About us

At Archwood Group, sustainability continues to be central to how we operate as a business. As a North Wales-based timber manufacturer with over 150 years of heritage behind our Richard Burbidge and Atkinson & Kirby brands, we recognise the responsibility we have to reduce our environmental impact while supporting a more sustainable future for our industry. We are proud to announce that we have achieved Planet Mark certification for the fifth consecutive year, following independent verification of our carbon footprint and continued year-on-year improvement. This milestone reflects the significant progress we have made since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in 2021, during which time we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 73% against our baseline year. This forms part of our long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Driving real progress across our operations Our continued reduction in emissions has been achieved through sustained investment and action across energy generation, electrification, responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Key achievements include: A 73% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus our baseline year since joining the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2021. Installation of 2,600 solar panels at our North Wales facility, now generating 40–50% of our electricity needs and saving over 2,260 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to planting 1,250 trees and exporting more than 800,000 kWh of renewable energy to the national grid. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensuring all remaining electricity is sourced from 100% verified renewable UK energy. 98% of all timber sourced is FSC or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management and sustainable supply chains. 90% of forklifts now operating as zero-emission vehicles, with plans in place to fully decarbonise our HGV fleet by 2030. 100% of wood waste recycled into animal bedding, cat litter, panel boards and site heating, alongside a 40% reduction in total waste over the past three years. Ongoing investment in our local communities, including school engagement, work placements, mock interviews and charitable fundraising initiatives. Looking ahead While we are proud of the progress made to date, our long-term sustainability strategy remains ambitious and focused: 2028: Self-generate 100% of our renewable energy needs 2029: Fully decarbonise our HGV fleet 2030: Achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions 2050: Reach Net Zero We continue to work closely with suppliers, partners and our wider value chain to support meaningful emissions reductions beyond our own operations. At Archwood Group, we remain committed to leading by example within our industry - continuing to invest, innovate and act responsibly to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

The width of the plank used in people’s homes can greatly impact the look and finish of a space. Once installed, this design choice can affect the feel of a room to a greater degree than most people think. Whereas narrow planks give off a more classic, detailed look, its wider counterpart can make a kitchen, extension, or hallway feel more open and contemporary. Of course, there is no best option when it comes to narrow plank vs wide plank flooring. The decision ultimately comes down to you and your taste.  It will also depend on the room size and the style of your property as to what looks best. In our guide, we’ll cover all the things you need to know so that you can make the right choice for you and your home. Quick summary: Narrow planks suit traditional interiors and can feel more structured Wide planks create a clear more spacious look with fewer joins The best option will depend on style, scale, and installation conditions What is the difference between narrow and wide plank flooring? The key difference between narrow and wide plank flooring is the width, as there aren’t exact measurements that define whether one is narrower or wider. It's more about look and feel.  Narrow planks are typically slimmer, creating more visible lines across the floor because more material is needed to cover the space. In contrast, wide planks cover more surface areas per board and create fewer seams. The width affects more than the appearance of a room, and many homeowners fail to consider the other ways in which the choice of flooring changes the feel of spaces. For instance, a narrow choice can make a room feel busier when compared to wider planks, which can give off a more peaceful aura.  At a glance, narrow and wide plank flooring create very different effects in a space. Here’s how: Feature  Narrow Plank Flooring Wide Plank Flooring  Visual Style  Classic, detailed and more traditional  Clean, contemporary and more expansive  Best For Period homes or smaller rooms with character Open plan spaces that are larger with more modern interiors Room Effect Adds a sense of rhythm and texture Tends to create a calmer, more seamless look Number of Joints More visible joins across the floor Joins aren't as visible across the floor General Feel Structured and more decorative Spacious, design-led with a premium feel   If you’re finding it hard to choose between the two extremes, medium plank flooring offers a versatile middle ground that balances the detail of narrow boards with the openness of wider ones. Why you may choose narrow plank flooring Narrow plank flooring is typically associated with a more period home from the 1930’s, for example, a home that has more traditional features such as original fireplaces in its living rooms or architraving around the doors and walls. Our Antique or Timeworn collections can help bring this aesthetic to life.  An increased number of floor boards creates a sense of pattern and rhythm across the floor space, which can elevate that period feel of the property.  Installing narrow planks works really well in: Period properties Cottages Hallways Smaller rooms From a practical perspective, narrower boards are often seen as more visually forgiving, suiting spaces where a more detailed, less expansive look is wanted. While narrow planks are often thought of as just straight lines, there are other patterns, such as herringbone, chevrons, and other parquet products, which can all create a dramatic look in keeping with traditional features. The case for wide plank flooring While narrow planks tend to be found in older homes, wider plank flooring is used to create a clean, more seamless finish in contemporary areas of a home, such as a kitchen extension or office. If you want your new wood flooring to feel light, airy, clear or well-balanced, view our Climate and Natural collections.  The lack of joins in wide plank flooring helps the eye travel across the room with ease, which in turn often has the effect of making a room feel calm and open. This type of flooring is perfect in rooms where you want to emphasise natural light.   Wider boards also show off more of the wood’s natural grain and variation, which is particularly striking in our oak flooring.   This aspect is particularly appealing if you're choosing a varied natural timber or engineered wood. These features mean wide planks are often most effective in: Open-plan spaces Larger living rooms Minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired interiors When installed with a fair amount of consideration, wide plank flooring can feel more premium and design-led in the right setting. If you are searching for a luxury finish, view our Harmony or Prestige collection.  Which plank width works best in different room sizes? What works best for you and the space you’re looking to renovate really does come down to your taste and the type of look you want post-installation. But in general, narrow planks work better in smaller rooms and can bring structure to it without overwhelming the space. There are no hard or fast rules for wood flooring, though. It's important to apply a bit of nuance to it, after all, it's your home, and you should have the style you want. Wide planks can work in smaller rooms if the aim is to create a space that feels decluttered and streamlined. Similarly, in large or open-plan spaces, wide planks are often the natural fit because they help the floor feel more expansive and make greater use of the space.  Wood flooring of all types is something that will always look striking, be durable, and never go out of style. The final result can also depend on the colour of the planks, with light wood floors often making small rooms feel larger, while dark wood floors or grey wood floors can add a sophisticated, bold touch to modern spaces. Larger spaces can often handle the latter better. Ultimately, it's all about your preferred design choice, which is often influenced by overall room proportion and finish. What else should homeowners consider other than style, practicality and installation? Beyond style and how your final flooring will look, there are a few practical considerations that need to be considered, too. Humidity is one consideration. Wider boards tend to show more noticeable movement if conditions fluctuate between seasons. Smaller planks are more tightly compacted and therefore not as affected by humid conditions. This is why comparing products and how they will interact with your space is so important, especially if you’re thinking about opting for either engineered or solid hardwood options. The installation process can also be affected by the width of the plank chosen. And while all wood flooring needs proper preparation beforehand to ensure it's level and ready for use, larger-format boards often need a more prepared subfloor because each plank has to take on more load once installed.  Budget is another thing that homeowners should consider. Wider planks tend to be more expensive because there is more material involved per item. The final price can also be influenced by the timber chosen or the specifications of the product. And of course, a larger room will require more planks - wide or narrow - which will increase the cost. How to choose between narrow and wide plank flooring Ultimately, choosing narrow plank or wide plank flooring comes down to three questions: What style do you want? What is the room's size and shape? Do you want the floor to serve as a subtle backdrop to other pieces of furniture or as a bold design feature?  Choose… Narrow planks for more traditional charm and a classic look Wider planks for opening, clean lines, and a more contemporary feel Looking for the perfect all-around solution for standard-sized modern rooms, choose medium planks. View our flooring options today Both wide and narrow flooring can look beautiful when matched to the space and its intended use. Unsure which width suits your style, browse our curated ranges, from the rustic charm of Principle to the architectural precision of the Prestige collection, to find your perfect fit. Why not request a brochure from our team or order a product sample to view in your home?