Types of timber flooring
[edit] How many types of timber flooring are there ?
The number of timber flooring types depends to some extent which aspects are considered, they can be categorised and chosen by a variety of characteristics including by product type, material composition, joints, finish and more.
In terms of products there are many, many different varieties, some generic and some with specific bespoke qualities.
In terms of material composition there are essentially three types of what might be considered as 'wood flooring;
- Laminate flooring - composite flooring with resins that mimic a natural wood finish
- Engineered flooring - engineered timbers with a final timber layer or lamella on the top surface.
- Solid flooring - solid cuts of timber with a finished top surface and differing joints.
In terms of joints the most common general term is tongue and groove, today with a number of variations sometimes referred to as interlocking floors with terms such as click and lock, snap and lock, drop and lock and angle to angle flooring, as well as other specific product names, these are designed to lock together through the joint removing the need for glue or nails and are commonly used in both laminate and engineered wood finishes. There are a number of other more traditional flooring joints also, used generally with solid wood flooring, some of these various terms are given here.
- Square Edge - the simplest square cut with no carpentry joins.
- Tongue and groove - one of the most common flooring joints.
- Rebate and fillet - similar principle with infill strips
- Interlocking floors
- Drop and Lock flooring
- Angle to angle
In terms of finish common timbers used are oak, walnut, ash, pine, spruce, cedar, larch, fir, birch, maple aswell as mahogany and teak. There are several options for finishing timber, such as wax, oil or lacquer.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.