There’s no question that oak flooring is the most popular hardwood floor option in North America, by a wide margin. One reason for this popularity is that oak flooring is readily available because both red oak and white oak are easily grown here. The ample supply and relatively local transportation (no shipping across sea, as with non-domestic woods) lower the cost of oak flooring to a level that’s attractive to many people. But the most important reason is that oak flooring looks and performs great. It’s very versatile, fitting with many decors, but it always feels classy and classic. And it stands up well to wear and tear. Red Oak vs. White Oak When you’re deciding if oak is for you, keep in mind that while these two common types of oak flooring have similarities, they also have some differences. One may not fit your vision and needs, but the other might. Appearance. The color and grain of red oak and white oak vary according to where the trees are grown. Ralph’s Hardwoods gets most of our red and white oak from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota—states that produce gorgeous oaks. The red oak has brown heartwood that’s tinged red, creating a visually interesting but not overpowering contrast to the wood’s creamy tones. Red oak has consistent, elegant grain patterns. The white oak has a combination of grayish-brown heartwood, pale tones, and subtle grains that are not quite as pronounced as red oak. It’s a perfect wood for creating a clean, crisp look. Durability. Both types of oak flooring are good choices for longevity and maintaining their appearance over time. White oak is slightly harder than red oak, but both are harder than most other common flooring choices, such as birch, walnut, cherry, cedar, and pine. Stain. Both types of oak flooring accept stain very well. Depending on the darkness of the stain, the differences in appearance between the two types can become less obvious, but red oak usually maintains a red tint. Cost. The price of hardwood is constantly fluctuating. Because most red and white oak hardwood flooring is locally sourced, it is usually a great deal. Flooring That Never Goes Out of Style Whether you choose red or white, a great advantage of oak flooring is that it’s timeless. Because its look is subtle and understated yet so clearly beautiful, it stays in fashion. That means that if you buy oak flooring, you don’t have to worry about it ever looking dated. And if you sell your home, you won’t have to worry about having a floor that turns off potential buyers. People are always going to love oak.
FAQs
Are oak floors timeless? ›
Flooring That Never Goes Out of Style
Whether you choose red or white, a great advantage of oak flooring is that it's timeless.
What is the most timeless wood floor (or wood-look option)? If you've been following my work, you'll know that I often say that pale natural (oak or maple) or medium neutral brown (like oak or hickory) are the most timeless colour options for wood or wood-look floors.
What is the most timeless stain for hardwood floors? ›Jacobean, Provincial, and Antique Brown are probably the most popular stain colors. They are each a beautiful medium brown that will give your floor the timeless classic elegant look for years to come. Trends are starting to favor the darker looks recently. Our darker favorite is Driftwood.
How durable is oak flooring? ›Durability: White oak is renowned for its durability and hardness. It has a Janka hardness rating of approximately 1360, which means it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. This durability also makes white oak resistant to denting and damage.
What color is timeless for oak floors? ›There are two classic and timeless colours that you should consider. Pale and medium brown. Basically, make sure there is no grey or taupe in the floors you're choosing. Which one you should choose, though, depends on the style of your home.
What is the most beautiful wood for a floor? ›Mahogany is arguably the most beautiful of the hardwood flooring options. It has a deep color and intricate grain that fits more formal and traditional spaces.
What is the best flooring to last a long time? ›Laminate and vinyl products often performed better than hardwood flooring too. The report notes that “you can get both durability and good looks from many types of flooring, including engineered wood, laminate, porcelain tile, and vinyl.”
What flooring looks like wood but is durable? ›Today porcelain is being made to look so much like natural materials (wood or stone) it's becoming really hard to tell the difference. Wood plank porcelain looks just like real wood flooring, but provides the extreme durability and easy maintenance of porcelain.
What wood tone is timeless? ›If you're looking to add a touch of warmth to a contemporary space, try introducing wooden elements with lighter tones, such as maple or birch. Warm minimalism, with its reverence for the timeless allure of wood, has emerged as a design trend that stands the test of time.
What stain looks best on oak floors? ›Minwax stains, for example, are ideal for oak floors because they penetrate deep into the wood, accentuating the natural grain patterns and adding beautiful color. They offer a wide range of options, from the deep, rich tones of Jacobean to the subtle, cool shades of Classic Grey.
What color of wood floor is timeless? ›
White-washed wood floors are a popular choice among homeowners seeking to infuse their living spaces with a sense of elegance, tranquility, and light. This classic choice of wood floor color has a timeless appeal that can transform any room into a serene, airy sanctuary.
What are the cons of oak flooring? ›Hardwood floors are extremely susceptible to moisture- and temperature-induced mechanical deformations and water can ruin them in a snap. Solid wood is by no means the cheapest option and comes with a relatively pricey installation that is best left to professionals with the necessary skills, machinery etc.
Do oak floors scratch easily? ›In order to improve the overall scratch resistance of the oak flooring, it is important that a high quality finish is used. The more hardwearing the finish, the better it will be at coping with the general day to day wear. It is also worth noting that the type of finish can also influence its resistance to scratches.
What is #1 common oak flooring? ›#1 Common has more variation in light and dark colors from board to board, knots, holes, and more variation in the length of boards.
What is the color trend in wood floors in 2024? ›In 2024, we expect to see an even greater emphasis on these classic shades. Light and medium tones like honey, oak, and maple will remain popular choices, creating warm and inviting atmospheres in homes. 2024 will also bring a resurgence of rich and deep hardwood flooring colors.
What type of wood is timeless? ›Overall, hardwoods like Cherry wood, Walnut wood, Teak and, if you're lucky, Rosewood are timeless choices for long-lasting, durable, and quality furniture pieces. Tables, chairs, dressers, and cabinets made from these types of wood almost never go out of style and will last a lifetime.
Is oak flooring still popular? ›Options and availability: because it is so popular, oak flooring is available in all kinds of sizes, styles and options, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood and laminate.
Are dark hardwood floors timeless? ›Timeless Aesthetics: Dark wood floors have a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads. They complement a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to modern, and are sure to stand the test of time.