Decorative timber flooring

Timber is an excellent flooring material and has been used for this purpose for centuries. Interest has increased in recent years and wood flooring is now popular both in residential and commercial situations.
This Wood Information Sheet gives guidance to designers and specifiers on aspects which should be considered when choosing a timber floor. It deals mainly with decorative floors in dwellings, offices and institutional buildings and does not specifically address the detailed requirements of gymnasia, sports halls, dance floors or other special floors.
This information sheet includes advice on:
- uses and benefits of timber flooring
- suitable timber species
- available flooring product types
- advice on installing and maintaining wood flooring.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Benefits
- Timber species
- Types of decorative wood flooring
- Selecting and specifying wood floor products
- Floor construction
- Further reading
This Wood Information Sheet was reviewed in April 2022.
For queries about this technical document, please get in touch with its authors via BM TRADA’s Technical Helpline on +44 (0)1494 569601 or email timberadvice@bmtrada.com.
A paper/digital copy of this Wood Information Sheet is available in the BM TRADA Bookshop, which also hosts additional specialist timber publications.
Suggested Reading
Nearshoring: the industry market trend in hardwood flooring
Why are firms starting to source products from Europe rather than China – and what are the market implications? Alex Davidson investigates.
Article from Timber 2017 Industry Yearbook
01/03/2017 | Magazine Article
Wood flooring
Timber flooring is an effective way to add character to your home. Successful installation of a wood floor depends on the right selection of the type of flooring, the species from which it is made and its construction and appearance.
This Choose and Use sheet contains some best practice...
01/01/2012 | Choose and Use
Modified wood floor coverings: golden opportunity or Pandora's Box?
Peter Kaczmar explains the different modifications available and highlights the importance of correct specification.
29/05/2019 | Magazine Article