Which timbers are the most popular for wood flooring?

What sorts of European, American and Exotic Timber species are popular for Wooden Floors?

There are a lot of different sorts of timbers to choose from. In this section we will guide you which of the species are most suitable for wood flooring. The most popular species are categorized by origin: European, American and Exotic timbers. Each of them offers unique characteristics to specific styles and applications.

European Wood Timbers

European oak is one of the most favored timbers in Europe, known for its strength, durability, and versatility. It is widely available across Europe, especially in countries like France, Germany, and the UK. With a density of around 720 kg/m³, it is a dense and sturdy wood that resists decay and insect attacks naturally. Its golden to medium brown tones darken slightly with age, offering a timeless aesthetic. The grain of European oak is straight and coarse, making it suitable for parquet flooring blocks, engineered wood, and solid hardwood flooring. This wood is highly adaptable and can be stained or oiled to achieve a variety of finishes.

Beech is another European timber commonly used in flooring, particularly in regions like Germany and Poland. It is moderately durable, with a density of approximately 710 kg/m³. Beech has a pale cream to light pinkish-brown color and a uniform, smooth grain, giving it a refined appearance. While beech is hardwearing, it is sensitive to moisture, so it requires sealing to prevent warping.

Ash, native to Europe and commonly found in the UK and Eastern Europe, is a highly durable wood with a density of about 670 kg/m³. Known for its light brown color with subtle gray streaks, ash has a striking, straight grain that adds a contemporary touch to flooring. Its excellent resistance to wear makes it a preferred choice for high-traffic areas, such as in parquet blocks or engineered flooring.

Douglas Fir, native to both Europe and North America, is known for its warm reddish-brown to orange tones. With a lower density of around 530 kg/m³, it is softer than other hardwoods but remains stable when properly treated. Its grain is straight and smooth, occasionally featuring knots that add rustic charm. Douglas fir is often used for engineered and solid flooring in low-traffic areas.

American Wood Timbers

In the United States, American oak is widely used in flooring due to its high durability and density of about 750 kg/m³. Its light to medium brown hues often have reddish undertones, and its grain is more pronounced and rustic than European oak. American oak is versatile and commonly used for parquet blocks, engineered flooring, and solid hardwood flooring.

Hickory, another American species, stands out for its exceptional hardness and durability, with a density of around 830 kg/m³. It features pale cream tones with dark brown streaks and has a dramatic, contrasting grain pattern. Hickory is ideal for high-traffic areas and is often chosen for parquet and solid hardwood flooring due to its ability to withstand heavy use.

American Black Walnut, also from the United States, is prized for its luxurious appearance. It has a density of approximately 640 kg/m³ and offers a deep chocolate brown color with occasional purplish or gray undertones. Its grain is straight with swirling patterns that enhance its decorative appeal. Black walnut is softer than oak or hickory, making it better suited for engineered or solid flooring in spaces over heavy wear resistance.

Exotic Wood Timbers

Teak, a highly sought-after exotic timber, originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar and Indonesia. With a density of about 650 kg/m³, it is known for its natural oils that make it highly resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. Its golden to dark brown tones darken with age, while its grain is typically straight with occasional waviness. Teak is ideal for parquet blocks, engineered flooring, and solid hardwood flooring, especially in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Merbau, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, is another durable exotic timber. It has a density of around 830 kg/m³ and features a rich reddish-brown color with golden flecks. Its interlocked and coarse grain provides a unique shimmering effect due to its natural silica content. Merbau is often used in high-traffic or damp areas, making it a popular choice for both parquet and solid flooring.

Sapele, originating from tropical Africa, is a dense wood with a reddish-brown color and golden highlights. It has a density of approximately 640 kg/m³ and features an interlocked grain that creates a beautiful ribbon effect. Resistant to moisture and insects, Sapele is a cost-effective alternative to mahogany, suitable for parquet blocks and solid wood flooring.

Iroko, also from Africa, is known for its resemblance to teak in terms of durability and resilience. It has a density of about 660 kg/m³ and ranges in color from light golden yellow to medium brown. Its grain is coarse and interlocked, making it a popular choice for engineered and solid flooring in humid areas.

Wenge, a dense and durable timber from Central Africa, has a density of about 870 kg/m³. Its dark chocolate brown to almost black tones, combined with its straight and coarse grain, make it an excellent choice for engineered and solid flooring in modern or minimalist interiors. Its hard surface is highly resistant to wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

Finally, Zebrawood, or Zebrano is originating from West Africa, is known for its dramatic striped appearance. With a density of about 750 kg/m³, it is both hard and stable, offering light yellow tones with dark brown or black stripes. Zebrawood is commonly used for engineered and parquet flooring in bold and modern designs, providing a unique and eye-catching aesthetic.

Table, representing the wood timbers with different specifications