The most requested width for oak floorboards falls between 15 and 20 centimeters. Wider boards, from 20 centimeters onward, are gaining ground in professional projects where a calmer floor aesthetic is desired. The right width depends on the space, the desired character, and the stability of the material. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about the width of oak floorboards, from available sizes to custom work.
What widths are available for oak floorboards?
Oak floorboards are available in a wide range of dimensions, roughly from 10 centimeters to over 40 centimeters wide. With antique oak floor dimensions, the variation is greater than with new timber, as the material originates from historical structures with their own proportions. Narrow boards of 10 to 14 centimeters are less common as floorboards, but are used in specific interior applications.
With old boards reclaimed from antique beams or historic buildings, the following common width categories apply:
- 10 to 14 cm: narrow, suitable for smaller spaces or a traditional, artisanal character
- 15 to 20 cm: the most common width, versatile for use in living and working spaces
- 20 to 30 cm: wide, creating a calm and stately floor appearance
- 30 cm and wider: rare and impressive, sourced from large historic beams or ship planking
With antique oak, the width is not always completely uniform across a single board. This is inherent to the material and contributes to the character of the floor.
What is the most requested width in professional projects?
In professional projects — such as renovations of listed buildings or new construction with a classic aesthetic — wide oak boards of 18 to 25 centimeters are most frequently specified. This width offers a good balance between a rustic, large-scale floor appearance and practical workability. Architects often choose this range because it gives a space character without overpowering it.
The popularity of wider boards also has a visual rationale: the fewer seams visible in a floor, the larger the space feels. This is an argument that resonates well with property developers and contractors, particularly in open-plan living areas or large representative spaces.
View our completed projects for concrete examples of how different widths work in practice.
How does width affect the stability of an oak floor?
Wider oak floorboards are more susceptible to shrinkage and expansion than narrow boards. The wider the board, the more movement occurs with changes in humidity and temperature. This is not a defect, but a characteristic of solid timber that must be taken into account when selecting a width.
Antique oak has a significant advantage here. A piece of oak that was felled decades or even centuries ago and has been stored air-dry for many years has already undergone its greatest movement. The cellular structure has stabilized. This makes old oak — especially in larger widths — more stable than freshly sawn timber of comparable dimensions.
Two factors determine whether a wide board remains stable after installation:
- Drying time of the timber: wood that has been dried for longer moves less after processing
- Climate control in the space: stable humidity levels prevent excessive shrinkage or swelling
Which width suits which space or floor area?
The right width depends on the relationship between the board and the space, the desired floor character, and the architectural context. There is no universal answer, but there are clear guidelines that work well in practice.
In small or narrow spaces — such as a hallway or a study — narrow boards of 12 to 16 centimeters create a proportional result. An overly wide board in a small space can disrupt the scale and make the room feel heavy.
In large living rooms, open kitchens, or representative spaces in offices and hotels, wide boards of 20 centimeters and above work particularly well. They bring calm to the floor surface and allow the space to speak for itself. In listed buildings or country estates, a board of 25 to 35 centimeters can sometimes suit the scale of the space better than a narrower option.
A rule of thumb often used by architects and interior designers: let the width of the board scale with the height of the room. A space with high ceilings calls for a wider board to keep the vertical and horizontal proportions in balance.
Can an oak floorboard be custom sawn?
Yes, oak floorboards can be custom sawn. Both the width and the thickness and length can be adjusted, depending on the available timber and the requirements of the project. With antique oak, the options depend on the dimensions of the original beam or plank from which the boards are cut.
In addition to sawing, further finishing treatments are available that influence the appearance of the board. These include:
- Brushing to accentuate the wood grain
- Sandblasting for a weathered, aged character
- Graying for a silvery, reclaimed appearance
- Planing for a smoother surface in more refined applications
For a specific project requiring custom work, it is advisable to discuss the desired dimensions and quantities in advance. This allows us to assess which timber from our stock is most suitable and what the possibilities are. Also take a look at our old wooden floors for an impression of what is possible.
How Frank Pouwer helps you choose the right width
Choosing the width of an oak floorboard is rarely a matter of one size fitting all. We think along with you from the perspective of the project: the space, the architectural context, the desired appearance, and the technical requirements. That is where our expertise in antique timber and our stock make the difference.
- We hold a stock of approximately 20,000 m² of antique timber, including oak boards in a wide range of widths
- We can custom saw, brush, sandblast, or gray boards to the specifications of your project
- We provide advice based on the stability of the timber, drying time, and application requirements
- We deliver throughout Europe and have experience with demanding projects for architects and contractors
Would you like to know which widths are currently available and what the options are for your project? Request a quote and we will work with you to find the best match for your floor’s requirements.
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