Flooring is a huge part of any home remodel, but the size of your floorboards can define the feeling of a room. Of course, it's most common for homeowners to stick with one width (all wider boards, or all narrow planks), but you might be surprised to learn that others are starting to mix varying widths to create a more relaxed, lived-in style.
By choosing different widths from the same flooring manufacturer, you get a perfect match in color and texture, while altering the visual appeal so your floors have a custom, organic look. Intrigued? So was I.
Why Mix Different Widths of Hardwood Flooring?
Mixing plank sizes is not new, but it’s becoming more popular again thanks to modern flooring options. Today’s floors are designed to handle size variation beautifully. “Mixing plank sizes is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a modern floor while maintaining a handcrafted, organic feel," shares Weronica Merisaari, Manager Sales Support at Bjelin. "For the best results, I would stick to two, max three, adjacent sizes and keep variations subtle. The floor should enhance the room, not overpower it. By installing planks randomly rather than in a set pattern you can avoid a stripey look and maintain that old-timey feeling.”
Using planks of different widths adds a softer, more natural rhythm to a room. It works especially well if you are looking for beach cottage flooring ideas, or if you want a flooring style to match an older home.
How to Mix Plank Widths for a Natural Feel
When you want a floor with varied floorboards, it’s important to keep the look simple and random. Choosing sizes that are too far apart can feel jarring; however, picking two or three similar widths helps everything blend together easily.
Here are a few tips to get the best results:
- Choose two, or at most three, adjacent plank widths.
- Randomize the installation instead of following a set pattern.
- Match tones and finishes by using planks from the same product line.
- Keep the look subtle so the flooring supports the room, not competes with it.
- Think about your home’s architectural style—rustic spaces love this technique, but it can also work in clean, coastal homes.
Widths don't have to be dramatically different to create real impact. “For example, the 10.7" wide plank pairs beautifully with the 8.1 slightly narrower plank"," adds Merisaari. "The randomly varied widths add charm while enhancing the space's timeless appeal.”
Where These Floors Work Best
Mixed plank flooring is also a popular choice for those looking to make a brand-new build feel more personal and cozy. It’s a simple way to avoid a flooring project that looks too "perfect" or machine-made, giving even new spaces a sense of history and warmth. It fits especially well into homes that already have character.
When you think about it, it's logical. Older home floorboard ideas often borrow from traditional methods, where wood planks were used as they came, not sorted by width. Random width flooring was the norm, and it made for interesting floor design. Today, you can get that same relaxed, historic charm with a little more control over color, finish, and the type of flooring.
It adds aesthetic appeal to many living spaces:
- Beach houses
- Farmhouses
- Century-old homes
- Cabins
- High-traffic areas
- Any room where mixed hardwood floors can add a little extra texture and depth
