Wood species

One of the first decisions you will need to make is to select the wood species that you would like to use for your floor.

The vast majority of wooden floors are oak - but that doesn't mean to say that you have to follow suit.

You can choose one of the many more unusual species that we can supply. Or, if you opt for oak, why not consider the many different light and dark stains and finishes - from natural oil or lacquer, to hand scraped or distressed?

With selecting the species you should consider the style of the wood and its colour, texture, grain and substance.

Consider how it will blend in with its surroundings - for example, some lighter wood may be more appropriate in a casual living room whereas deep, dark tone may be more suitable for a formal dining area.

If in doubt, or you would like advice or a second opinion, don't hesitate to call. Our experts are always on hand to offer professional, impartial advice. Our primary concern is to help you select the wood species that will be right for your room setting.

Here's a brief overview of some of the main wood species used for wood flooring.

Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior)
Whitish grey | yellow markings | straight grain | course texture | withstands even the toughest wear

Bamboo
Grass from Asia | compacted to form bamboo floorboards

Beech (Fagus Silvatica)
Subtle grain patterns | light to reddish brown | very durable - stands up well to wear

Birch (Betula Verrucosa)
Almost white | light grain patterns | pronounced knots

Cedar (Cedrus Libani)
Strongly scented | resinous | brittle | low strength | high durability

Cherry (Prunus Avium)
Strong grain pattern | dark red to red brown | fine and even texture | good strength | mildly durable

Chestnut (Castanea Sativa)
Pale biscuit colour

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga Manziesii)
Light reddish brown | moderately durable

Elm (Ulmus Procera)
dull brown | course texture | non-durable | not easy to work

Lime (Tilia Vulgaris)
Yellow brown to pale brown | straight grained | fine texture | easy to work with

Maple (Acer Saccharum)
Creamy white with reddish tinge | light in hue | subdued and sometimes undulating grain | high resistance to abrasion and wear

Oak (Quercus Robur)
Tan to biscuit | straight grained | stands up very well to wear | the most popular species for flooring

Pine (Pinus Strobes)
Pale/golden yellow | Soft and stable | Non-durable

Red Oak (Quercus Borealis)
Subtle grain structure| a rustic alternative to traditional oak

Sapele
Reddish brown | works well | moderately durable

Sycamore (Acer Pseudoplatanus)
White to creamy white | normally straight grained | fine grain

Teak (Tectona Grandis)
Golden brown | normally straight to wavy grain | course textured | very durable

Walnut (Juglans Nigra)
Rich chocolate tones | unique and stunning colour variations | very popular and in constant demand

Yew (Taxus baccata)
Golden orange brown (streaked) | small knots |durable