A quieter week, but with clear signals on where timber prices are heading. Likewise Group, which has taken over several Headlam businesses, raised its profit forecast again, while Mohawk warned that European flooring demand remains weak. At the forest end of the chain, log prices in central Europe have roughly doubled since 2020 and Croatia's state forests plan higher prices for 2027. With seven weeks to go before the EU deforestation rules apply, industry guidance is being updated, and timber frame designers have a new free technical library.
Flooring trade
Likewise raises profit forecast again as it absorbs former Headlam businesses
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise Group said on 3 November that its October sales were 36.7% higher than a year earlier, and 22.8% up for the year to date. It now expects a profit before tax of at least £6 million for 2026, which it described as well ahead of market expectations – its second upgrade in little over a month.
Likewise is taking on assets from the administrators of Headlam Group. It has bought the freehold of a 90,000 sq ft distribution hub in Thatcham, which started deliveries on 22 October, while Concept Flooring Supplies has restocked and Crucial Trading's rug operation in Kidderminster is processing orders again. In the same week, Mohawk Industries warned that European flooring demand remains weak and that rising energy costs are leading to further price increases.
What this means for youFor anyone waiting on carpet, rugs or vinyl that was ordered through the former Headlam network, supply is starting to settle as these businesses find new owners – it is still worth asking your retailer for a firm delivery date. Rising energy costs in Europe tend to feed into the price of manufactured flooring over the coming months, so if you have a quote you are happy with, check how long it is valid for.
Sources: AskTraders – Likewise trading update · The Furnishing Report – Likewise upgrades profit forecast · The Furnishing Report – Mohawk on European demand
Timber market
European log prices have doubled since 2020 – Croatian state forests plan 10% rise for 2027
Figures presented at the International Softwood Conference and reported on 6 November show that sawlog prices in Germany and Austria reached about twice their July 2020 level by July 2026. Germany's spruce and fir harvest has fallen from 62 million m³ in 2021 to 32 million m³ in 2025, and German sawn softwood output this year is expected to be the lowest since 2004.
Hrvatske šume, Croatia's state forestry company, said it will raise its timber prices by around 10% on average from 1 January 2027, citing higher labour and production costs. In the UK, softwood imports fell 4.9% in the first half of 2026 to just under 2.9 million m³, while the average import price stayed almost unchanged at £281 per m³.
What this means for youRaw timber is getting more expensive at source across Europe even though building activity is slow. Prices for finished wood floors usually follow with a delay, so if you are planning a floor for spring or summer 2027 it makes sense to choose your boards and confirm the order early. We make our floors to order from FSC and PEFC certified timber, and we are happy to explain where the wood for your project comes from.
Sources: Fordaq – Germany and Austria sawlog prices · Fordaq – Croatian state forests price rise for 2027 · Fordaq – UK softwood imports in the first half of 2026
Regulation
Seven weeks to the EU deforestation rules – industry guidance updated
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) applies from 30 December 2026. On 5 November the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) published a new edition of its EUDR guidance, replacing the version from June 2025. It reflects the amendment agreed in December 2025, the Commission's simplification package from May 2026, secondary legislation adopted this year and the Commission's updated guidance and FAQs.
A market update from shipping line Maersk on 6 November also pointed out that the scope of the regulation has been adjusted: some products have been removed, while a few others are only added from 30 December 2027. It advised businesses to use the remaining weeks to recheck which of their products are covered, what information their suppliers provide and how their due diligence works.
What this means for youTimber and wood products, including flooring, remain fully covered, so EU producers are finalising their paperwork now. You may see suppliers asking for more information or adding small compliance costs. If you are a trade customer or developer who needs certificates or origin details for a project, ask us – our timber comes from FSC and PEFC certified sources and our floors are made in the EU.
Sources: Pulp & Paper News – Cepi publishes revised EUDR guidance · DataPortuaria – Maersk Europe update on EUDR changes
Design & specification
Free library of more than 1,500 thermal details launched for timber frame homes
The Structural Timber Association launched the Structural Timber Thermal Details Platform on 2 November – a free online library of more than 1,500 thermal details with calculated psi-values for timber frame houses and apartment buildings. It covers five generic timber frame wall systems, trussed rafter roofs, and I-joist and metal web engineered timber floors.
The platform was developed with Timber Development UK, Swedish Wood and Knauf Insulation, with input from an architecture practice and an energy consultancy. It is aimed at housebuilders and designers, and the partners plan to add other methods such as SIPS and mass timber later.
What this means for youGood thermal detailing at junctions – including where floors meet walls – makes timber homes warmer and easier to get through building control, and this tool is free. Architects and builders planning timber frame projects can find it on the Structural Timber Association website. If your project also needs wood floors, stairs or panelling, our trade programme offers samples and technical support.
Sources: Timber Development UK – Thermal Details Platform launches · Timber Media – STA launches free thermal details platform
Flooring & Interior News is a weekly round-up written by Hoff Parquet in Edinburgh. Each story is summarised in our own words – please follow the source links for the full articles. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
