Oak hardwood flooring is made from oak trees, known for their strength and durability.
It is popular for its natural beauty and long-lasting performance and is available in two main species: red and white oak. Each type offers unique characteristics that can enhance the look and feel of your home.
Oak hardwood flooring does more than just cover your floor; it adds character and sophistication to your home. It can withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life, from kids playing to pets running around, without losing its charm.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, oak hardwood flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best. If minor scratches and scuffs appear over time, a simple refinishing can restore the flooring’s original shine, ensuring your floors remain beautiful for decades. Investing in oak hardwood flooring means choosing a product that offers style and substance.
Red Oak
Red oak tends to be the less expensive between red and white oak. Red Oak is known for its warm, golden brown, and reddish hues and prominent grain patterns. It adds a classic, inviting appeal to any space, making it a favorite for traditional and rustic decor. The vibrant colors and swirling grain patterns of red oak can brighten a room, adding warmth and character. Its slightly softer texture compared to white oak makes it easier to work with during installation.
Red oak is highly durable and can last several decades with proper care. Its resistance to wear and tear makes it a great investment for busy households. Red oak flooring can be installed using nails, staples, or adhesive. Similar to luxury vinyl flooring, you must let the oak planks adjust to your home’s environment before installation to prevent issues with expansion or contraction.
White Oak
For a contemporary and modern look, white oak is an excellent choice. It offers a clean, sleek appearance with a neutral palette and tight, straight-grain patterns. White oak’s brownish tones can become a beautiful golden hue, adding elegance and sophistication to your home. It is also slightly harder than red oak, making it more resistant to dents and scratches.
Like red oak, white oak is incredibly durable, takes lighter stains well, and withstands heavy foot traffic. With proper maintenance, it can last for many decades. Like red oak, white oak flooring can be installed using nails, staples, or adhesive.
Considerations When Choosing Oak Flooring
Colors and Patterns
Do you prefer warm, reddish hues with a prominent grain pattern or a neutral, brownish tone with a tight, straight grain? Your home’s aesthetic will guide your flooring choice. Red Oak is ideal for traditional and rustic decor, while white oak fits a contemporary and modern interior.
Durability
Red and white oak are durable, but white oak feels slightly harder on the foot. Make your choice based on the level of foot traffic in your home.
Stain and Finish
Think about how each type of oak interacts with stains and finishes. White oak generally works better with lighter stains, while red oak pairs well with warmer tones.
Room Usage
Consider where you plan to install the flooring. Both types of oak are great for high-traffic areas, but avoid using solid oak in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
Maintenance Requirements
Red and white oak require regular cleaning and occasional refinishing to maintain their beauty. Due to its tighter grain, white oak may show less dirt and wear.
Indiana Floor, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Flooring Products
Since 1993, Indiana Floor has been the leading choice of contractor supply to the hardwood flooring trades. We offer a vast inventory of finished, unfinished, engineered flooring, sundries, and tools to meet customers’ needs. With 5 locations in the MD and VA areas, we are dedicated to providing quality flooring products to our clients. Contact us today at (703) 550-0020 or fill out the contact form on our website!