What Is The Difference Between 1-Strip, 2-Strip and 3-Strip Planks?

There’s a lot to think about when you’re choosing engineered wooden flooring. One feature to pay attention to is the number of strips the floor uses within its design. You’ll find there’s a choice of 1-strip, 2-strips and 3-strips available. The question is, what do these different strips represent and how do they impact the floor?

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the difference between 1-strip, 2-strip and 3-strip planks.

When you come across flooring which refers to 1-strip, 2-strip or 3-strips, it’s easy to be confused about what it means. Engineered flooring is made up of numerous layers, but that isn’t what these strips represent.

What Are 1 Strip Planks?

1-strip planks basically feature a single strip of wood on the surface, making up the entire plank. It is a solid wood strip, and as it features no gaps in the design, it tends to provide the most authentic appearance.

What Are 2 Strip Planks?

2-strip planks feature two strips of solid wood on the same plank. So, in the middle of the plank there will be a gap separating the two strips of wood. This gives it the appearance of having two planks in one.

What Are 3 Strip Planks?

3-strip planks feature, you guessed it, three strips of wood. This gives the floor a 3-in-1 plank effect. There are three pieces of solid wood, fused together with slight gaps left between each.

It’s important to note here that not all 2-strip and 3-strip floors feature different pieces of wood. In many cases, they are simply made to look like they have more than one piece of wood in their design.

How do Different Strips Affect The Floor?

The number of strips present in engineered wood floors obviously affects its appearance. However, did you know it can also impact the durability of the floor? When you’re dealing with 2-strip or 3-strip floors, the gaps between them can gather a lot of dirt and debris. So, they’ll need to be cleaned more frequently in order to prevent this from becoming an issue.

You’ll also find 1-strip floors can be a little more expensive. This again is down to their durability, but also the fact they produce a more luxurious finish. So, if budget is a concern, you may want to opt for the 2-strip or 3-strip plank designs.

Choosing Between 1-Strip, 2-Strip and 3-Strip Planks

When trying to choose which strip flooring to invest in, it’s important to think about the appearance of the floor. Think ahead to six months’ time. All engineered wooden floors will contract a little throughout the year. This will leave gaps in-between the planks. However, with 2-strip or 3-strip floors, you’ll also potentially be left with gaps on the surface of the wood too.

If you can afford it, single strip floors are definitely worth the money. However, if you do prefer the look of 2-strip or 3-strip flooring, aim for a floor which simply looks like it has two or three pieces of wood glued onto the surface. This will reduce the potential dirt and debris build-up, while also eliminating gaps throughout the year.

Overall, the number of strips the flooring includes on its surface does make a difference to how it looks. It can also impact the durability of the floor. So, when you're searching for a new wooden floor to add to the home, make sure you pay attention to how many strips it’s made from.