WIDE
PLANK
FLOORS
by Charles Thibeau
Even square-edged #3 pine can
turn out a distinctive
and durable floor
Customers choose wide plank flooring
for a number of reasons. Those purchasing
wide pine are often working on
Colonial restorations or reproductions
—or sometimes simply want a
rustic country character. Wide hardwood
flooring, on the other hand, gives
a very contemporary look. Because it is
relatively uncommon, it looks more distinctive
than standard strip flooring. It
is also more expensive. For example,
the material cost of 4-to 9-inch oak is
roughly twice the cost of standard strip
oak.
What Species?
We mill wide pine flooring from Eastern
white pine (pinus strobus) in random
widths from 12 to 30 inches. For
floors, most contractors buy 12- to 18-
inch