Reasons to Opt for European Oak Flooring  

05/24/2024

European oak has been one of the most popular flooring materials across the globe for centuries. This highly sought-after variety of hardwood is strong, aesthetically pleasing, extremely durable, and easy to work with. Originating in France, Germany, and England, it is also known as English or French oak. Unlike American oak which comes with a pinkish hue, European oak has a naturally warm and rich golden-brown colour. This darker tone has made it a top choice among architects, designers, and homeowners.     

Discussed below are some of the most popular reasons behind the never-ending popularity of European oak. 

• One of the most important features of European oak is its width and thickness. Compared to the American oak, the European oak’s sapwood is thicker and wider than its heartwood because of the European nature and weather conditions. The heartwood of a tree is the area where the knots are darker in colour. In general, compared to the heartwood, the sapwood is more distinct and has fewer differences. As the European oak has thicker sapwood, the wooden pieces obtained from this species are wider and simpler. It is also worth mentioning that European oak is sawed from right to back. In this particular type of cut, all the different cuts of the hardwood are found. Therefore, the natural grain of the species is found throughout the wood, which provides a beautiful look to the floor. French oak hardwood floors are very stable because of this cut.  
• Compared to other hardwoods, European oak offers a unique grain pattern. This can be attributed to the slower growth cycle of the species, which leads to a firmer grain. Its cutting methodology starts by cutting a “square” from the tree log’s middle portion, commonly referred to as the cant. This results in the creation of relatively wider boards, with a width of 170 mm to 250 mm.  The central part of European oak has a plain sawn pattern, with unique rift and quarter grain patterns next to it. Most importantly, all these patterns are visible on just one board, making it a unique flooring choice.  
• European wood is an extremely hard wood that has been used for centuries to make barrels, build ships, and produce furniture and flooring. European wood derives its strength from its natural properties, which include a Janka rating of 1360 and a high density of 0.75g / cm2.  Despite its high density, unlike other hardwoods, it is easy to work with this hardwood variant. Also, French oak is naturally rich in tannin, which makes it resistant to fungal and instant attack.  

Is European Oak the Best Flooring Option?

European oak has all the qualities you may want from hardwood flooring material. European oak boards are not only extremely beautiful but can also last for more than a lifetime. If you are a homeowner, the ability to have the floor coated or re-sanded multiple times can make it a solid investment. With proper care and maintenance, your European oak flooring can be your pride for many years to come.  

If you are looking for the best French oak flooring options in Australia, please get in touch with us at Enoak.