Character
A heavier grade for floors that carry the room. Expect more knots, more movement in the grain and more colour variation board to board, with sound and broken knots, heartwood and end splits all part of the look.
Everything people ask about character floors
Character grade wood flooring uses timber with a broad selection of natural features. These can include prominent knots, irregular grain, sapwood, checks, splits and noticeable colour variation. Rather than creating a uniform surface, the grade retains more of the individual markings found within the timber. This gives the floor greater visual texture and a more rustic appearance.
Yes. Knots and colour variation are defining features of character grade oak. Sapwood, grain changes, checks and splits may also be visible. The size, position and frequency of these markings vary naturally between boards, so a sample should be treated as an indication rather than an exact representation of the finished floor.
Prime grade flooring has the cleanest and most uniform appearance. It contains relatively little colour variation, with only a small number of knots and minimal sapwood. Character grade flooring retains a much broader selection of natural markings, producing more variation in grain, tone and texture. The choice depends on whether you prefer a cleaner surface or want the features of the timber to be more prominent.
Yes. The character grade European oak floors currently shown in this range are available as wide planks and narrow herringbone blocks. Planks allow the grain and colour variation to flow across the space, while herringbone creates a more structured pattern. Using both formats can also help define different areas while retaining a consistent colour and finish. The available dimensions should be checked on each product page.
Care requirements are determined by the finish rather than the timber grade. Floors with a hardened oil finish use Ted Todd Care System 1, while floors with an organic oil super matt finish use Care System 2. Always check the individual product specification before selecting cleaning products. Avoid generic cleaners containing bleach or solvents, as these may damage or discolour the finish. The current range includes both finish types, as shown by the specifications for Dunham and Arundel.
The character grade engineered floors currently listed on this page are suitable for use with underfloor heating. The heating system, subfloor and flooring must be specified and installed correctly, so professional installation is recommended. Always consult the specification for your chosen floor and follow the relevant installation instructions before work begins. Suitability is confirmed on the current product pages for Arundel, Dunham, Marbury, Sheringham and Standen.