Plank flooring refers to wood, laminate, vinyl, or engineered flooring materials that come in long, relatively wide strips rather than traditional narrow strips or tiles. These planks typically measure 3 to 8 inches in width, though some luxury options can reach up to 12 inches wide. The distinguishing characteristic of plank flooring is its dimensional properties, which create a distinctive visual impact in any space. Originally limited to solid hardwood, plank flooring now encompasses various materials that mimic the aesthetic of wood while offering different benefits in terms of durability, water resistance, and price point. This versatile flooring option has become increasingly popular in residential and commercial settings for its aesthetic appeal and practical advantages.
Plank flooring varies in structure depending on the material type. Solid hardwood planks are milled from a single piece of timber, typically 3/4 inch thick, allowing for multiple refinishing cycles throughout their lifespan. These planks may feature tongue-and-groove edges for secure installation.
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Engineered wood planks consist of a real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of high-quality plywood or fiberboard. This construction creates dimensional stability that resists the expansion and contraction typical of solid wood, making it suitable for areas with humidity fluctuations.
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) feature a layered structure including a wear layer, printed design layer, vinyl core, and backing. Higher-quality LVP includes a thicker wear layer (20 mil or more) for enhanced durability. Some premium versions incorporate rigid cores made from stone-plastic composite (SPC) or wood-plastic composite (WPC) for improved stability and waterproofing.
Laminate planks consist of a high-density fiberboard core with a photographic layer that mimics wood grain, protected by a transparent wear layer. Modern laminate planks often include water-resistant or waterproof technologies in their core materials and edge sealing.
Plank Flooring Prices by Material Type
The cost of plank flooring varies significantly based on material type, quality, and brand. Solid hardwood represents the premium option, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot for materials alone. Exotic hardwoods or specialty cuts can exceed $20 per square foot.
Engineered wood planks offer a more economical alternative to solid hardwood, generally priced between $3 and $10 per square foot. The cost varies based on the thickness of the veneer layer and the quality of the core material.
Luxury vinyl planks provide an affordable yet durable option, ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. Premium LVP with enhanced features like rigid cores or specialized texturing may command higher prices up to $10 per square foot.
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Laminate plank flooring represents the most budget-friendly option, typically priced between $1 and $5 per square foot. High-quality laminate with advanced water-resistant features and authentic texturing may reach up to $7 per square foot.
| Material Type | Price Range (per sq. ft.) | Durability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | $5-$15+ | High (can be refinished) |
| Engineered Wood | $3-$10 | Medium-High |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | $2-$7 | High (water-resistant) |
| Laminate | $1-$5 | Medium |
Installation Costs and Considerations
Installation expenses add significantly to the overall cost of plank flooring. Professional installation typically ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the material type, installation method, subfloor preparation requirements, and regional labor rates.
Solid hardwood plank installation generally costs $4-$8 per square foot due to the specialized skills and tools required. Nail-down or glue-down methods are most common, with both requiring substantial subfloor preparation.
Engineered wood installation runs between $3-$6 per square foot, with floating floor systems generally costing less than glue-down methods. Many engineered products feature click-lock systems that simplify installation.
Luxury vinyl plank installation typically costs $2-$5 per square foot. Most LVP products feature user-friendly click-lock systems that reduce installation complexity and time. Some premium products may require glue-down installation for maximum stability in commercial environments.
Laminate plank flooring installation generally ranges from $2-$4 per square foot. As primarily floating floor systems, laminate planks typically don’t require adhesives, though proper underlayment is essential for sound dampening and moisture protection.
Leading Plank Flooring Brands
Solid and Engineered Hardwood
Bruce Flooring stands as one of America’s most established hardwood flooring manufacturers, offering a wide range of solid and engineered wood planks across various price points. Their Dundee series of wide planks has earned particular recognition for quality and value.
Mohawk Industries provides premium engineered wood planks known for their proprietary technologies like ArmorMax finish and GenuEdge for enhanced durability. Their TecWood line offers particularly wide plank options with impressive wear resistance.
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Shaw Floors maintains a reputation for high-quality engineered hardwood planks with their Epic Plus collection featuring Stabilitek cores for exceptional dimensional stability. Their ScufResist Platinum finish technology provides superior scratch resistance.
Luxury Vinyl and Laminate
COREtec pioneered the luxury vinyl plank category with their innovative rigid core technology. Their Pro Plus Enhanced Planks offer exceptional water resistance and dimensional stability with authentic wood visuals.
Pergo, the original laminate flooring brand, now offers both premium laminate and luxury vinyl planks. Their TimberCraft WetProtect laminate line features realistic wood textures with impressive water-resistant technology.
Armstrong Flooring provides high-performance vinyl planks through their Vivero and Pryzm collections, offering commercial-grade durability in residential styling. Their Diamond 10 Technology incorporates cultured diamonds in the wear layer for extraordinary scratch resistance.
Advantages of Plank Flooring
Aesthetic appeal ranks among the primary benefits of plank flooring, as wider boards showcase wood grain patterns more effectively than narrow strips. The visual impact creates a sense of spaciousness that can make rooms appear larger and more open.
Installation efficiency improves with plank flooring, as the larger dimensions mean fewer pieces to install per square foot compared to traditional narrow strips or tiles. This typically translates to reduced installation time and potentially lower labor costs.
Versatility represents another significant advantage, with plank flooring available in materials suitable for virtually any room in the home. Water-resistant options like luxury vinyl planks work well in bathrooms and kitchens, while engineered wood functions effectively over concrete slabs or radiant heating systems.
Value retention makes plank flooring a wise investment, particularly with solid hardwood and high-quality engineered options. Quality wood plank flooring can last 50+ years with proper maintenance, often increasing property values and appealing to future buyers.
Drawbacks and Limitations
Cost considerations represent a significant drawback for certain plank flooring types, particularly solid hardwood and premium engineered options. The initial investment can be substantial when factoring in both materials and professional installation.
Maintenance requirements vary by material type but generally demand more attention than alternatives like tile or carpet. Solid and engineered wood require specific cleaning products and may need periodic refinishing. Even luxury vinyl and laminate planks require appropriate cleaning methods to maintain their appearance.
Susceptibility to damage affects different plank materials differently. Hardwood can dent and scratch, while laminate may chip at the edges when impacted. Vinyl planks, though generally durable, can be damaged by heavy furniture without proper protection.
Installation limitations exist for certain plank flooring types. Solid hardwood typically requires professional installation and isn’t suitable for below-grade applications like basements. Laminate, despite its DIY-friendly reputation, demands precise installation to prevent peaking or gapping between planks over time.
- Installation requirements vary significantly – some plank options require professional installation while others are DIY-friendly
- Expansion concerns affect most plank materials, requiring proper acclimation and expansion gaps
- Sound transmission can be an issue, especially in multi-level homes or buildings without proper underlayment
- Environmental considerations include VOC emissions from certain materials and sustainability questions around harvesting practices