A wood block floor is a type of solid timber flooring composed of small, individual wooden blocks — typically 200-300 mm long, 50-75 mm wide, and 20-30 mm thick — laid side by side in geometric patterns. It is one of the oldest and most durable forms of decorative flooring.
Patterns and materials
The most common laying pattern is herringbone, where blocks are placed at 90-degree angles to one another in a zigzag arrangement. Other traditional patterns include basketweave, brick bond, and double herringbone. The choice of pattern affects the visual character of the room and the complexity of installation.
Hardwood species are preferred for their durability and resistance to wear. Oak is the most popular choice, but maple, beech, walnut, teak, and merbau are also widely used. Each species offers a different colour, grain pattern, and hardness rating. The blocks are solid timber throughout, unlike engineered flooring which has a thin veneer over a plywood core.
Application
Wood block floors are found in residential homes, public buildings, churches, schools, and commercial spaces. Their popularity peaked in the early-to-mid twentieth century, but they remain a sought-after flooring choice for both new builds and restoration projects.
Installation involves bonding individual blocks to a flat, dry subfloor — typically a concrete screed or a levelled plywood deck — using a flexible adhesive. After laying, the floor is sanded level and finished with oil, wax, or lacquer. A properly installed and maintained wood block floor can last over a century, as individual damaged blocks can be replaced without disturbing the surrounding floor.
One important consideration is moisture management. Wood blocks are sensitive to humidity changes and may swell, cup, or shrink if the subfloor is damp or if indoor humidity fluctuates excessively. A damp-proof membrane beneath the adhesive layer is essential on ground-floor concrete slabs.
Related terms
- Parquet flooring
- Herringbone pattern
- Tongue and groove flooring
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