Timber Flooring: How to Choose the Right Board for Your Home

The Dilemma

Timber flooring adds warmth, comfort and natural character, but the choice between tones, grains, board widths and finishes can quickly become overwhelming. Choose incorrectly and your floor can feel dated, too orange, too grey or simply mismatched to the architecture.

The dilemma is choosing a timber that supports your home’s light, materials and long-term atmosphere.

The Options

Option 1: Light Timber (Oak, Ash, Birch)

Fresh and bright.

Pros:

• makes rooms feel larger

• pairs with modern interiors

• timeless and airy

Cons:

• cool tones can feel cold in north-facing rooms

Option 2: Mid-Tone Timber

Warm and balanced.

Pros:

• hides dirt and wear

• suits almost any interior

• complements a wide palette

Cons:

• undertone variation is large — choose carefully

Option 3: Dark Timber

Rich and dramatic.

Pros:

• luxurious feel

• strong contrast

• good for large, well-lit rooms

Cons:

• shows dust

• can make small rooms feel heavy

The Decision Criteria

1. Undertone matters

Timber can lean yellow, red, grey, green or neutral.
Match your undertone to wall and furniture tones.

2. Board width

Wide boards feel calmer and more premium.
Narrow boards add texture but can feel busy in small rooms.

3. Finish

Matt or satin finishes suit most homes.
Gloss feels dated.

4. Light exposure

Timber fades or darkens depending on species.
Rotate rugs occasionally.

5. Pattern and grain

More grain = more character.
Less grain = more minimal.

The Recommendation

Choose a timber floor based on undertone first, then tone, then width. For most homes, a mid-tone engineered oak with a matt finish provides warmth, longevity and flexibility.

Avoid overly cool grey timbers unless your home has strong natural light.

A Quick Tip

Place your timber sample beside your wall colour, kitchen units and soft furnishings. If any element looks “off”, you’ve found a clash in undertones.