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?

In 2026, great interior design isn’t just about how a space looks - it’s about how it feels to bring that vision to life. With so many flooring options available, choosing the right one can often feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken a step back, refined our approach and reimagined how our collections work for you. This isn’t about offering more. It’s about offering better. A Simpler Way to Choose We believe that selecting the perfect floor should feel intuitive, not complicated. Our collections have been thoughtfully redefined to guide you through the process, whether you’re designing a single room or specifying for a large-scale project. By refining our ranges, we’ve: Reduced unnecessary complexity Curated styles with clear design direction Ensured cohesive options across aesthetics and budgets The result? A clearer, more confident path to the right floor. Designed Around You Every project starts with a vision. Whether you're an interior designer shaping a concept, a retailer supporting a client or a contractor delivering a brief, the journey is the same - finding a floor that aligns with both style and purpose. Our redefined collections are built to support that journey, helping you: Navigate by design aesthetic, not just product name Compare options more easily across tones, finishes and formats Feel confident that your choice fits both the space and the brief Because the best decisions aren’t rushed - they’re guided. A Collection for Every Vision At the heart of our redefined approach is a carefully structured portfolio of collections, each offering a distinct design perspective. Rather than overwhelming choice, we provide clarity - helping you navigate flooring by style, performance and intent. Heritage CollectionA durable range built for longevity. Features 20mm herringbone and chevron parquet with Fusion Hybrid surface technology, delivering a hard-wearing, low-maintenance matte finish suited to high-traffic areas. Prestige CollectionA high-end collection of select-grade parquet and extra-wide planks. Refined in appearance, with minimal character and a premium finish, suited to luxury interiors and large-scale developments. Harmony CollectionUV-oiled plank and parquet flooring designed for open-plan spaces. Allows for easy transitions between layouts, making it simple to zone areas while maintaining a consistent look. Timeworn CollectionRustic, textured flooring with smoked and weathered finishes. Characterised by visible grain, tonal variation and surface movement, suited to more informal or character-led interiors. Climate CollectionLight-toned flooring with bleached, limed and weathered finishes. Creates a clean, understated base for contemporary and minimalist spaces. Antique CollectionCharacter-rich flooring with deeper tones and traditional detailing. Designed to replicate the look of aged timber while maintaining modern construction standards. Natural CollectionWarm, mid-toned wood flooring with a more natural, unprocessed appearance. Subtle knots and variation provide a balanced, versatile finish. Principle CollectionAn entry-level range focused on practicality and value. Offers a clean, consistent look suitable for residential and trade applications. Performance Collection (Commercial Only)Solid hardwood flooring designed for specialist use in gyms, sports halls and dance studios. Selected for durability, elasticity and a smooth, consistent finish. Each collection has been carefully refined to ensure it stands on its own, while still working within the wider range. Thoughtfully Curated, Not Overwhelming In redefining our collections, we’ve taken a considered approach: Removing products that add noise rather than value Introducing made-to-order options for greater flexibility and credibility Ensuring suitable alternatives are always available This means fewer compromises, more clarity and a better overall experience from first browse to final installation. We know that customers don’t want to be sold to they want to feel confident in their choice. That’s why everything we do is designed to support informed decisions. Explore our full range of flooring here. Downlaod our latest brochure here

At Archwood Group, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As a family-owned business with over 150 years of experience in timber products, we understand the responsibility we have to the environment, our people and our community. Transparency is key, which is why we are proud to share our 2025 sustainability milestones. Since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in November 2021, we have been taking rigorous action to reduce our carbon footprint and support a greener future. Over the past four years, we have reduced our Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions by an impressive 73%, a huge step on our journey to Net Zero. Here are some of our most significant achievements to date: · Planet Mark certified for the fifth consecutive year, with independent verification of our carbon footprint and continuous improvement. · 2,600 solar panels now generate 40–50% of our North Wales factory’s energy needs, saving over 2,260 tonnes of CO₂ - the equivalent to planting 1,250 trees and exporting over 800,000 kWh of renewable energy back to the national grid. · Our long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensures all remaining energy comes from verified 100% renewable sources across the UK. · 98% of our timber is FSC or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management and sustainable sourcing. · 19 out of 20 forklifts are now zero-emissions, creating a cleaner and quieter workplace, with plans to fully decarbonise our HGV fleet by 2030. · 100% of wood waste is recycled for animal bedding, cat litter, panel boards and site heating. Total waste has been reduced by 40% over the last three years. · Support for local schools, charities and community projects continues to grow, including mock interviews, work placements and fundraising initiatives. Reflecting on our progress, Managing Director Josh Burbidge says: “We’ve made great progress on our Net Zero journey, reducing our Scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint by 73% versus our baseline year. This is a fantastic achievement, but there is still much more work to be done. We want to do our part in having a positive impact on the environment and our community. Each one of us plays an important role in our sustainability commitments.” Looking ahead, our long-term targets remain ambitious and clear: · 2028: Self-generate 100% of renewable energy needs. · 2029: Decarbonise our entire HGV fleet. · 2030: Achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions. · 2050: Reach our goal of Net Zero. We remain committed to leading our industry in sustainable practices, supporting our people and giving back to our community. Together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact on the environment. Download our full 2025 Sustainability Report here.

Real wood flooring isn’t just a trend - it’s an investment in your home’s long-term style and character. Unlike finishes that date quickly, wood adapts with changing interiors, gaining personality and depth over time. In 2026, wood continues to lead the way, combining current colour trends with patterns, textures and rich tones that will remain relevant for years to come. Warm neutrals such as khaki, clay, tobacco and greige are set to dominate interiors this year. Wood floors enhance these calming palettes while providing a foundation that works as styles evolve. Medium-toned wood floors, such as Noma Smoked Oak, provide subtle warmth and elegance without dominating the room. They remain versatile as furniture, colour schemes and styles evolve over time. Terracotta, olive and ochre bring organic warmth to interiors and they pair beautifully with wood that highlights natural grain and texture. Rydal Oak provides rich, earthy tones that support warm accent colours and create a space that feels inviting and grounded. Sandur Oak features a weathered surface with deep grey tones and a mix of cool and warm hues, adding tactile character that remains stylish in both cosy, colour-rich spaces and minimalistic interiors. These finishes show how wood flooring naturally adapts over time, retaining charm and authenticity. Chevron and herringbone patterns are classic choices for 2026, combining craftsmanship with enduring style. They offer visual interest without ever feeling dated. Sloane Smoked Oak and Kensington Oak are ideal for these layouts. Sloane Smoked Oak’s rich, dark coffee tones and deep-colour penetration ensure the floor maintains elegance as years pass, while Kensington Oak’s neutral shade makes a statement while remaining versatile enough for any interior style. Patterned wood demonstrates that traditional designs continue to feel fresh and relevant. Deeper, darker tones are back in interiors, offering warmth, depth and a dramatic focal point. These shades are highly versatile and age beautifully. Finsbury Oak provides dark, luxurious tones with rustic character, featuring natural splits and knots for added personality. Hackfall Oak stands out with deep brown colour and enhanced natural features, giving a reclaimed, antique feel. Both options illustrate how wood gains character over time, staying stylish and relevant as interiors change. Open-plan living is on the rise and wide plank floors help create continuity and a sense of flow across spaces. Launching new wide plank designs in 2026, these floors showcase the natural beauty of the timber while supporting a clean, expansive look. Wide planks highlight the grain and character of wood, reinforcing its role as a lasting, adaptable design choice. Texture is set to be one of the defining flooring stories of 2026, driven by a desire for surfaces that feel as expressive as they look.  The era of perfectly smooth, uniform planks is giving way to boards with depth, movement, and a distinctly handcrafted sensibility. Hand‑finished and hand‑scraped designs are rising fast, celebrated for the subtle ridges that trace the grain, the gently softened edges that feel shaped rather than machined, and the irregular patterns that reveal the timber’s true character. Wyndham Oak, with its expressive knots, splits, and saw marks, embodies this shift—full of rustic charm and unmistakable individuality. These textured finishes bring warmth and authenticity to contemporary interiors, creating spaces that feel grounded, lived‑in, and visually layered. Wood That Evolves With Your Home Choosing real wood flooring is choosing flexibility and long-term style. From evolving colour schemes to different furniture layouts and changing trends, wood continues to adapt and enhance any interior. It doesn’t date, it grows with your home, creating spaces that remain beautiful and inspiring for years. In 2026, the message is clear: wood flooring is more than a surface, it’s a lasting foundation that combines trend-led design with timeless appeal. Explore the full range here.

When it comes to delivering high-quality projects on time, contractors know that choosing the right flooring partner is crucial. You need reliability, availability and craftsmanship you can trust and that’s exactly what Atkinson & Kirby delivers. With over a century of experience in British wood flooring, we’re more than just a supplier. We’re a partner who understands the demands of modern construction and the importance of getting every detail right. Reliability You Can Depend On Every successful project starts with reliability. From accurate specifications to consistent stock and on-time delivery, Atkinson & Kirby is trusted by contractors nationwide to keep projects running smoothly. Our expert team and established logistics network ensure you get what you need, when you need it with no delays or compromises. High Quality, Every Time Each Atkinson & Kirby floor is the result of generations of expertise in woodcraft. Every board is engineered for strength, stability and longevity, offering both beauty and performance in equal measure. Whether you’re fitting residential interiors or commercial developments, you can depend on flooring that meets the highest standards of quality and finish. Fast Availability and Delivery To us, deadlines are non-negotiable. That’s why we maintain strong stock levels across our most in-demand ranges and offer a reliable nationwide delivery service. Our goal is simple: to help you stay on schedule, avoid unnecessary downtime and deliver excellence without delay. Expert Support and Design Guidance Our dedicated support team is here to make your job easier, offering technical advice, specification support and product guidance throughout your project. For larger or design-led commercial schemes, our Design Support Service provides tailored assistance, helping contractors, designers and architects find the perfect flooring solution for each space. From concept to completion, our experts are available to advise on finishes, layouts and sustainability credentials. A Complete Product Portfolio Atkinson & Kirby offers one of the widest wood flooring collections in the UK. From engineered and solid wood to underlay, our range covers every aesthetic and performance need. With a wide choice of tones, finishes and grades, contractors can confidently specify flooring that complements both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. A Reputation Built on Trust Established in 1903, Atkinson & Kirby has built a reputation rooted in craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation. Our heritage gives contractors confidence that every product is made to perform and every project will stand the test of time. Commitment to Sustainability We believe quality and sustainability go hand in hand. That’s why Atkinson & Kirby sources responsibly, supports sustainable forestry and offers FSC® and PEFC-certified products. Our goal is to help contractors deliver projects that are as environmentally responsible as they are beautiful. Why It Matters Choosing Atkinson & Kirby means choosing a partner who values reliability, quality and design as much as you do. From your first enquiry to the final fit, we’re here to support you with craftsmanship, expertise and service you can count on. Explore our full range here Discover our design support service here