When it comes to hardwood flooring, oak is one of the most popular choices for homeowners in general. There’s just something about oak wood flooring that gives it that quality of beauty and strength. That’s a good quality to have because durable wood like this can last over 100 years if cared for properly. Another reason it is so popular as a flooring choice is because it is a sustainable resource. It is grown locally in the Northwest and milled in the USA. It is a great choice for flooring in a new home or as an upgrade from tile or carpeting in an older home.
If you have decided on putting wide plank flooring in your new home but can’t decide which type of wood you want for the flooring this article may help you decide. Red Oak flooring and White Oak flooring have been used in a variety of board widths and thicknesses over the years, with the most common being 12 to 20’ wide. The most popular is the 3-¼ wide board because it gives it a more natural look.
Oak hardwood flooring has natural grain patterns, beautiful color, and a unique character. It is a greener choice for flooring because it is readily available in the United States. Oak trees are continuously being replanted in the U.S. by the Forestry Service as a natural resource.
The Hardness of the Wood
The strength and durability of any flooring is dependent on the overall hardness of the wood. According to the Janka scale, White Oak is slightly harder at 1360, compared to that of Red Oak at 1290. White Oak is more often used for outdoor applications as it weathers seasonal changes better but Red Oak is still considered quite durable and just as beautiful as White Oak for patio choices. Both White Oak and Red Oak flooring are excellent choices for most homes; old or new.
Grain Pattern
Red Oak grain patterns tend to be more elaborate and unique than the less pronounced grain pattern of the White Oak. It has a deeper and richer texture. White Oak has a finer grain pattern and is much more subtle in appearance than the Red Oak pattern. The grain patterns in White Oak tend to have fewer swirls, circles, or other deviations. Red oak also has zigzag patterns or wavy lines that are not present in White Oak.
Color Differences
When trying to decide between Red Oak and White Oak flooring, there are a few things to take into consideration. Red Oak has a slightly pink tint which gives it a reddish hue, whereas the White Oak has more of a yellow to brownish tint. Red Oak is a lighter wood than White Oak, despite the name. When stained both types will appear different so it is important to make sure to use the same type of wood flooring throughout the home.
White Oak is not actually white but is a mix of colors ranging from beige to deep brown. When stained these colors are enhanced and will complement other colors in the home’s decor. Likewise with the Red Oak, except that its colors are lighter and have pinkish tones to soft amber color. Light-colored stains on Red Oak will be soft and pink toned, while the same color stain applied to White Oak will have a yellow to brown tone.
Accent Colors
Red Oak is often used for stair steps, handrails, and banisters and accentuates similar colors in whatever room it is used in. White Oak can also be used for this purpose but may cost a bit more since it is not commonly used for stairwells. However, if you have existing stairs in your home you’ll want to match them to the new wood as close as possible for a uniform appearance.
Carbon Footprint
Both White Oak and Red Oak are considered green choices because both are farmed and milled locally in the U.S. Their carbon footprint is lower than other species like Brazilian Cherry that have to be imported. Forestry programs in the U.S replant oak trees frequently.
Pricing
The price of wood flooring fluctuates because it is a common commodity. It may change from week to week, depending on where you live. Sometimes Red Oak will be more costly than White Oak and other times it will be the opposite. Prices will vary by board width and grade of wood for wide plank flooring. There is not too much difference in pricing most of the time.
Red or White Oak are both fine choices for long-term durability and beauty. It really just depends on which you prefer and what your overall goals are for a finished look! If you are matching an existing floor in your home, please be aware that there is more to matching hardwood than just determining what type of wood you have. There are different grades of wood and different milling techniques used to enhance the grain pattern.
If you’re not sure what type of wood you have it is best to call a hardwood flooring professional and let them determine the wood type to avoid mistakes and mismatched wood flooring.
So there you have it. Both types are good choices for wood flooring in your home. It is up to you to choose a light wood or darker wood depending on what you like or already have in your home. If you need Oak wood flooring installed contact us today for an estimate.
Great Hardwood Flooring Services Inc
7100 W Higgins Ave 1 E
Chicago IL 60656
