Considering its availability, stability in different conditions, and timeless beauty, oak flooring has been a popular choice for residential and commercial spaces in New Hampshire for years. Also, oak wood flooring offers a lot of benefits and can be perfect for both traditional and modern interiors.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of oak flooring, the differences between red and white oak, different types of oak flooring, reasons for its popularity in New Hampshire, and anything else you should know.
High-quality oak wood flooring installation in Manchester and neighboring towns. Call Minuteman Floors now to schedule an appointment and we’ll come to you.
Different Types of Oak Flooring
According to the Janka Hardness Scale, oak is a hard and durable wood that can resist scratches, dents, and daily wear exceptionally well.
When it comes to oak wood flooring, different options allow for customization. Based on color, construction, and grain pattern, oak flooring comes in several types discussed below.
Red Oak
Red oak flooring is one of the most popular hardwood flooring in the United States, mostly because of its beautiful color, affordability, and durability (hardness rating of 1290).
It can withstand daily wear and tear, especially in residential areas. However, it can also be a practical choice for commercial spaces with moderate foot traffic.
With the right protective finish, a red oak floor can be even more resilient and resist scratches and dents pretty well.
As the name suggests, this species of oak has a warm reddish-brown color with different hues, like golden and amber. That’s why places with red oak flooring seem cozy and inviting.
Also, the grain is relatively prominent and wide which comes in swirling and zigzag patterns.
The rich color and bold grain patterns make the place classic and sophisticated.
Besides, if you wish to change the color, red oak takes stain (wood paint), both darker and lighter, well. So, you can match it with the rest of the décor and achieve the effect you wish.
White Oak
With cooler and more neutral colors that range from light beige to light brown, white oak is a popular choice for more contemporary designs.
In addition, the grain pattern is tighter and more subtle compared to red oak, which makes the floor look smooth and clean.
The subtle grain and light color of this species of oak wood give a place a modern and elegant look.
However, like red oak, it takes stains well and evenly, so you can easily match it with different styles and décor.
White oak flooring (hardness of 1360) is a little harder than red oak and can withstand moisture and humidity better. So, it’s a better option for kitchens, entryways, and commercial spaces with higher foot traffic.
Solid Oak Flooring
The oak flooring planks, either red or white, can be only made from a single piece of wood. This is called solid oak flooring that can be sanded and refinished multiple times because of its thickness (usually ¾-inch).
Solid oak hardwood flooring is extremely durable and lasts for decades if taken care of properly. However, it’s not a good option for areas with high humidity, such as basements, as water can cause serious damage.
Engineered Oak Flooring
Another flooring construction that is available for both red and oak wood, is engineered oak flooring which consists of a couple of layers.
There’s typically a layer of plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard) under a veneer of oak wood. The thickness of this oak layer determines how many times it can be sanded and refinished. However, it’s usually not more than a few times.
Besides, while it may not be as long-lasting as solid oak flooring, engineered oak flooring is more stable, making it a better option for areas with fluctuations in humidity levels and temperatures.
Oak Wood Flooring Grain Patterns
How the wood is cut affects the grain pattern, stability, and durability of the planks. For oak flooring, there are three common types.
- Plain sawn: This is the most common and affordable type of cut that creates a grain pattern that is bolder, wider, and more varied. This is a traditional and classic look that is also known as a ‘cathedral’ grain pattern.
- Quarter sawn: If the oak wood is cut at a 60 to 90-degree angle to the grain, the grain will look straighter and more uniform. There will also be some horizontal rays also called ‘medullary rays’ or ‘tiger stripes’. This cut makes the wood more stable but a bit more expensive.
- Rift cut: Like quarter-sawn, rift sawn is also cut at a 60-degree angle, making the grain more linear and consistent. As this cut offers higher stability and moisture resistance, it’s a great option for high-traffic areas. But it’s not as affordable as plain sawn.
Textures in Oak Flooring
There are two common textures for oak flooring that change the appearance of the floor.
- Hand-scraped: For a more rustic and aged look, oak flooring can be hand-scraped to show some imperfections and create a vintage aesthetic. Plus, this texture can hide actual minor scratches and dents.
- Wire-brushed: This texture adds depth and dimension to the floor, as the softer grain is brushed away and only the harder grain remains. This also can hide scratches and daily wear.
Overall, for any taste, style, and place, there is a kind of oak wood flooring that can offer longevity, practicality, and elegance. However, like any other hardwood floor, you should maintain it properly to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Learn more about Hardwood Flooring Maintenance here.
Red Oak vs. White Oak; Which One Is Best for You?
The table below provides a summary of the main differences between the two species of oak flooring.
| Red Oak | White Oak | |
| Hardness | 1290 Janka | 1360 Janka (slightly harder) |
| Color | Warm tones (Light pinkish-brown to dark reddish-brown) | Cooler tones (light brown to darker brown with yellow and grey hues) |
| Grain Pattern | Prominent, open, large | More subtle, tight, straight |
| Staining | Takes stains well but unevenly | Takes stains well and more evenly + more versatility |
| Use in Design | Traditional, rustic, more casual | Modern, contemporary, sleek |
| Moisture Resistance | Absorbs moisture more easily due to its pores | More resistant to moisture due to its tighter grain structure |
| Price | Slightly less expensive because it’s more readily available in the US | Just a bit more expensive due to its higher durability and moisture resistance |
Pros and Cons of Oak Wood Flooring
Oak flooring is a great choice for those seeking beauty and durability, regardless of the style of décor. However, there are other advantages too.
- Versatility in design: Except for their natural colors, both red and white oak accept different stains and finishes well. This makes oak easy to customize.
- Multiple refinishing: Besides oak’s natural durability and resistance to scratches, it’s possible to sand and refinish it multiple times every 7 to 10 years. This guarantees a great-looking oak floor for decades.
- Affordability: In the United States, oak is widely available. That’s why it’s considered one of the most affordable hardwoods.
- Sustainability: In the US, oak wood is harvested from sustainable forests. It also doesn’t need to be replaced frequently due to its longevity which means reducing waste. You can look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label when buying oak hardwood flooring to ensure its sustainability.
- Easy to clean: The surface of an oak floor is usually smooth which makes it easy to clean. This is especially important for those suffering from allergies and respiratory conditions.
- Relatively low-maintenance: Any hardwood flooring requires regular inspection to address the minor damages before they spread. Oak flooring isn’t an exception, but it can usually resist little scratches, dents, and stains. This makes it a relatively low-maintenance option among hardwood floors.
- Moisture resistance: White oak wood is also naturally resistant to moisture and humidity, so it’s a good hardwood option for places, like kitchens and basements. (Keep in mind that it doesn’t mean it’s waterproof.)
All these benefits add value to your property as well. So, choosing high-quality oak flooring for your home or workplace is a long-term investment. But you should also consider the following drawbacks before making up your mind.
Disadvantages of Oak Wood Flooring
Please note that most of these drawbacks are related to all types of hardwood flooring, not just oak.
- It needs regular inspection and maintenance.
- Oak flooring is costly compared to other flooring materials, like laminate and vinyl.
- It’s prone to scratches, dents, stains, and water damage.
- The color can fade or change over time, especially under direct sunlight.
- Professional installation is necessary to make sure the floor is installed in a way that can maintain its stability and integrity during environmental changes, such as fluctuations in humidity levels and temperatures.
To sum up, oak flooring is a strong, versatile, and relatively affordable choice with aesthetic appeal. However, you should also accept the challenges and problems that any hardwood floor may present, such as various kinds of wood damage, cost, and regular maintenance.
Why Is Oak Flooring Popular in Manchester, NH?
Different factors contribute to oak flooring’s popularity in Manchester, and more generally across New Hampshire.
Besides the benefits mentioned above that make oak wood flooring a good choice for many places, it’s especially a great option for this region because of its abundance and affordability as well as its stability in the variable climate of New England.
Hardwood floorboards expand and contract as the temperature and humidity levels change in different seasons.
However, oak, particularly white oak, has a more stable structure that makes it less prone to damage, like warping and buckling. In other words, oak floors can handle seasonal changes better.
Read our blog about the Effects of Climate on Flooring to learn more.
FAQs
Here are the answers to your most common questions regarding oak flooring installation.
How Are Solid Oak Floor Installation and Engineered Oak Floor Installation Different?
Solid oak flooring needs to be acclimated first to avoid future damage. Then it can be nailed or stapled down. In contrast, engineered oak flooring can be installed differently by nailing down, gluing down, or even using the floating method.
What Is Prefinished Oak Flooring?
Prefinished oak flooring boards come with stains and protective finishes that have been applied in the factory. So, the installation process will be faster and less messy. However, customization is limited and the refinishing process will be more challenging.
Is There Any Reclaimed Oak Flooring?
Yes. Some manufacturers recycle old oak wood and use it to produce flooring boards known as reclaimed oak flooring.
Will the Color of My Oak Floor Change Over Time?
Yes. Usually, red oak deepens a bit and white oak develops a slightly amber hue over time. However, if you protect the floor from sunlight exposure by using rugs or covering the windows, you can effectively avoid uneven color changes.
Is Oak Wood Flooring Suitable for Commercial Spaces?
Yes. Both red and white oak are used in different commercial settings, such as restaurants, hotels, and offices. They’re durable but protective finishes are necessary to reduce wear and tear. Also, engineered oak flooring is a better option for commercial settings than solid oak due to its higher stability and moisture resistance.
Premium Oak Flooring Installation, Refinishing, and Repair in Manchester, NH
If you are in Manchester and its neighboring towns, Minuteman Floors is ready to install, refinish, and repair your hardwood floor with exceptional quality and timely service.
Except for top-quality oak flooring, we also offer other kinds of hardwood flooring species, like maple, pine, and birch.
And, if hardwood is beyond your budget, we can provide high-quality carpet and vinyl flooring options. Just give us a call at 603-782-1942 to discuss your project in more detail.