The demand for textured wood flooring continues to grow as designers, architects and homeowners look for distinctive finishes that bring warmth, character and practicality to interiors. From subtle brushing to authentic distressing, textured wood flooring enhances the natural beauty of timber while creating a unique, tactile surface. At Chaunceys’ production facility in the heart of Bristol, their in-house finishing team expertly crafts a range of textures across all pre-finished boards, adding individuality to every floor.

Ian Tomlinson, Managing Director at Chaunceys Timber Flooring, explains,

“Textured wood flooring provides depth, contrast and a truly bespoke look. Whether it’s for a residential project, a boutique hotel or a heritage renovation, textures create a lived-in charm that complements handcrafted interiors.

Clients are drawn to the authenticity and individuality that texture brings to their flooring, allowing them to craft a space that feels both timeless and unique.”

A Growing Demand for Bespoke, Handcrafted Interiors

The trend towards textured flooring is driven by the increasing demand for tailored, high-quality finishes. Homeowners and designers are moving away from mass-produced, uniform surfaces and opting for textures that highlight the natural grain, knots and imperfections of timber. Customisation plays a key role, with options ranging from fine brushing for a subtle, timeworn effect to authentic distressing for a bold, rustic feel. “Textures allow wood flooring to tell a story,” says Ian. “By selecting the right finish, you can achieve anything from a refined, elegant surface to an aged, heritage look that feels like it’s been part of the property for centuries.”

Sustainability and Reclaimed Styles

Sustainable finishes and reclaimed-inspired designs are becoming increasingly popular. Cross-sawn and distressed textures capture the character and charm of aged wood while eliminating the sourcing challenges of true reclaimed timber. This makes them a practical yet visually striking choice, aligning with the growing trend of incorporating repurposed and organic materials into interior design. These finishes allow customers to achieve the timeless beauty of reclaimed wood with the precision and exceptional stability of engineered flooring.

“Reclaimed timber is always a favourite, but sourcing it can be complex. Our textured finishes allow us to achieve the same time-worn appeal while ensuring quality, stability and sustainability,” adds Ian.

Practical Benefits: Durability and Slip Resistance

Beyond aesthetics, textured wood flooring provides practical advantages. The added texture enhances grip underfoot, making it a preferred choice for high-traffic spaces where slip resistance is a key consideration. Additionally, textured surfaces help disguise minor scratches and everyday wear, maintaining their beauty for longer.

“Brushed and distressed finishes not only add character but also improve the longevity of flooring in busy environments,” says Ian. “They mask the signs of daily use far better than ultra-smooth finishes.”

Exploring Different Texturing Techniques

Chaunceys offers a variety of texturing techniques to suit different design requirements:

Brushed Textures:

Removing softer fibres to highlight the natural grain, brushed textures are available in fine, medium or heavy brushing for varying levels of depth.

Cross-Sawn Texture:

A rustic, heritage-inspired effect replicating the saw marks of traditionally cut timber, ideal for relaxed, coastal or laid-back interiors.

Distressed & Aged Finishes:

These feature authentically worn-in edges and surfaces to create the look of century-old flooring, perfect for period properties and timeless design schemes.

Timeless Appeal for Luxury and Heritage Spaces

Textured timber flooring is particularly sought after in luxury residential projects, heritage renovations and commercial spaces such as boutique hotels, restaurants and bars. It offers a perfect balance of visual interest, practicality and sophistication. “Whether it’s a grand townhouse or a rustic country retreat, textured flooring brings a sense of warmth and history to the space. It’s a timeless investment that continues to grow in popularity,” concludes Ian.