If you own a busy restaurant, cafe, shop, hair salon (or virtually any other kind of commercial business) and are looking to re-design your interior, your choice of flooring will undoubtedly be one of the top considerations on your list.
When you are looking at suitable flooring, you should consider several factors, including cost-effectiveness, durability, how easy it is to clean, and the overall look of the flooring. Wide plank flooring is the most obvious choice and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for business owners searching for an upscale look with durability.
What is wide plank flooring?
Wide plank flooring consists of wood planks that are wider than typical floorboards. The width of the boards is typically 5 inches, but they can be as wide as 9 inches and sometimes even wider than that! Wide plank flooring is available in a variety of species, colors, and treatments.
What type of wood should you choose?
If you have a business that involves plenty of customer foot traffic, you will need flooring that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you should choose a hard wood. The hardness of wood is measured on a scale known as the Janka Hardness Scale. The higher up the scale, the harder the wood, and therefore better suited for commercial flooring. The industry median for hardness is red oak, but hickory or maple are excellent choices if you want something harder and more durable.
You’ll also be able to add extra durability in your choice of finish – your contractor will most likely recommend a hardwood floor finish specifically made for commercial or other high-traffic settings to provide protection against scratches, scuff marks, and other damage. Choosing a distressed wide plank floor will go even further to conceal any damage that occurs while adding rustic appeal.
Why should you choose wide plank flooring?
Longevity and durability are two of the main reasons commercial business owners are increasingly choosing wide plank flooring when designing the interiors of their businesses.
Another reason wide plank flooring is a popular choice is its appearance. Due to the planks being wider, the grain and knots in the wood are more pronounced, which gives it an attractive, rustic look. Wider planks also mean fewer seams. This makes for a smoother finish as less gaps are breaking up the natural line of the wood.
The fact there are fewer seams also means that it is more hygienic, as there are less gaps for dirt and moisture to get in, making it easier to keep clean. This makes wide plank flooring a perfect choice for a restaurant, cafe, or any other business looking for an upgraded look.
Solid or engineered wood?
Although wide plank flooring made from solid wood might appear to be a good choice, there are downsides. The most obvious one is that wider planks react to humidity and temperature more noticeably than thinner planks and may shrink, swell or warp. Engineered wood is more resistant to these issues.
An alternative to solid wood flooring that is becoming increasingly popular is engineered wood flooring. This popular choice utilizes only the highest-quality components, consisting of layers of plywood plus a wear layer on top. UV finish is used when making these floors so they are very durable. Engineered wide plank flooring retains all the beauty of natural wood but it is more durable and resistant to fluctuations due to moisture. This makes it a perfect choice for businesses with a lot of foot traffic.
In conclusion…
It is easy to see why wide plank flooring is becoming such a popular choice for commercial businesses. It looks fantastic and is exceptionally hard-wearing. Choosing a wood species that is high on the Janka scale and engineered is the smartest choice to retain the natural beauty of the wood while maintaining its beautiful appearance.
If you are interested in a quote or more information about wide plank floors, reach out to us or click here to browse our wide plank flooring collection. We can also recommend a skilled hardwood floor contractor in your area to complete the installation for you.