The width of antique oak planks is chosen based on the application, the desired aesthetic, and the level of stability the project requires. For floors and wall cladding, wide planks between 20 and 40 cm are popular, while narrower sizes between 10 and 20 cm are more commonly used for roof boarding or structural applications. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about width in antique oak planks, so you can make a well-informed decision.
What widths are available for antique oak planks?
Antique oak planks are available in a wide range of sizes, typically from around 10 cm to over 50 cm wide. Exact availability depends heavily on current stock, as reclaimed wood naturally comes in varying dimensions. Wide planks exceeding 35 cm are rarer and are sawn from heavy, old beams.
For antique oak planks, we broadly distinguish three categories:
- Narrow (10 to 20 cm): suitable for roof boarding, paneling, and structural applications
- Mid-range (20 to 35 cm): the most in-demand size for floors and wall cladding
- Wide (35 cm and above): sawn from heavy oak beams, for a distinctly rustic or monumental look
Because antique oak owes its dimensions to centuries-old trees, widths are not standardized the way new timber is. That makes the material irreplaceable, but it also calls for a supplier with a large, well-documented inventory.
How does width affect the stability of antique oak?
Wider planks are more susceptible to movement than narrower ones. Oak is a species that responds to changes in moisture and temperature, and the wider the plank, the greater the chance of slight shrinkage or expansion. With antique oak that has been drying for many years, however, this movement is considerably less than with freshly sawn timber.
Oak with a natural drying time of five years or more has developed a stable cell structure. Internal stresses have largely dissipated, allowing the plank to perform well even in wide dimensions. This is precisely why slowly dried antique oak is so highly valued in demanding projects, such as monumental floors or heavy structural work.
That said, a general rule applies: the wider the plank, the more important it is to maintain a stable indoor climate and a solid substructure. For projects with significant climate fluctuations — such as unheated spaces or buildings with underfloor heating — it is advisable to select not only on width, but also on drying time and the origin of the wood.
Which width suits which application?
The right width depends on the application, the space, and the desired atmosphere. There is no universal answer, but there are clear patterns that work well in practice.
Factors that influence the choice include:
- The dimensions of the space (wide planks in small rooms can feel overwhelming)
- The desired aesthetic (rustic and historic versus clean and modern)
- Structural requirements (roof boarding calls for different sizes than a floor)
- The available budget (wide planks are scarcer and therefore more expensive)
For an antique wooden floor, planks between 20 and 35 cm wide are in most cases a logical choice: wide enough for character, narrow enough for stability. For wall cladding and facade cladding, narrower sizes are more commonly used, while wide planks of 40 cm and above are a popular choice for tables and furniture.
What is the difference between sawn width and net width in antique planks?
The sawn width is the measurement directly after cutting, including any irregularities along the edges. The net width is the usable measurement after planing, straight-cutting, or otherwise finishing the edges. With antique oak planks, the difference between the two can amount to several centimeters.
This distinction is practically relevant when calculating the required quantity of material. If a plank has a sawn width of 28 cm but a net width of 25 cm after the edges are straightened, this directly affects the coverage per plank and therefore the total surface area required.
When requesting a quote or planning a project, it is therefore always advisable to ask for the net measurement. This prevents disappointments during installation and ensures an accurate material calculation.
Can antique oak planks be custom-sawn to a desired width?
Yes, antique oak planks can be custom-sawn to a desired width. Heavy antique oak beams are typically used as the starting material, from which planks are cut to specification. This makes it possible to achieve a consistent width, even when the standard stock does not precisely match the project requirements.
In addition to sawing, further finishing options are available, such as planing, wire brushing, sandblasting, or applying a weathered finish. This allows a plank to be tailored to the desired look of the project without losing the authentic character of the material.
It is important to note, however, that custom-sawing antique oak can affect the patina on the edges. A freshly milled edge looks different from an edge that has been drying and aging for decades. Depending on the application, this may be a deliberate choice — or simply something to take into account.
Which width do you choose for an authentic look?
For an authentic look, wide planks of 25 cm and above are in most cases a popular choice. Historically, floors and paneling were made from broadly sawn timber taken from large trees. Narrower, standardized sizes are a product of industrialization. Wide timber therefore naturally evokes an older, more organic character.
That said, width is not the only factor. The color, the grain, the patina, and the way the wood has been finished matter just as much. A narrow plank with a rich, well-worn patina can feel more authentic than a wide plank that has been finished too cleanly.
If you want a space to truly feel historic, it is worth choosing planks with variation in width, as was customary in the past. Not every plank the same width, but a deliberately varied pattern. That requires a supplier with sufficient stock and genuine knowledge of the material. Take a look at our inspiration page for real-world projects where width and character come together.
How Frank Pouwer helps you choose the right width
Choosing the right width is rarely a simple calculation. It comes down to the interplay of application, space, climate, and desired atmosphere. Frank Pouwer is there to help, from the first question through to delivery on site.
- We hold the largest stock of reclaimed oak in Europe, with over 20,000 m² of timber on the yard
- Planks are available in a wide range of sizes, from narrow to over 50 cm wide
- Custom sawing to a desired width is a standard option
- We provide advice based on your specific project: application, space, drying time, and finish
- All beams and planks are labeled and measured, so you know exactly what you are getting
Would you like to know which widths are currently available for your project? Visit the timber yard in Doorwerth and view the stock in person. Or request a quote directly via our quote request page, so we can provide targeted advice on size and availability.
