Timber floors enhance a home giving it a warm and comfortable feel. Timber is the word used to describe wood in most instances. When it comes to flooring material, however, timber flooring differs from wood flooring in one major way; genuine timber flooring is made using recycled or reclaimed wood boards. Wooden flooring is also called plank flooring or board flooring.

Timber floors are highly regarded for their appearance. A genuine antique timber floor is made especially attractive because of its weathered appearance. The darkened nail holes, slight cracks and a stained patina, all contribute to the aesthetic appeal. Antique wood or timber that is more than a century old is available for flooring.

One of the most distinctive features of wooden floors is the width of the boards used. Many genuine wooden floors can also be distinguished by the weathered patina, and the distinct grain. Reclaimed timber flooring is often knotty, has a slightly raised grain and in most cases, has different board widths. Reclaimed chestnut is one of the most sought after and rare wooden flooring. Many people are drawn to this timber because of its rarity and the color which vary shades of light coffee to a rich chocolate. Moreover, chestnut is a very hard and durable wood.

The most common types of timber floors are made from red and white oak. Oak has an attractive, rich hue, with a subtle grain and is very durable. Recycled oak floors are highly popular because this wood is readily available. It also tends to be more affordable than other types of wood. Timber flooring usually is available at specialty lumber yards, or from independent flooring contractors. There are also a number of distributors who "harvest" reclaimed wood, and re-sell it un-milled, directly to the homeowner. This un-milled timber is often sold at lower prices. A number of builders or homeowners enjoy re-finishing their own recycled wood, and finishing it to suite their own needs.

Wooden floors have proven themselves to be timeless, offering a warmth and beauty that is unmatched by other flooring products. Anyone choosing to install wooden flooring should be aware of the fact that the flooring tends to change depending on the environment. During dry weather, gaps tend to appear between the floorboards as the floor shrinks. During more humid temperatures, the boards will expand leading to smaller gaps. Localized shrinkage can also occur where the boards are exposed to heat sources. This can be seen around fireplaces or where there is direct sunlight.