Introduction to Oak Flooring: What’s so great about Oak?

  Do you want to get oak flooring at home in Westchester County? Or are you simply wondering “What’s with all the fuss about oak flooring?” Then read this article.. you’ll find out what makes oak flooring so great for homes and offices and you’ll also find out how to choose the best type of oak flooring for your project. Oak is the most popular choice of hardwood flooring in the United States in general. Oak is a very practical choice for hardwood flooring as it is a very durable wood that can last well over 100 years. It is very affordable when compared to other species of wood that are used for hardwood flooring and quite versatile as it can be stained almost any color of the rainbow.

What is the Difference Between White Oak vs Red Oak Hardwood Floors? Which one is better?

  Most obviously color, Contrary to what the name suggests, White Oak is a darker wood than Red Oak. The color of White Oak is a mix of browns and tans ranging from dark brown to beige, while Red Oak is a lighter wood that ranges from almost white to a soft amber color. Red Oak has pinkish tones and red hues throughout. Either can be stained any color. Lighter stains and white washes on Red Oak will have a reddish or pinkish undertone to the color. Because White Oak is a darker wood, the same color stain applied to both Red and White Oak flooring will be darker on the White Oak floor than it is on the Red Oak floor.  

HARDNESS

– White Oak is a slightly harder wood than Red Oak. On the Janka hardness scale, White Oak flooring scores a 1360 and Red Oak flooring a 1290. White Oak is also very dense, which makes it more suitable for outdoor furniture and boat building. Some claim that the density of White Oak makes it a more stable species (less seasonal movement) than Red Oak, but both types of hardwood flooring will have some seasonal movement. Both Red and White Oak flooring are excellent choices for long-term durability for most home.

GRAIN PATTERN

– Red Oak grain patterns tend to be more unique or “wild” than the finer, less pronounced grain pattern common to White Oak. The grain in White Oak runs straighter and tighter than Red Oak, with fewer swirls, circles or deviations. Red Oak also has wider grain lines that can run in zigzag patterns, or subtle, wavy lines that are absent from White Oak. Another Reason that Red Oak flooring displays a more prominent grain pattern than White Oak is because it is a lighter wood than White Oak. And on the other hand, the smoother look of White Oak can also be attributed to the fact that the dark grain is less noticeable against the darker wood.

MATCHING EXISTING ACCESSSORIES

– Red Oak is far more frequently used in stair treads, Newel posts, handrails and banisters. If you have Oak stair treads already in your home that you need to match, chances are good that they are Red Oak. If you are installing new treads or railings in your home, White Oak will be slightly more costly since it is less commonly used, but not severely so.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

– Both Red and White are considered to be a “greener” use of a National natural resource because they are farmed and grown in the United States. The carbon footprint of both types of wood is lower than that of exotic wood species like Brazilian Cherry or Tigerwood, for example, and because of forestry protection programs, Oak trees are constantly being replanted here in the U.S.

PRICE

– There is not a major difference between the price of Red and White Oak. Because unfinished hardwood flooring is commodity item, the price fluctuates from week to week. At times Red Oak is more expensive , and sometimes White Oak cost more. The price will also vary based on width of the boards and grade of the wood.

Oak Flooring versus other types of flooring- What’s so great about Oak?

Oak has been the traditional choice for flooring materials for centuries, and there is no wonder why our ancestors loved this material. Oak flooring was used in elegant castles and rustic homes, and is in huge demand even in our days. Why? Oak flooring has an incredibly beautiful natural color to it. On top of that, it is very durable. For example, to prove that oak can last a life time, have a look at some of the 20th century homes that still have the original oak flooring to them… and that hardwood is in perfect condition. Oak is also very hard. It is the wood that sets the standards to hardness, and it is used very often as a comparison point when rating other types of wood in terms of hardness. At Eagle Hardwood Flooring our hardwood experts can advise you as to which would be best for any particular color or finish. If you are matching an existing floor in your home, please be aware that there is more to matching hardwood than determining whether or not you have Red Oak or White Oak! It is a bit more complex that that, as there are several different grades of hardwood flooring as well as different milling techniques, to be aware of as well! If you are unsure of what type of hardwood floor you have or what would be the best for your home, call (914) 438-8778 us or simply fill out the form bellow and get it right the first time around.