Undulating

Undulating texture flooring has a gently contoured surface that follows the natural movement of the timber. Instead of being completely flat and uniform, each board has subtle rises, variations and worked details that emphasise the grain, knots and character of the wood. Light falls differently across these contours, making the texture more visible throughout the day.

Creating a convincing undulating surface takes skill, and Ted Todd has honed this over more than 30 years of wood flooring craft. Every Ted Todd brushed floor is finished using a different combination of techniques, so no two are worked in quite the same way. Depending on the floor, this might include skip sawing to leave a rougher, undulating surface, working the knots to open them up, or softening the edges of each board so the texture continues smoothly from one plank to the next once installed.

An undulating floor has more tactile variation than a smooth wood floor, but the texture is shaped as part of the finished surface. Its depth and character vary between products, so viewing our floors at at Ted Todd Design Centre is the best way to compare floors.

In short, no. The texture does not require a completely different cleaning routine, but the correct care products should always be used. Remove loose dust and grit regularly, then follow the Care System listed in the product specification. The appropriate system depends on the finish and colour of the floor. Avoid generic cleaners containing solvents or bleach, as these can damage or discolour the surface.

Yes. Floors with an undulating texture are available in formats including wide planks, herringbone and chevron, with design panels also appearing within the wider range. These are all within our award-winning Warehouse collection, much loved for its unique undulating texture.

Yes. Undulating floors from the Warehouse collection can be used with underfloor heating when installed alongside a Fidbox. A Fidbox is a small device fitted beneath the floor that monitors temperature and humidity as the underfloor heating runs, helping to protect the wood from the temperature and humidity changes that most commonly cause problems.

An undulating texture creates gentle changes in the overall surface level of the timber. Brushing works more closely with the grain to add fine tactile definition, while sawing leaves visible tool marks across the face of the wood. These treatments can also be combined, which is why some floors feature both saw marks and an undulating surface. A smooth floor has a more even profile with less pronounced surface movement.