Forgotten wood species for wood flooring | Blog

Forgotten wood species: for distinctive interiors

When we think of wood flooring, oak almost automatically comes to mind. And for good reason. Oak is strong, versatile, timeless and well suited to wooden flooring. Over the years, it has become the benchmark in the world of parquet.

But oak is far from the only wood species suitable for parquet flooring. Think of elm, ash, walnut, Douglas fir, Afrormosia… These species are sometimes overlooked, yet they offer equally interesting possibilities.

Each wood species has its own appearance, history and technical characteristics. Some are lighter or darker, others harder or softer than oak. Some have a subtle grain, while others feature a much more pronounced natural pattern. Yet over time, many of these species gradually faded into the background. With our Forgotten Wood Species collection, Belgiqa brings them back into the spotlight.

Discover our Forgotten Wood Species

Why were so many wood species ‘forgotten’?

For centuries, wood was selected based on what was locally available and on the purpose it needed to serve. Different wood species found their way into construction, furniture, staircases, shipbuilding, interiors and flooring, each valued for its specific properties.

Over time, the wood flooring market became increasingly uniform, with oak emerging as the most obvious choice. Understandably so, but as a result, many other interesting wood species became less familiar. Even though they still offer remarkable possibilities for parquet flooring today.

For architects and interior designers, exploring these species also opens up a much broader material palette. Looking beyond oak reveals new colours, textures and natural grain patterns that can give an interior an entirely different character.

One material, entirely different characters

What makes wood so fascinating is that choosing a different species goes far beyond colour alone. Every species naturally has its own base colour, grain and pattern.

The colours described below refer to the wood in its raw, unfinished state. Through our finishes, we can further enhance and transform this natural base, creating a wide variety of tones and expressions.

5 forgotten wood species

Five wood species. Five entirely different natural starting points, each of which can be further shaped through our finishes to complement the character and atmosphere of an interior.

001

Afrormosia

Afrormosia naturally ranges from golden brown to dark brown, with a fine grain and elegant pattern. It is harder than oak, making it an exceptionally durable wood species, even for spaces subject to intensive use.

002

Ash

In its raw form, ash is remarkably light in colour and characterised by clearly visible growth rings.

003

Douglas fir

In its raw form, Douglas fir is recognisable by its warm salmon to reddish-brown tones and strongly visible growth rings, creating a distinctive natural pattern.

004

Elm

Elm naturally has a warm yellow to reddish-brown colour and a lively grain that can appear wavy or flamed. In terms of hardness, elm is comparable to oak.

005

Walnut

Walnut stands out for its refined, varied grain and natural shades of brown. No two planks are exactly alike. Walnut is only slightly softer than oak and is particularly valued for its distinctive character and sophisticated appearance.

1

5

/Forgotten wood species in our projects

Engineered wood flooring Afrormosia BQAF CUSTOM

/ Koen Vandamme

Engineered wood flooring Douglas fir BQD CUSTOM

/ /

Engineered wood flooring Ash BQAS206 Soft Cream

Mayelle Architecte D’interieur /

Engineered wood flooring Elm BQE401 Medium Powder

/ /

Engineered wood flooring Notelaar BQW801 Dusty Tan

Margaux Doulliez rover shoots

An alternative to oak parquet?

That is not really the point. We are not looking to replace oak. It is far too beautiful, versatile and valuable a wood species for that. But why limit ourselves to oak alone?

An architect looking for a light floor with a distinctive grain, for example, might consider ash. For a warmer, more refined interior, walnut can be an interesting choice. Afrormosia combines high hardness with a warm, elegant colour, while elm and Douglas fir offer entirely different possibilities for those drawn to a more pronounced, natural wood structure.

Choosing the right wood species therefore goes beyond hardness or technical performance. Colour, grain, texture, natural variation and the way a material works within an architectural concept all play an important role.

This is precisely where lesser-known wood species become interesting. They give designers, specifiers and end clients greater freedom to choose a floor that does more than simply complement an interior, it helps define its character.

Characterful wood with today’s comfort

Choosing a distinctive wood species does not mean compromising on modern-day comfort. Our Forgotten Wood Species are made into engineered wood flooring and are suitable for use with underfloor heating.

Maintenance is no more complicated than with our oak parquet flooring. Just like our oak floors, the Forgotten Wood Species are finished with oil and require the same straightforward care.

So what you are choosing is a different look and a different character, not additional maintenance.

Discover our Forgotten Wood Species

Elm, ash, walnut, Douglas fir or Afrormosia? The differences in colour, grain and character are best experienced when you can see and feel the wood for yourself. Order your samples and discover which Forgotten Wood Species best suits your interior or project.

Last name *

First name *

Email address *

Phone number *

Country *

Zip code *

I am:

Company

File

Add a file

Your message *