Flooring - The Main Company

7 New Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Products

Posted on 4th June 20213rd March 2026 by The Main Company

It’s always exciting when we can bring you new engineered wood flooring finishes. We spend a lot of time at our Yorkshire workshop researching and developing oak patinas to make your floor that little bit extra special. Let’s take a look at seven new options for you new wood floor.

1. Washed Foundry Oak Flooring

Handmade in Yorkshire our Washed Foundry Oak Flooring provides a more contemporary aesthetic. The engineered floor boards are individually machined with a tongue and groove for easy installation. If you’re unsure how the flooring will look in reality you can always check by purchasing a flooring sample first.

2. Light Foundry Oak Flooring

The Light Foundry Oak Flooring is a natural looking oak floor whilst maintaining character through original knots and markings. Each plank has been hand finished in our flooring workshops ensuring quality throughout each and every batch.

3. Old Foundry Oak Flooring

How our Old Foundry Oak Flooring reacts in sunlight is something special. The warmth created from our hand ageing process gives each plank a completely unique colouration. The oak is finished with a hybrid oil, protecting the flooring ready for your busy day-to-day use.

4. Burnt Foundry Oak Oiled Flooring

Burnt Foundry Oak Oiled Flooring is a fantastic option for people who are wanting to recreate that original reclaimed aesthetic. Although hand aged, these oak planks have amazing character. Suitable for both residential and commercial flooring projects, you will not be disappointed with the Burnt Foundry Oak Flooring.

5. Old Tobacco Factory Dark Flooring

Old Tobacco Factory Dark Flooring would be an ideal choice of flooring for those looking to make a statement. The deep palette looks perfect in any space, whether that be modern or traditional. The dark oak patinas added to the oak give a luxurious feel, whilst the natural matt hybrid oil finish keeps the floor protected.

6. Old Tobacco Factory Light Flooring

Love dark flooring but are be limited with the amount of natural light? Our Old Tobacco Factory Light Flooring could be the right choice for you. With the same characteristics of the Old Tobacco Factory Dark, this oak flooring is just a little lighter in appearance.

7. Burnt Foundry Oak Raw Lacquer Flooring

Last but by no means least our Burnt Foundry Oak Raw Lacquer Flooring has an industrial vibe. The silvery and white tones in the oak give a stunning focal point to any given space. Charred knots break through the surface of the oak boards to give a truly unique floor.

Please note that as all our products are natural product the colour, grain knots and markings will vary from batch to batch, as well as from one plank to another, making our flooring a truly unique natural product.

If you’re interested in any of our products or have any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our flooring sales team.

FAQ: Engineered Wood Flooring

Posted on 25th February 202113th June 2025 by The Main Company

Engineered Wood Flooring is a perfect product to use for both residential and commercial projects. The stability engineered flooring provides over solid wood flooring is one of many reasons clients choose this product. We get a lot of people interested in our extensive engineered flooring products. With this comes familiar questions that we are always answering.

Reclaimed Cladding: 6 New Products

Posted on 18th February 202121st February 2022 by The Main Company

If you’ve been searching for that perfect reclaimed cladding to make a statement then you’re in the right place! Whether it is a feature wall, custom headboard, ceiling or bar area, our wood cladding is ideal for making a decorative statement and adding warmth and texture to your residential or commercial space. We’re pleased to announce six new finishes to our extensive collection. Remember with these products all been reclaimed there’s a limited supply so get them while you can!

1. Reclaimed Silver Barn Spruce Cladding

A much sought after finish is that beautiful silver grey patina wood gets after it’s faced the sun over many years. Our Reclaimed Silver Barn Spruce Cladding is exactly that product. Reclaimed from disused barns it will transform your space.

2. Vintage White Grey Painted Cladding

The Vintage White Grey Painted Cladding has its original colours making it a popular choice. This is fantastic option for a variety of projects, from bedroom walls to to interior ceilings of restaurants and bars.

3. Rustic Brown Barn Brick Cladding

Something that will really make a statement is our Rustic Brown Barn Brick Cladding. Made up of hundreds of 240mm timber pieces the textures it reveals are second to none.

4. Distressed Original White Painted Cladding

If you’re after a really raw aesthetic then look no further. Our Distressed Original White Painted Cladding has been heavily distressed with every plank boasting a stunning, crackled white paint finish.

5. Brushed Teal Original Wall Cladding

For a warm and cozy environment the Brushed Teal Original Wall Cladding may work for your space. The subtle hints of teal really make each and every board special.

6. Teal Olive and Grey Original Wall Cladding

Teal Olive and Grey Original Wall Cladding boasts a stunning, deep patina, complemented by additional rustic characteristics, including original nail holes. Reclaimed from old beams, each piece has been kiln dried to remove any excess moisture, to provide a material stable for the modern home.

Still searching for that perfect product? We have more reclaimed cladding for you to make that perfect space!

What Is Parquet Flooring?

Posted on 20th November 202015th July 2024 by The Main Company

Origin

Parquet flooring dates back to 16th century France. The original designs were laid out in geometric patterns with the individual blocks varying in colour and size. In modern times parquet flooring is more of a generic term for flooring panels and blocks, which once arranged, make an array of fabulous patterns and designs.

Manufacturing Process

Oak, walnut, maple and cherry are the most common species of timber to find within a parquet floor. These timbers can be manufactured in a solid or engineered finish. Whether you choose solid or engineered, there is no difference in the final look of fitted parquet flooring.

Here at the Main Company we use new and reclaimed oak to manufacture our parquet flooring, all of which are engineered using a birch plywood base. Both the new and reclaimed parquet blocks are cut to 500mm x 100mm and then finished with a variety of patinas. The flooring panels are usually crafted to bespoke order but usually range from 900-1000mm square.

Reclaimed timber stacked up ready for process

Installation

The installation of a parquet floor is the same process whether you select panels or individual blocks. We recommend glueing the product down using a flexi adhesive such as Sikabond 52 by Ever Build. This can be used on a screed concrete or plywood substrate.

Glueing a floor to the substrate minimises any movement that can occur when using natural products.

Maintenance

The most common question we get with any of our flooring products is: what’s the maintenance process?

Like all our flooring, parquet floors are relatively low maintenance. You can either vacuum or brush the surface 2-3 times a week. Moping your parquet floor is also possible at times when you want to remove more stubborn dirt. We’re able to provide a specialist flooring soap for this.

Reclaimed pine kitchen unit sit on whitewash oak parquet flooring

Parquet floor sample is also available if you want to try it before making an order.

If you do require more specific information on any of our flooring products don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Wood Flooring: The Perfect Base For Your Kitchen

Posted on 24th October 202015th July 2024 by The Main Company

So, you have chosen your perfect Main Company kitchen lets not forget about important touches like tiles and flooring, but have you considered using wood flooring throughout your kitchen?

At The Main Company we are passionate about wood. Available in an abundance of grains and shades, each plank brings natural beauty and warmth to your space and offers a versatile choice, complementing both modern and traditional cabinetry.

Benefits of using wood flooring in your kitchen

One of the things we love the most about wood, is that like a fine wine, it often gets better with age. Each plank is meticulously handcrafted and enhanced in our Yorkshire workshops, bringing out unique features and ensuring that it will last for years to come. The natural markings and original nail holes can also act as the perfect disguise for any future wear, as they will blend perfectly into the natural charm and character of the wood. Wood provides a highly durable surface for your kitchen and not only have we fitted wood flooring in a number of our kitchens, we have also used it throughout a number of commercial spaces too as it is made to last and withstand heavy footfall.

When speaking with our customers, one of the things many people like about wood flooring is that it can be used in all downstairs rooms and even upstairs, to create continuity from room to room, this is especially popular in more open plan spaces. Wood flooring is also useful in living spaces for allergy sufferers, as carpets can collect dust and pet hairs. Wood flooring is also a sustainable option, something that is at the forefront of people’s minds at the moment.

Wood is a classic choice and never goes out of style, so you’re safe in the knowledge that you won’t need to replace it in a couple of years when something new comes along. Adding wooden floors is often seen a desirable feature that can add value to a property in some cases, especially as part of a larger kitchen renovation.

Lastly, tiles are known for being cold under foot so wood flooring makes a much warmer alternative. Not only does it create a cosy, rustic feel, it is much warmer under foot meaning no more cold feet first thing on a morning on the way to the kettle! Our Engineered Wood Flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating if required.

Types of wood flooring

At The Main Company, we provide a variety of wood flooring options, including reclaimed solid wood and engineered wood. From cooler shades to darker shades, we have the perfect flooring for your kitchen. Not only can we supply wood in a variety of widths and lengths, the planks can also be configured in a variety of ways including the popular parquet / herringbone style.

Prepare to be inspired…

Antique Smokehouse Oak

Beautifully handcrafted, our Antique Smokehouse Oak would be the perfect addition to your kitchen. The rich, deep patina would work beautifully alongside opulent green cabinets, concrete worktops and brass accents…or whatever else you decide to choose! The unique, bold charcoal grain has been enhanced using a number of hand ageing techniques and is the perfect choice for adding warmth and character to your space.

Weathered Engineered Oak Natural White

If you have a more neutral colour palette within your home, then our Weathered Engineered Oak Natural White could be the perfect flooring for you. Timeless and traditional, the sandy tones would complement greys and neutrals alike. Perfect for both traditional and contemporary kitchens, the natural markings and texture will add character and charm to any kitchen. Our Weathered Engineered Oak Natural White has also been finished with a hybrid oil, creating a durable and hardwearing surface, perfect for the hub of your home.

Weathered Factory Washed Board Parquet

From the glossy pages of home magazines to Instagram feeds everywhere, parquet flooring is certainly having a moment. The current yet classic style has always been a favourite here at The Main Company and we can supply it in a number of shades. Our Weathered Factory Washed Board Parquet has a slightly worn appearance and would look stunning sat alongside cabinetry painted in lighter shades.

See our wood flooring in action…

Amersham

If you’re in any doubt that wood flooring is not a durable choice for a kitchen, think again. At The Main Company we have fitted wood flooring in a number of commercial properties, including restaurants and shops with a high footfall. As part of the Amersham project, we used a variety of parquet flooring and traditional planks, these were paired with other wood features such as a bar area and cladding throughout.

Upper Poppleton

As mentioned earlier, wood is a wonderful choice for those looking to create a sense of continuity throughout their home. Our Black Smoked Oil oak worked perfectly alongside these rich green cabinets, and throughout the downstairs living area in this wonderful family home.

If you’re thinking of using wood flooring in your kitchen, get in touch today and we will help you find the perfect wood for your space. You can also explore our variety of wood flooring samples on our website to prepare to be inspired.

Reclaimed Flooring for our London Showroom

Posted on 5th June 202031st May 2024 by The Main Company

There are two elements to consider when it comes to our flooring in our new London showroom: Which samples boards to present customers with and which flooring to lay?

Before we consider these two though, I thought it would be nice to take a quick look at how we actually obtain and then process our reclaimed timber for our engineered flooring.

It all starts with the demolition of old mills and barns. Through our timber merchants, we manage to get some incredible wood from all over the world. You can be assured that when you purchase a reclaimed product it’s truly unique to you.

Reclaimed flooring cold pressed on to birch plywood sheets

Once the timber has been de-nailed, cleaned and re-sawn it’s ready to be cold pressed on to birch plywood. This makes an incredibly stable product which is easy to lay and is compatible with under floor heating systems.

Worker rolling top finish on our reclaimed floor boards

Once our reclaimed engineered flooring has been machined with tongue & groove and then end matched it’s time for the finish. Due to the natural undulation in many of the reclaimed timbers, the only way to get a high quality finish is to apply the lacquer by hand. As you can imagine this is a very time consuming and labour intensive process.

Whitewash reclaimed flooring in drying racks

As you can see above the final boards look amazing. From start to finish it takes days for a board to be processed.

Now we’ve had a look at how our reclaimed flooring is processed, let’s get back to where we started: Which samples boards should we present to customers in London? Which flooring products should we lay?

Which flooring to lay in the London Showroom?

Reclaimed engineered flooring blocks laid on the showroom floor with integrated disabled ramp

We’ve actually chosen two products! In the entrance we have a brand new product, Reclaimed Engineered Burnt Silver Barn Bricks (see above). These will be uploaded to our website very soon so watch this space. The rest of the showroom will have our Reclaimed Weathered Barn Oak. This flooring features in our Cornwall project and is a firm favourite. We can’t wait to share the pictures with you once has been laid!

Which samples boards to present customers?

3D visual of reclaimed sample floor boards for the new London showroom

There’s space for 32 sample boards in the London Showroom. This sounds a lot but once you break it up in to reclaimed flooring, new flooring, and cladding we have to make sure we select products people would like to see there!

We’re currently focusing on our most popular products like Reclaimed Douglas Fir Nordic White Flooring and Reclaimed Heritage Oak Distressed Charcoal Flooring while also manufacturing new ones with selected batches of reclaimed timber. If there’s something you would like to see there let us know! You can also explore our full range of flooring samples on our website.

Long Overdue: Our London Showroom

Posted on 29th May 202029th May 2020 by The Main Company

From delivering pieces of furniture to fitting bespoke kitchens, we’ve been working in and around London consistently for the last 10 years. One question that has always been asked throughout this time is “Do you have a London showroom?” We will finally be able to answer “Yes” to that very question – how exciting!

Outside the Business Design Centre in London, Islington

Location

We spent a long time researching and finally found the perfect space at the Business Design Centre, Islington. The Grade II listed building, originally opened as the Royal Agricultural Hall in 1862 for holding agricultural shows, is now an exhibition and conference venue, with showrooms and offices. It is home to over 100 businesses, now including us.

When open, our operating hours will be Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Make sure you come and say hello at:

Suite 103, Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington Green, London N1 0QH.

The Design Process

It’s important that we present our full capabilities in a relatively small space. The 90 square meter showroom will feature a brand new bespoke kitchen, reclaimed and hand aged flooring, reclaimed cladding, furniture and some small accessories.

Our designers have been flat out coming up with various concepts and layouts, some of which made it to the next stages and are currently being manufactured. We feel the design embraces the best of The Main Company. Combining organic design and meticulous craftsmanship, we pride ourselves in using the very best in new, salvaged and reclaimed materials.

We also teamed up with companies we already use for lighting and handles as we know their quality is excellent and will finish off the kitchen really well. We have also introduced metalwork in the Critall style in both the kitchen design and also to create a meeting room. We can’t wait to meet you there.

Render concept of London showroom kitchen units

Manufacture

The first thing that needs installing in the new London showroom is the floor; therefore this is the first thing to go into manufacture. When we say it’s handmade, we mean it. Each plank has been cold pressed, re-sawn, and finished by hand. The process is extremely labor intensive, but the results speak for themselves.

Reclaimed flooring manufacturing process

Like many of the bespoke kitchens, the showroom has been designed with a mixture of materials. As you can imagine the painted kitchen units go through a completely different process than the engineered timber ones.

Once the kitchen is through production we will share some images of it being installed, watch this space!

Empty London showroom ready for bespoke kitchen to be installed

Opening Date?

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we cannot give you an exact opening date yet, but we are hoping it will be in July. Please just keep an eye out on our social and contact page – it won’t be long now.

New or Reclaimed Flooring?

Posted on 24th April 202031st May 2024 by The Main Company

And what’s the difference?

You’d be surprised at how many times we get asked this question. The easiest thing to do is look at the characteristics of each group. We’ve separated new and reclaimed flooring analysing their size, appearance, availability, durability, and price.

Please bear in mind that we have based this comparison on engineered flooring.

Reclaimed Flooring

Size

Due to the nature of a reclaimed product, unless stated, all our reclaimed flooring have random widths.

Reclaimed flooring usually has shorter lengths and narrower widths than new. They are approximately 1600mm long and 155mm wide (average widths range from 100mm – 240mm and lengths from 500mm to 2450mm).

Appearance

In general, reclaimed flooring has a rustic and unfinished look. Many of the boards have original features such as cracks, nail holes, and shakes emphasising this rustic appearance.

As our timber products have been sourced from various locations it means they age in their own unique way. There will be tonal differences both batch to batch and throughout the same product. This ensures you get an original look, with no two planks the same.

Availability

Many of our reclaimed flooring products have very limited quantities. If there’s a product you like, our best advice is to act quickly. Once a product has sold out it cannot be reproduced.

Durability

Many of the reclaimed materials we use to produce our flooring are from old mills and agricultural barns. Their original application was to last a lifetime, which is why reclaimed timber is often harder than new, like for like. Reclaimed flooring is already weathered, any additional marks and scuffs it gains over the years actually improves the look of the timber. This keeps reclaimed flooring relatively maintenance free.

Price

Due to the complexity of manufacture in general reclaimed flooring is more expensive that new.

New Flooring

Size

When selecting a new flooring product you have many options at your disposal. You are able to select the width of floor, or random width if you prefer or more original look. This flexibly in choice is great – If you love the look of a wide board, you can order the widest available.

With new floor boards wider widths and lengths are available than reclaimed. You’re able to get 180mm – 280mm wide boards with lengths of 400mm – 2450mm (average above 2000mm). It is also possible to get extra long lengths of 2950mm (average being 2500mm) if your project requires it.

Appearance

New flooring in general has a more contemporary look. This is largely due to the timber having a consistent base colour with a less rustic appearance. We’re able to manufacture the same boards and finish differently to refine a certain look.

We also have the capacity to make bespoke finishes if you feel there’s something missing in our product range or you’re trying to match a previous board.

Availability

If you select new flooring to be the product for you it’s not only readily available, it’s also repeatable if future projects require more.

Durability

Clean french oak flooring with leather barstools

The majority new flooring is French oak and sourced from managed forests where replanting and the environment impact are key to the operation. French oak has a beautiful depth of colour and character as well being very hardwearing. The top coat finish adds to the durability of any floor as long as this is cleaned and maintained the floor will look as good as new for many years to come.

Price

There’s a large price range with new flooring but in general it’s less expensive than reclaimed. It all depends on how the floor has been manufactured. In simple terms the more processes the floor has gone through, the more expensive it is.

We hope this has been useful to analyse which product is right for you. To make this process easier for our clients, we offer flooring samples that could help you in decision-making.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the flooring department on flooring@maincompany.com or call 01423 330451.

Our Reclaimed Douglas Fir Flooring Collection

Posted on 13th March 202031st May 2024 by The Main Company

Our Reclaimed Douglas Fir Flooring Collection

Reclaimed Flooring – Douglas Fir

We’re really proud to be able to present our full collection of Reclaimed Douglas Fir Flooring. From a rustic Charcoal, with a combination of honey, auburn and black tones. To Nordic White, a beautiful whitewashed Douglas Fir. Whatever your interior project, our colour palette will have something to complement.

What is Douglas Fir?

It’s an evergreen conifer, native to western North America. Part of the pine family it can live for more than 1000 years. It’s one of the most popular choices in commercial projects. Used to make beams, veneers, furniture, cladding, and flooring.

All of our Douglass Fir timber has been acquired from old mills. When a mill is being demolished we salvage timber beams. These wood beams are then machined to make all of our Reclaimed Douglas Fir Flooring Collection.

Why Purchase Reclaimed Douglas Fir?

Reclaimed Douglas Fir has been seasoned for 50-120 years which allows the timber to gain a great depth of colouration. The age of the timber also means it is harder, stronger and more stable than newly harvested Douglas Fir. The reclaimed timbers are environmentally friendly as well as individual characteristic running throughout each plank such as bolt and nail holes which makes each piece of timber truly unique.

The Technical Bits

All of our Douglas Fir flooring is manufactured on site in our Yorkshire workshops. This gives us maximum control when producing your floor. The majority of or collection is finished with a raw lacquer, giving the flooring an unfinished and natural look. A lacquer sits on top of the wood surface providing protection, yet is low maintenance.

The Reclaimed Douglas Fir Flooring collection is all priced as an engineered product. The Douglas Fir is machined to 6mm(+/-0.5mm) and then engineered on to a 15mm birch plywood. This creates an extremely stable product, making it suitable to use with under floor heating systems. That said, if you require your flooring to be solid, this can be accommodated.

With all reclaimed products, no two pieces are the same. This means that each board length can vary. On average the boards are 1600mm, but please bear in mind they can be anywhere from 400mm up to 2450mm.

Please note that our flooring is a natural product. The colour, grain knots and markings will vary from batch to batch, as well as from one plank to another. This makes our flooring a truly unique natural product.

Reclaimed engineered spruce floor boards

Recent Projects

We’ve been lucky enough to supply our Douglas Fir Flooring to numerous projects around the UK. A firm favourite has been Nordic White, supplied to one of our kitchen clients. If you would like to see the full project it’s Bespoke Kitchen Project 25.

Whitewash pine flooring with green ladder

If you are interested in discussing any flooring projects do feel free to contact us, one of our in-house flooring team will be happy to help. Email flooring@maincompany.com or call the office on 01423 330451, where we can assist. You can also explore our full collection of flooring samples on our website.

The Flooring Style Back In Vogue – Engineered Parquet Flooring

Posted on 15th October 201915th July 2024 by The Main Company

With such an array of wooden flooring options to choose from – how do you decide which type you would like in your home? Let us begin with engineered parquet flooring, one of our specialities here at The Main Company.

Once a very popular, luxurious flooring for your home and a sign of great wealth, we saw the parquet style disappear for a period with the introduction of carpets and vinyl flooring. Now, with thanks to advances in manufacturing and the increasing demand for engineered flooring, the style is back in fashion.

What is Engineered Parquet flooring?

Derived from Old French, ‘Parquet’ means “a small enclosed space”. Parquet blocks are placed together to form a beautifully geometric pattered flooring. At the Main Company we create engineered boards which are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional parquet blocks, whilst in keeping with the original European style.

Parquet wood flooring can be used everywhere – in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, utility.. which makes it so versatile! If you’re looking to make a statement in your home, this is a great choice. Parquet wood blocks have a fixed width and length which allows the blocks to be laid in repeating patterns to create fabulous geometric designs, so innovative! The contrasting tones and many grains between and within each block make each piece of wood unique. The way they collate together to form a pattern can vary depending on the angle it is viewed from and the way the light is reflected on it, giving the room multiple visual perspectives and directions. If you are looking to add some warmth and character to your home, parquet flooring is a very desirable option.

Choosing your parquet wood floor style

Which type of parquet is for you? There are many different ways of laying parquet. Let us introduce to you some of the options available for you to integrate in to your home.

Parquet oak flooring laid in various patterns

The Herringbone parquet; now this classic pattern has to be one of our favourites, it is simply stunning! The wooden parquet blocks are inter-locked to form a diagonal pattern, creating so much perspective and variations in the pattern – depending on the angle you look at it.

The Herringbone pattern woodblocks can be laid in either a single or double Herringbone style. The double Herringbone style is where two blocks are doubled up next to each other.

Ladder parquet; a more unique option is the ladder pattern. As you can see, it is just like a ladder, with middle woodblocks supported by vertical blocks to keep its shape. This pattern can be absolutely fabulous in the right setting, we’ve found it to be an absolute winner in a boot room.

Brickwork pattern; it does what it says on the tin, the brickwork pattern parquet is a classic.

The Versailles parquet; this grand parquet pattern is named after the Chateau de Versailles. This luxurious style of flooring was created and composed to replace the Versailles’ marble floors – and what a lovely choice they made.

Versailles parquet panel in our workshop

Cross parquet; one of our Main favourites, it really is a beauty. So much geometry and contrasting tones between the woodblocks.

The Main Company Cross parquet pre-engineered

Why choose a Main Company engineered parquet flooring?

Firstly, they’re made from reclaimed wood – we go to great lengths to source reclaimed and salvaged wood for our kitchens. As well as being conscious of our environmental impact, salvaged wood has a unique rustic charm, often exceeding our customers’ expectations. Using this reclaimed wood makes it particularly unique, with more variation in colour and tone. Our wood is like no other, born from nature, they aren’t mass manufactured and every piece of our parquet flooring has been handmade, hand touched and glazed with a hand finish.

Painted vanity unit on parquet herringbone oak floor

Not only is engineered parquet flooring aesthetically pleasing, it is a great choice for its practicality. Due to the way it is made and constructed it is less susceptible to the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations. It is also suitable for underfloor heating! We are one of only a few companies in the UK to combine reclaimed engineered timber flooring suitable for underfloor heating.

Parquet in furniture

Parquet styles can also be incorporated in to furniture designs, such as tables. We do like to see a bit of parquet in our Main company furniture.

You can explore more furniture options in our showroom in Green Hammerton, York or on our website. You can also explore our flooring samples before making your choice.