is white oak a good hardwood floor

What are the pros and cons of white oak flooring?

Another bonus to a white oak floor is that it holds up really well to moisture because it is closed-grain wood. Red Oak and White Oak flooring are both hardwood and are very durable, white oak being just a little harder and resistant to scratches and dents. They’re quality flooring products that will withstand daily use for years.

Should you choose red oak or white oak flooring for your home?

This all means that red oak flooring is usually cheaper and easier to get a hold of that white oak is. The current popularity also means that white oak flooring might not be as unique as you want it to be. If you’re going for a more signature, striking look a different flooring option might be better.

What is white oak flooring?

White Oak is a durable and resilient hardwood that is commonly used for flooring surfaces in commercial and residential settings. White Oak is found throughout the eastern United States and is a hard and heavy wood with great resistance to wear. Need help finding the perfect Carlisle flooring for your style & space?

What is the best stain for oak hardwood floors?

White oak hardwood is better for gray, white and dark stain colors. You just have more shade options. Gray, as well as white wash stains have become and more and more popular. And, these stain colors come out significantly better on white oak than on red oak.

Why do people want white oak floors?

This will impact the overall performance and longevity of your floor, as well as its durability and aesthetic. It's a proven fact that White Oak is more resistant to water than Red Oak. White Oak is a closed-grain wood with many of its pores plugged with Tyloses, making it more resistant to water, decay, and rot.

Do white oak floors scratch easily?

White oak is a bit harder and more durable Note that this does not have an impact on scratching…that is determined by the type of polyurethane or finish.

How long does white oak flooring last?

Oak - One of the toughest, traditional flooring choices that lasts a century or longer. Maple - Affordable popular choice that can last decades up to 10 years if well maintained. Ash - Durable, water-resistant, shock-absorbent wood that is light in color and lasts for 100 years or more.

Is white oak hardwood expensive?

Both hardwood types are affordable, but red oak tends to be less expensive than white oak. Prices, however, do fluctuate, and red oak might become more expensive than white oak depending on lumber availability.

Does white oak flooring turn yellow?

White Oak. The light brown to darker tones of White Oak undergoes a medium degree of color change with slight ambering over time.

Why is white oak so popular?

White Oak is a popular option from contemporary to rustic interior designs. A select White Oak shows growth rings that are much closer together so the grain has a more of a uniform flow, making it look smooth and clean. These tight smooth grain patterns are sought after for contemporary and modern homes.

Why is white oak flooring so expensive?

The inventory is low, the demand is at an all-time high and so are the prices. Many are surprised to learn that the availability of white oak is not the issue— as many as 5.2 billion white oak trees cover 235,000 square miles in the United States.

Which is better white or red oak flooring?

Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1290, while White Oak's rating is 1360, making it slightly more impervious to dents and scratches. However, these numbers are so close that both hardwoods will tend to perform equally well once they've been installed, finished and sealed.

Is white oak water resistant?

A closed grain hardwood, white oak is almost impervious to water. The pores of the heartwood of white oaks are typically plugged with tyloses, which is a membranous growth. Tyloses makes the white oak impenetrable to liquids and particularly suited for use in the boat industry.

How does white oak flooring hold up?

White oak flooring is sturdy and durable. It has a Janka hardness score of 1360, so it handles the daily wear and tear of life, kids, and pets. White oak has a really beautiful and sleek grain that goes the length of the planks to help elongate the look of a room.

How do you protect white oak floors?

Entrance mats and area rugs are the simplest way to protect your oak wood floors. The dirt and debris that is carried in on shoes scratches and dulls the polyurethane finish covering the hardwood. Have a mat outside each entrance to the home.

Are white oak floors popular?

If you're looking into the flooring market, a trend you may be clued in on is the growth in popularity of white oak hardwood flooring. While red oak hardwood is still more commonly used, white oak hardwood flooring is trending for a number of reasons.

How do you get scratches out of white oak floors?

1:063:003 DIY Ways to Fix a Scratch in Hardwood Floors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBuff the scratch. And surrounding area to blend it in for a large scratch or chip in the flooring.MoreBuff the scratch. And surrounding area to blend it in for a large scratch or chip in the flooring. You'll likely need a stainable wood filler a stain pen or stain matching your floor.

How do you protect white oak floors?

Entrance mats and area rugs are the simplest way to protect your oak wood floors. The dirt and debris that is carried in on shoes scratches and dulls the polyurethane finish covering the hardwood. Have a mat outside each entrance to the home.

Does oak floor scratch easily?

Hardwoods such as oak, maple or birch are denser, so they resist scratches better than softwoods. These woods are ideal in high-traffic areas, such as your kitchen or living room, where furniture is often slid across or dropped on the floor.

What is the best finish for white oak floors?

Best Finish for the Most Natural-Looking White Oak FloorsExhibit 1, see #1.From the left: 1) Bona NaturalSeal 2) Bona NordicSeal 3) Bona DriFast White and 4) Loba 2K Invisible Protect AT.The master bedroom had the biggest transformation. ... The floors in Alexa's room look so much livelier and brighter.More items...•

What is the difference between Red and White Oak hardwood flooring?

Red Oak has a strong pinkish undertone, while White Oak is darker with more brownish hues. White Oak is slightly harder than Red Oak, making it mor...

What are directions for how to clean White Oak hardwood flooring?

The easiest way to clean White Oak floors is with a mix of vinegar and water. Simply mix 1 or 2 ounces of water with 2 gallons of vinegar and use s...

How hard is White Oak hardwood flooring?

White Oak wood has a Janka rating of 1360, making it harder than Red Oak and Ash but less hard than Maple and Hickory.

Can White Oak hardwood flooring be stained?

White Oak absorbs stain easily and can be finished in virtually any color.

How durable is White Oak hardwood flooring?

White oak is a fairly dense and resilient wood, making it a great choice for floors in higher traffic areas.

What does White Oak hardwood flooring look like?

White Oak is a mostly straight-grained wood with a medium-to-course texture. The sapwood is lighter in color while the heartwood can be light to da...

What are the benefits of White Oak hardwood?

White oak flooring has been rapidly growing in popularity and seems to be outpacing red oak hardwood in terms of growth. Why is that? What is driving the stronger preference towards white oak and what are the key benefits of white oak vs red oak?

Why is white oak considered modern?

White oak has less graining than red oak so it looks more modern and less traditional. This is because the growth rings are closer together, so the graining is smoother and has a more uniform flow.

What color stain goes best with white oak?

Gray, as well as white wash stains have become and more and more popular. And, these stain colors come out significantly better on white oak than on red oak. Red oak has reddish/pinkish undertones, so when you do a light gray or white wash, it often doesn’t look right as the wood comes out pinkish.

Is white oak wood water resistant?

White oak flooring is more water resistant than red oak. White oak is a closed grain wood and many of the pores are plugged with tyloses which makes it more resistant to water and decay. This is why this species is used more often in boat building and as well as front door jambs/saddles as these areas are more exposed to water and nature’s elements.

Is red oak the same as white oak?

Yes, there are 2 main species of oak floors – white oak and red oak – and yes, they are different. You can read more about the differences between white and red oak flooring here. Both red and white oak are great choices, but if I personally had to choose one over the other, I’d go for white oak (and you’ll see why below).

Is white oak darker than red oak?

Most people are surprised to learn that white oak is actually darker then red oak. White oak is slightly darker, browner and more yellow; red oak is slightly lighter and has pink undertones. White oak has a smoother grain then red oak. Note: the above wood looks a bit lighter in real life (due to lighting while I took the pictures).

Can you stain white oak?

Many are looking to go darker and darker as it’s more stylish and modern And, with white oak flooring, the wood starts out a bit darker than red oak and hence you can also get an even darker look on white oak than you can on red oak. Please note that you can easily go lighter on white oak, if that’s what you prefer. But white oak gives you a wider range of shade possibilities.

What Is White Oak Flooring?

White oak is a domestic hardwood, meaning it is grown in North America. The trees are found mostly on the eastern side of the country, from northern parts of Florida to southern regions of Canada. White oak is readily available as a flooring material and, as hardwood flooring pricing goes, is reasonably affordable—especially when compared to walnut, cherry, and popular imported options.

What are some alternatives to white oak flooring?

The most common "hardwood-like" alternatives are engineered and laminate, with the former being closest to the real thing.

What is the best layer of engineered hardwood?

When shopping for engineered hardwood, look for options with a thick wear layer. The thicker the hardwood layer, the more refinishing potential the flooring has. This translates to a longer lifespan for the floor.

How long does it take to acclimate wood flooring?

Acclimation is necessary for laminate and engineered varieties of white oak flooring, as well. Some engineered wood flooring options require as much as 7 days of acclimation.

How long does it take for wood to acclimate to its final destination?

While equilibrium occurs at different points according to wood species, environment, and a multitude of other factors, it is a good idea to let the wood acclimate to its final destination environment for at least three days. Acclimation is necessary for laminate and engineered varieties of white oak flooring, as well.

Where is white oak grown?

White oak is a domestic hardwood, meaning it is grown in North America. The trees are found mostly on the eastern side of the country, from northern parts of Florida to southern regions of Canada. White oak is readily available as a flooring material and, as hardwood flooring pricing goes, is reasonably affordable—especially when compared to walnut, cherry, and popular imported options.

Is hardwood flooring durable?

Hardwood floors have been wildly popular for centuries, and for good reason. They are extremely durable, accept many finishes readily, and, when properly cared for, can last for generations. Beyond sheer practicality, hardwood floors are also beautiful additions to both traditional and modern homes. Of all the hardwood varieties out there, white ...

What is white oak flooring?

White oak floors are a stylish and timeless flooring option that can be customized to suit your design needs. Learn the differences between red and white oak, sand and stain flooring versus engineered hardwood, and more! White oak hardwood flooring might be exactly what you’re looking for – it’s a soft, subtle color with superior durability!

What is white oak engineered flooring?

Like any type of engineered flooring, white oak engineered flooring has layers that consist of a very stable core and a veneer of white oak on the top.

Why do red oak and white oak stain differently?

They will both take to stain differently because of the undertones in them. The pinks and oranges in the red oak will come through stain, making the same stain look different on red and white oak. The neutral tones of white oak will keep the rich color of the stain without altering its appearance.

Why is white oak flooring so expensive?

It tends to be more expensive than narrower planks because it requires harvesting and cutting wider and longer trees.

What is the Janka score for white oak flooring?

White oak flooring is sturdy and durable. It has a Janka hardness score of 1360, so it handles the daily wear and tear of life, kids, and pets.

What happens if a plank is wider than the other?

The wider the plank, the more susceptible it is to warping with moisture and temperature changes. Do plenty of research and discuss with trusted experts to decide what size is right for you.

How to keep liquids from soaking into wood?

Wipe up spills quickly to keep liquids from soaking into the wood.

What is white oak flooring?

What is White Oak hardwood flooring? White Oak is a durable and resilient hardwood that is commonly used for flooring surfaces in commercial and residential settings. White Oak is found throughout the eastern United States and is a hard and heavy wood with great resistance to wear.

Why do people choose white oak flooring?

Most customers choose White Oak because they want: • A wood that is extremely versatile and can work with a variety of interior design schemes. • A highly durable floor that will withstand traffic and denting easily. • A hardwood that comes in a variety of grades and can be easily customized. BUYER'S GUIDE.

What is wide plank White Oak hardwood flooring?

Wide plank flooring is a hardwood floor where the individual boards may be 8” to 20” wide – much wider than the standard commercial boards which are typically 2 ¼” to 3” wide. Wide plank White Oak hardwood flooring allows the dramatic grain patterns of the wood to emerge – these may range from simple and sleek to intricate, vibrant swirls. Wide plank flooring also has far fewer seams than the traditional commercial floor, giving it a much less busy feel and a more distinctive appearance.

What is Carlisle flooring?

The Carlisle name has been at the forefront of hardwood flooring since 1966. Today, we are the leader in creating custom wide plank flooring for residences and businesses worldwide. The reason for our success: extraordinary quality. Every piece of White Oak hardwood flooring – along with every floor in every species of hardwood – is handcrafted by our artisan experts with unmatched pride, passion and purpose. Our goal is nothing less than a masterpiece – a truly stunning floor that expresses your sense of style and beauty, and that will charm you anew every time you walk through the door. From your first contact with our customer service team through your conversations with our design consultants and to delivery and installation of your floor, we are committed to providing unparalleled service and an exceptional customer experience. We promise that creating your one-of-a-kind White Oak hardwood flooring with Carlisle will be a true pleasure.

What kind of wood is used in Carlisle?

At Carlisle, White Oak hardwood flooring comes with many different options for customization.

What is white oak?

White Oak is a mostly straight-grained wood with a medium-to-course texture. The sapwood is lighter in color while the heartwood can be light to dark brown.

How many pages are there in the guide to wood floors?

Looking for a new wood floors? This 20-page guide can help you explore flooring styles and options as you narrow down your favorite floors.

American White Oak

White oak trees are commonly seen in the eastern part of the United States. These trees have a Janka rating of 1,350 pounds per foot. The Janka rating is a process of measuring the durability of wood by pressing a metal ball to the surface, simulating the wear and tear of everyday use.

White Oak Flooring

With the American white oak qualities mentioned above, there’s no doubt that this type of wood makes for good flooring. From appearances alone, the white colour is something that immediately stands out.

Janka Ratings of the Different Types of Hardwood

The Janka rating is the primary method of measuring the hardness of the different types of solid wood. To come up with these ratings, these wood types are subjected to an impact test designed to determine the breaking point of each.

Conclusion

White oak flooring is truly unique in every way. From its colour, grooves, and even durability, it is sure to stand out among other solid wood flooring types. The rustic aesthetic also helps improve the overall look of your dream home.

What is the width of white oak flooring?

These are our hardwoods: White Oak flooring, #1 with 4″ width. There isn’t a brand name for them, but they are from Artisan Flooring. We had them finished on site.

Why is engineered hardwood easier to put down?

From an environmental perspective, engineered hardwoods are greener, so easier on the earth! It is easier to put down wider planks of engineered hardwoods successfully because they are stronger and more resistant to buckling. They don’t warp the same way white oak can warp, so you can go a lot thicker!

Can you refinish hardwood floors?

If you are refinishing or installing hardwoods, your options for types of wood are overwhelming. From engineered to custom site finish, all kinds of varieties of wood and then, of course, stains and finishes- it’s a lot! I hope by sharing my experience of choosing our white oak flooring and the stain we chose for our hardwoods, you can find clarity and narrow it down!

Is engineered hardwood durable?

Although both engineered hardwoods and solid hardwoods are durable, engineered hardwoods are extremely tough . Engineered hardwoods are sometimes more resistant to wear and tear (i.e.- if you have big dogs with nails and lots of kids!).

Can you whitewash red oak?

Red oak has pinkish undertones that will come out if you try to whitewash them, or give them a very light stain. It simply doesn’t take as well to white, gray and lighter stain colors. If you are refinishing red oak and hoping for that perfect “natural” wood look, you know it’s a struggle! I still think it can be found but it takes a lot of trail and error.

Can I put hardwoods in my kids bedroom?

I wanted hardwoods in the kids’ bedrooms, because from an interior design perspective, beautiful hardwoods with a showpiece rug in the bedroom is much preferred. And as far as the cozy factor goes, hardwoods with a plush rug on top could still be equally as cozy for kids’ playing on their bedroom floor.

Can you stain white oak floors?

But instead, we chose white oak floors (to match the white oak flooring in other rooms) with no stain at all. If you choose no stain, the true beauty of the wood floors can be seen. This is such an obvious choice that I didn’t consider too much on our first go round with white oak.

How thick is oak flooring?

As with most hardwood flooring, oak flooring is available in several options: Solid Oak flooring is usually 3/4” (19mm) thick and with plank widths usually range from 3” to 6”. Solid oak is available in parquet flooring styles too.

What are the different types of oak flooring?

The first thing to be clear about when you’re considering oak floors is that there are two main types: red oak flooring and white oak flooring. There are a few technical differences between them, which we will discuss in more detail here.

What does fuming oak planks do to wood?

This variation and the fuming process creates a very naturally aged look to the wood, which works very well with rustic styles.

What is the most popular hardwood flooring?

Oak flooring is the most popular and most widely available hardwood flooring in the USA, prized for its aesthetic versatility – full of character and easy to stain – as well as its strength and stability. Oak hardwood floors have remained a constant best seller for decades, so oak is a clear contender for any home remodeling project.

What is the process of exposing oak planks to ammonia?

There is also a further coloration process, used primarily with white European oak, called fuming. This process creates what is commonly known as fumed oak or smoked oak. The process involves exposing oak planks to varying amounts of ammonia gas.

How thick is engineered oak flooring?

Engineered oak planks are either 3/8” or 1/2” thick depending on the manufacturer; there is a variety of plank widths too, most often 5” but some manufacturers are making engineered oak planks of up to 7.5” or even 8”.

How much does solid oak flooring cost?

Solid Oak flooring: Top brands include Bruce, Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Somerset Floors, Jasper and with a huge range of prices, anything from as little as $3 per square foot up to $20 per square foot. The cost very much depends on the style and finish of the oak flooring.

What is oak wood flooring?

Oak wood floors feature floorboards with more personality in the grain. As one of the classic hardwood floors, Oak works nicely with both contemporary and traditional interior design schemes.

What is the best wood for hardwood floors?

Oak is among the most popular choices for hardwood flooring. When installing Oak floors, you’ll have the choice of Red Oak or White Oak. Red Oak is the lighter of the two, with pinkish, salmon tones in the heartwood and medium to heavy grain patterns.

What is the color of maple floors?

The clean look of Maple floors. Maple floorboards have creamy, blondish hues and feature fine, subtle grain patterns with occasional swirls. The light color and clean complexion of Maple make it a strong choice for contemporary hardwood floors. While Maple floors can be fashioned from both hard and soft species of maple trees, ...

What type of flooring is best for a basement?

Engineered Maple and engineered Oak hardwood flooring are perfect for installation in basements, over radiant heating systems, and on concrete slabs, or in any location where temperature and humidity may fluctuate a great deal throughout the year.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered floors are made with a top layer, or “wear layer”, that’s glued to multiple layers of backing material. The result is a floorboard that’s exceptionally strong and resistant to changes in moisture, temperature and humidity. Engineered Maple and engineered Oak hardwood flooring are perfect for installation in basements, ...

What is the best floorboard for a small space?

The subtle grain patterns in Maple floorboards work well in spaces of any size and are an especially good match with modern décor. The lighter, cleaner look of Maple will give a uniform look to larger, open spaces.

Which is the most durable wood floor?

Both Oak and Maple floors are considered among the most durable wood floors and can last for generations. Maple is among the harder wood species, with a 1450 rating on the Janka wood hardness chart. As one of the densest wood species, Maple is ideal for high-traffic areas.

How old is oak flooring?

It’s an incredibly durable wood that only gets better with time. In fact, some of the most gorgeous hardwood oak floors are 200 years old. It has historically been used as a sign of opulence and can bring a sophisticated and prestigious look to a space.

What is the difference between prime and rustic oak?

Prime grades of oak are very cleanly cut and achieve a contemporary and clean look, while more rustic cuts of oak will have lots of knots and a variety of grain pattern for a more antique appearance. Another attractive feature of oak is its stability and active grain patterns.

What is the color of sapwood?

Hardwood harvested from the outer wood of the trunk, or sapwood, is usually a light creamy white color, while hardwood harvested from the center of the tree, or heartwood, is a deeper shade of brown with a slight reddish hue.

Is oak flooring a good choice for a room?

Oak flooring also comes in a variety of natural shades, from limed white to natural to very dark, and can be easily stained to suit whatever room it will reside in.

Is maple flooring good for open spaces?

Maple flooring is best suited for contemporary spaces due to its light natural finish and clean surface. Its subtle grain pattern makes it a great choice for large, open spaces that need consistency. Maple wood is harder than oak, but not as stable.

What Is White Oak Flooring?

Engineered vs. Laminate Alternatives

Installing White Oak Flooring

Concerns to Consider

What The Finished Product Looks Like

• A properly installed white oak floor can look almost any way you like. Because white oak can be finished in a variety of ways, from rustic and distressed to elegant and refined, it is one of the best options for all types of hardwood installations. Whether you choose to leave it natural or apply a dark stain, white oak tends to look great no matter...

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