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.

Quality engineered and solid wood flooring manufacturer Atkinson & Kirby reveals how wood flooring helps hotels achieve wellness-led interiors – proving that wellbeing starts from the ground up…   When guests enter a hotel room, the bed naturally draws their attention, a promise of rest and comfort. Yet the flooring beneath their feet plays a quieter but equally vital role. Beyond aesthetics, wood flooring frames interiors, anchors design and enhances the atmosphere of a space. For boutique and independent hotels, design choices are more than decorative; they shape guest experiences, particularly when wellbeing is a priority. Unlike standardised chain properties, independent hotels thrive on character, with each material contributing to the overall sense of wellbeing in a space. Wood flooring, particularly when carefully selected, can support both aesthetic goals and wellness outcomes, creating spaces that feel restorative and welcoming. In support of wellness Natural materials such as wood have a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Wood flooring creates a calming environment, reducing stress and encouraging relaxation – a vital consideration in guest rooms and communal spaces. Floors with warmer tones, such as Atkinson & Kirby’s Honeystreet Oak, lend a soothing quality to interiors, helping guests feel at ease the moment they step into a room. Wood also supports healthier indoor air quality, an increasingly important factor for guest comfort. Unlike carpets, which trap dust, pollen and allergens, wood floors naturally resist these irritants, making them hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive guests. Low-VOC finishes, as offered in Atkinson & Kirby’s Heritage Parquet collection minimise chemical exposure, helping hotels create spaces that are safe and aesthetic. Bringing nature in Wellness-led design increasingly emphasises biophilic principles incorporating natural elements to support mental and emotional wellbeing. Wood flooring is at the forefront of this trend, offering both tactile and visual connections to nature. Light-toned options such as Somersby Oak complements natural textiles, transforming rooms into calming retreats. Even in high-traffic areas, wood maintains a sense of warmth and tranquillity that synthetic surfaces find difficult to achieve. Smoked and heritage woods like Atkinson and Kirby’s Mayfair Oak, add depth and texture to areas, offering visual interest while maintaining a natural, understated aesthetic. This versatility allows hotels to integrate wellness-led design seamlessly into a range of interior styles from minimalist, Japandi-inspired rooms to classic heritage schemes without compromising durability or longevity. A floor that lasts Beyond wellness, wood flooring is a sustainable and timeless investment. The Heritage Parquet collection combines longevity with low maintenance, ensuring that hotel interiors remain stylish, functional and healthy for years to come. It ties together colour palettes, textures and furnishings, anchoring design schemes while promoting a sense of calm and balance throughout the space. Across guest rooms and communal areas alike, one theme is clear: wood flooring does more than cover the floor. It shapes the guest experience, supports wellbeing and amplifies design choices, helping independent hotels deliver interiors that are as restorative as they are memorable.

In modern hotel design, Atkinson & Kirby wood flooring helps shape first impressions, blending aesthetics, durability and comfort to enhance experience… In hotel design, surfaces are storytellers. They are the elements guests see, touch and experience first-hand, shaping perception long before a room key is collected. Among these surfaces, flooring plays a uniquely influential role. It establishes the tone of a space, supports acoustics and quietly communicates quality and comfort. For hotels striving to balance distinctive aesthetic impact with durable commercial performance, wood flooring continues to be a leading choice, valued for both its longevity and enduring natural beauty. Wood possesses an innate ability to humanise interiors. Its natural grain, texture and tonal variation introduce a sense of authenticity that many hard surfaces struggle to replicate. In hospitality environments, where creating a feeling of warmth, welcome and wellbeing is essential, this natural connection becomes particularly valuable. As hotels evolve to work harder than ever — serving simultaneously as destinations, workspaces and retreats — the surfaces beneath our feet must deliver more than visual appeal. It is this growing demand for performance and versatility that has positioned engineered hardwood flooring as a vital specification in contemporary hotel design. By combining a genuine wood surface with a multi-layered engineered construction, engineered hardwood offers enhanced structural stability and durability. This makes it especially suited to high-footfall hotel environments, delivering the timeless beauty of solid wood while meeting the practical requirements of modern hospitality spaces. Atkinson & Kirby have long championed this balance between craftsmanship and performance, supplying commercial-grade engineered hardwood flooring solutions through their hospitality-focused collections. Their approach recognises that hotel flooring must be both expressive and resilient, capable of withstanding daily operational demands while maintaining its visual integrity over time. A standout example is Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, a design that aligns closely with current interior trends. Its rich smoked finish enhances the natural grain of the oak throughout the board, allowing the colour to remain consistent even after replenishment. The result is a floor that introduces heritage and sophistication without feeling heavy or outdated. Particularly suited to boutique hotels, lounges and destination restaurants, it functions as a statement surface, anchoring a space while elevating the overall design narrative. Beyond aesthetics and durability, timber flooring also supports the functional needs of hospitality environments. Compared to stone or tile, timber provides a warmer, more tactile underfoot experience, enhancing guest comfort. It also contributes to acoustic performance by softening sound in busy public areas. When paired with advanced protective finishes, engineered hardwood flooring can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to wear — key considerations for both specifiers and hotel operators. Ultimately, surfaces within hotels play a defining role in shaping atmosphere and guest experience. Flooring, though often understated, forms the foundation of how a space looks, feels and performs. By selecting engineered hardwood flooring solutions such as Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, designers can create interiors that deliver long-term durability while supporting distinctive and memorable design identities. Image Credit: Richard Kiely Product featured: Rogen Oak at Nine Elms

In hotel design, every detail contributes to the guest experience. From lighting and materials to spatial flow and texture, the most successful interiors are those where each element works in harmony. Flooring, often considered a foundation rather than a feature, plays a vital role in shaping how spaces feel, perform and endure. Recognising the evolving needs of interior designers, architects and hospitality specifiers, Atkinson & Kirby have redefined their flooring portfolio to create a clearer, more intuitive way to find the right product for every project. The result is Range by Style: Redefined Collections, a refined range structure designed to simplify specification while offering exceptional design flexibility. The updated collections streamline product choice, remove unnecessary complexity and introduce additional made-to-order options. This approach allows designers to compare styles, applications and budgets with ease, supporting a smoother path from inspiration to installation. A collection for every design narrative At the heart of the redefined portfolio are key collections that respond to the diverse aesthetic and performance needs of modern hospitality interiors. The Climate Collection offers a Scandinavian-inspired palette of white-washed and soft greige tones. Ideal for wellness-focused hotels, spa environments or light-filled guestrooms, these floors create serene interiors that emphasise openness and tranquillity. The subtle textures and pale finishes provide a refined base for minimalist and Japandi-inspired schemes, where natural materials and understated elegance are central to the atmosphere. For projects seeking a deeper sense of history and character, the Antique Collection provides the unmistakable presence of aged timber. Rich, dark oak tones combined with traditional detailing including finger joints and subtle peg effects to recreate the aesthetic of heritage wood floors. This collection is suited to boutique hotel lounges, bars, libraries, grand corridors and traditional dining spaces. The Natural Collection celebrates the inherent beauty of oak through warm, lightly finished tones and authentic grain character. Designed to bring warmth and balance into interiors, these floors create an inviting backdrop that complements both modern and traditional schemes. Their natural aesthetic is ideal for guest rooms, lounges and residential-style hotel environments where comfort and calm are essential. Design-led collections with performance in mind Beyond aesthetics, Atkinson & Kirby’s collections are engineered to meet the practical demands of hospitality environments. Durability, stability and longevity are central to each range, ensuring floors maintain their appearance and performance in high-traffic areas. The redefined portfolio also strengthens the offering with additional made-to-order options and clearly defined alternatives when stock availability changes. This allows designers and specifiers to maintain design intent without disruption to project timelines. Simplifying the path to the perfect floor The Range by Style: Redefined Collections reflect a clear understanding of how designers specify materials today. Rather than overwhelming choice, the focus is on clarity helping professionals identify the right flooring solution based on aesthetic vision, performance requirements and project scope. With thoughtfully curated collections and a design-led approach, Atkinson & Kirby support architects and interior designers in creating interiors that feel cohesive, authentic and do more than complete a room but rather define the space.

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