ll explore why this flooring style is so desirable, what to consider before choosing it, and how our expert craftsmanship ensures a flawless finish.
What Are Wide Plank Hardwood Floors?
Standard hardwood planks range from 2 to 3 inches in width. Wide plank flooring, by contrast, typically starts at 5 inches and can go up to 12 inches or more. These broader boards showcase more of the wood’s natural grain and character — from rich knots to sweeping color variations.
Homeowners are increasingly choosing wide planks for:
- Modern aesthetics with fewer seams and a cleaner look
- A sense of spaciousness in smaller rooms or open-concept homes
- Warm, organic textures that enhance rustic, farmhouse, or Scandinavian designs
Wide planks are available in both solid and engineered hardwood, and they can be finished in everything from matte neutrals to rich, dark stains.
Why Seattle & Bellevue Homeowners Love Wide Plank Floors
1. They Make Rooms Feel Larger
The fewer seams your floor has, the more visually expansive your room feels. Especially in older Seattle homes with smaller square footage, wide planks give the illusion of openness and flow.
2. They Highlight the Beauty of the Wood
From White Oak to Walnut, Hickory to Maple, wider planks let the natural variation and artistry of the wood shine through. It’s like framing a piece of nature inside your home.
3. They Match the Pacific Northwest Design Ethos
Warm, natural, minimal, and clean — wide plank floors support that indoor-outdoor aesthetic Seattleites love.
4. They Increase Home Value
Because of their high-end look, wide planks are often featured in luxury remodels. Real estate agents frequently mention them as a premium upgrade that boosts listing appeal.
Real Life Transformation: A Bellevue Remodel With Bold Floors
In a recent remodel in Bellevue’s Somerset neighborhood, the homeowners opted for 8-inch wide White Oak planks with a wire-brushed, matte finish. We installed them using a glue-down method over radiant heated floors — ensuring durability and comfort. The result? A once-dated interior became an architectural showcase with clean lines, warm hues, and seamless transitions.
“We get compliments on the floors every time we have guests. It feels like a new house.”
– Jessica T., Bellevue
The Truth About Cost: Wide Planks Look Luxurious — and Cost More
We believe in transparency at LUKS Construction. While wide plank floors offer unparalleled beauty, it’s important to know that they come with additional costs:
Higher Material Costs
Wide planks require premium-grade wood due to the larger surface area. More of the board must be flawless, which means fewer boards are harvested from each tree. That rarity increases price.
Installation Labor Costs
Unlike narrower planks, wide boards demand more precise subfloor preparation and often require glue-down installation — especially in humid or variable climates like Seattle’s.
Waste & Overages
Because of the nature of wide boards, there’s often more waste during cuts, and the overall material quantity may be higher.
Installation Insights: Why Experience Matters With Wide Plank Floors
Wide planks aren’t just wider — they behave differently. Without expert installation, they can cup, shift, or gap over time. That’s why we approach every wide plank job with:
- Subfloor moisture testing and leveling
- Glue-down or nail-and-glue hybrid installation
- Acclimatization periods to adjust to Seattle’s humidity
- Expansion gap planning for seasonal changes
At LUKS Construction, we’ve mastered the techniques that ensure your wide plank floors look stunning and stay that way for decades.
Top 5 Things to Consider Before Choosing Wide Planks
- Room Size & Layout: Wide planks are stunning in open spaces but may overwhelm small, compartmentalized rooms.
- Type of Wood: Harder species like White Oak or Hickory are better for wear and dimensional stability.
- Installation Method: Most wide plank installations require glue-down or floating engineered hardwood.
- Subfloor Condition: Must be level, dry, and sound — or plan for extra prep work.
- Budget: Expect higher materials and labor costs. But also expect a high ROI on style and resale.
Wide Planks, Big Results: Are They Right for Your Home?
Whether you’re renovating a mid-century gem in Seattle’s Green Lake or designing a new build in Bellevue, wide plank floors are a smart design investment. They bring drama, warmth, and value — and when installed with expert craftsmanship, they elevate your space for years to come.
If you’re curious about how wide plank hardwood floors would look in your home, we’d love to show you samples, discuss your goals, and offer a free estimate.
Let’s Bring Your Flooring Vision to Life
At LUKS Construction, we specialize in high-end hardwood flooring installation, dustless floor refinishing, and complete home transformations. With more than a decade of craftsmanship and a growing list of five-star reviews across Seattle and Bellevue, we’re ready to make your floors extraordinary.
📞 Call us today: 425-971-2895
🌐 Visit: www.luksconstruction.com
🗓️ Request your FREE in-home estimate now.
