Reasons to Use White Oak for Hardwood Flooring

02/12/2020

When it comes to the selection of oak floors, white oak and red oak are the most obvious choices. It is undeniable that both are excellent choices, known for their timeless beauty. However, out of these two options, most people prefer white oak because of its many advantages. 

As a homeowner, if you already have oak flooring, it is advisable that you stick to the same species as well as grade. This will ensure that your floors remain consistent and uniform in terms of their colour and graining. However, if you don’t have existing oak flooring, it makes sense to try out white oak.

Before discussing the advantages of using white oak for hardwood flooring, let us talk about some important facts about both these varieties. First of all, unlike common perception, the colour of white oak is slightly darker compared to red oak. Other than its slightly lighter colour, red oaks also come with pink undertones. Compared to red oak, white oak has a smoother grain.

As far as the price is concerned, the difference between smaller strips of red and white oak is rather insignificant. However, when it comes to wider planks, white oak is generally more expensive.

Advantages of White Oak:

• As it has less graining compared to red oak, white oak looks less traditional and more contemporary. This modern look can be attributed to the fact that white oak’s growth rings remain close together. This results in smoother graining and a more uniform flow.  White oak also has a more linear pattern because it has more mineral streaks, making it suitable for up to date style.  
• When it comes to hardness, white oak is harder compared to red oak. Therefore,  in terms of denting, white oak offers more resilience. This, however, has no impact on resistance to scratching.
• White oak is more water resistant compared to red oak because it is a closed grain wood. Moreover, tyloses plug a high proportion of its pores. Being more impervious to water, white oak is an excellent choice for areas that are exposed to water and moisture. Though white oak is resistant to water penetration, please remember that it is not waterproof by any means.
• The popularity of gray and white wash stains have increased significantly over the years. It has been observed that white oak makes these stain colours look significantly  better  compared to its red counterpart.
• Both red and white oak are very simple to sand, stain, and refinish. As white oak doesn’t have the pink undertone like red oak, you have more flexibility in terms of blends and stain colours. You can opt for very light to very dark or anywhere in between.
• White oak is extremely suitable for homeowners looking for a rustic look. With less graining and a more neutral palette, white oak fits the bill perfectly because the natural imperfections of the wood  remain more prominent.   

Before we conclude, it is our pleasure to invite you to take a look at the spectacular range of artisan oak flooring at Enoak. No matter what you are looking for, we promise to provide you the best. Plan a visit to our showroom and discover a world of exquisite designs that once graced the floors of traditional monasteries, classic cathedral architecture, and the French royal family.