Combining fantastic design with the finest craftsmanship
Established as a family firm in 1903, Atkinson & Kirby continues to be a close-knit team that respects the craft tradition whilst always looking at the future of wood flooring. We're proud to manufacture our flooring accessories in Britain, applying innovation to ensure you constantly have the broadest, highest quality range at your fingertips.
We combine over a century of skill and craft with leading technology to develop the next generation of hardwood flooring.
Our flooring collections are expertly curated to create inspiring spaces for all interiors, with continuous updates following upcoming design trends.
Our History
Crafting timber floors sustainabily.
Wood is an amazing natural resource and we feel privileged to work with it. Environmental responsibility is one of our top priorities and we are proud to support sustainable timber production with a host of environmental and sustainable accreditations.
SustainabilityPart of the Archwood Group
We’re proud to be part of the Archwood Group with Richard Burbidge. We’re based in Chirk, North Wales, and specialise in sustainable, high-quality wood products.
Established in 1903
Atkinson & Kirby was established in 1903 by John Atkinson and John Kirby. Over 100 years later we’re still proud of our traditions and reputation for providing only the highest quality hardwood flooring products for our customers.
We joined the Archwood Group with Richard Burbidge in 2003, and have been operating from North Wales ever since. We’re proud to still manufacture a selection of our flooring accessory products at our mill in Chirk.
Richard Burbidge
Our sister company Richard Burbidge’s history dates back to 1867, when Henry Burbidge set up a woodworking business in Coventry. Henry’s great-grandson Richard joined the business in 1965, and saw a huge opportunity for manufacturing quality stairparts and timber mouldings. And the rest is history!
Richard BurbidgeLatest Company News
Keep up to date with the latest in flooring development and innovation at Atkinson & Kirby.
View all newsThe 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?
READ ARTICLEIn 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
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