The basic components of wood are cells (which form the wood mass) with cell walls and cell cavities (pores). Four groups can be distinguished in the further structure: Elements, molecular components, wood extractives and other components such as branches, macro tubes, bark pockets and resin pockets.

The composition of elements is approximately the same for the different species of wood and different parts of the tree: carbon (50%) and oxygen (44%) make up the greatest share in wood. Hydrogen (6%) and nitrogen (only 0.05-0.25%) make up the smaller share. Molecular components are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin - the cell wall materials. There are also varying quantities of wood extractives, such as essential oils, water soluble substances, resins, pigments and tannins, mineral deposits etc. Sapwood generally contains fewer extractives than heartwood. The extractives determine colour, scent and pH-value of the wood as well as their natural resistance to fungi and insects.

There is a difference between technical (artificial) drying and natural, or air drying. Artificial drying is carried out in kilns or run channels . Using computer-controlled regulation, considerably shorter drying times and lower ultimate humidity are achieved than with air drying. Often the wood is also pre-dried in the air and then completed with technical drying.

The term "floorboard" used to be understood to be a solid floorboard, a batten floor was a boarded floor accordingly, made up of boards 2.4 to 3 cm thick and approx. 20 cm wide with a length of up to 8 m. Nowadays, the term "floorboard" or "batten flooring" refers more to the composition of the surface.

Schotten & Hansen manufactures floorboards in sizes of up to 38 cm wide and 5 m long. The disadvantages of the solid wooden floors of earlier times, such as gaps forming due to shrinkage of the wood, are resolved by using multilayer technology (three-layered engineered board).