When people think “hardwood,” they picture rich color and timeless texture—but they rarely think about width. Yet the biggest aesthetic shift in flooring over the past decade is exactly that: the move from traditional narrow strips to wider planks.
At Perennial Studios, serving homeowners through Arlington, TX, we help customers navigate this design choice daily. Here’s how to decide between strip and plank hardwood—and why it matters.
1. The Classic Strip: Polished, Traditional, Timeless
Strip hardwood (2–3 inches wide) offers a refined, historic look. It works beautifully in formal spaces, older homes, or rooms where you want a classic sense of proportion. The narrow boards also hide less-than-perfect subfloors better than wide planks.
2. The Modern Plank: Spacious and Bold
Wide-plank floors (5 inches and up) feel open, seamless, and luxurious. They highlight natural grain patterns and suit contemporary or rustic spaces. In large living areas or open-plan layouts, wide planks make the room look larger and more cohesive.
3. Climate Considerations
In Texas humidity, engineered wide-plank flooring performs better than solid wide planks, which can expand or contract more noticeably. Ask Perennial Studios about climate-stable engineered wood ideal for North Texas conditions.
4. Visual Tricks and Room Size
Smaller rooms benefit from medium-width planks or diagonal installation—both make a space appear wider. Meanwhile, wide planks in large rooms add modern simplicity that feels elevated and intentional.
5. Price, Value & Longevity
Strips are typically more budget-friendly, but planks offer higher perceived value and better resale appeal. Either can last decades with proper installation and care—something Perennial Studios ensures with professional craftsmanship and expert finishing.
From cozy Kennedale bungalows to sleek Midlothian new builds, the right board width changes everything.
Call or visit Perennial Studios to explore hardwood samples in person across
Arlington, TX, Mansfield, TX, Burleson, TX, Kennedale, TX, or Midlothian, TX
and find your perfect match at Arlington, TX.
