Wood Flooring for
Period Homes.

The most common period for our restoration work. Original pine boards under carpets are worth assessing before replacing. Where they are beyond restoration, engineered oak in a warm, mid-tone finish at 140–190mm is appropriate. Herringbone parquet in hallways and reception rooms is architecturally correct. Avoid very pale Nordic finishes — they read anachronistically in Victorian rooms.

Edwardian houses often have better-quality original timber than Victorian — pitch pine and Scots pine in good condition are common. Wider boards, lighter proportions, and larger rooms than typical Victorian terraces make engineered oak at 190mm+ with a natural oil finish a strong choice. Parquet is less prevalent but appropriate in grander Edwardian properties.

Interwar properties introduced the timber floor as a visible design element — parquet blocks in reception rooms, strip flooring in bedrooms. 1930s finger parquet in oak or pine is one of the most common restoration jobs we carry out. Where original parquet is present, restoration is nearly always the right answer. Where it is not, herringbone or straight-lay oak at 90–140mm suits the scale of these rooms.

The most common conversation we have in period properties: is there anything worth keeping under the carpet? In many Victorian and Edwardian houses, the answer is yes. We assess the boards before the carpet is up — a decision about restoration vs replacement should never be made from above a carpet. We provide a clear opinion on which route makes sense.

Listed building consent may be required for works that affect the fabric of the building — including floor removal in some cases. We advise on what requires consent and what does not, and work with clients who are managing a listed building application. We do not recommend any work that would compromise a listing.

Period properties were built before central heating. Original solid timber floors were stable in an unheated, relatively humid environment. Today's heating changes the moisture balance significantly. Engineered oak handles this better than solid wood in most period homes — we explain the relevant factors at survey stage.

In period properties, the staircase and hall floor should read as one material. We treat the staircase as part of the same installation — matching oak treads, landing floors, and risers to the floor below. Full details on our staircase and joinery page.