Main characteristics of Hickory vs Oak flooring. Have you been stuck in the decision of using one of those types of wood floors? Well, you’re not the only one with this dilemma. The type of wood flooring people want is one of the most common inquiries in the flooring industry.
When people have two or more options equal just a fabulous as each other, making a choice becomes a difficult task. If you’re trying to clarify your thought, we invite you to keep reading this blog to learn more about these charming wood flooring options.
The Differences Between Hickory Vs Oak Flooring
Hickory and oak flooring are exceptional options for hardwood flooring. Both have pros and cons. Choosing between them includes your style preference and the data that professionals have been recollecting over the years.
Oak flooring is a trendy option for all American houses. There are two colors; red and white oak. On the other hand, Hickory flooring is a bit uncommon. However, it is an alluring as well as a durable option that adds resale value to your property.
Regarding durability, patterns, high quality, and coloration both are magnificent options. Of course, they have differences in their characteristics and you can make the best decision for yourself using these pieces of information.
To ensure you get the best flooring for your home, it is important that you understand the benefits of oak flooring and Hickory flooring.
Types of Flooring Hickory vs Oak
Both oak and hickory floors have distinct styles and inherent beauty. The difference between them is in the lumber, or in fact, how manufacture is each type of wood. Hickory floors are made from a highly durable hardwood tree grown primarily in the southeastern United States, specifically in the Hickory region of North Carolina.
This hardwood is much stronger than most trees in America, which gives hickory floors the ability to be much sturdier and better able to resist damage and wear. In the Janka Scale of Hardness, Hickory has a rating of 1820, which indicates how dense the timber is.
Durability Hickory vs. Oak Flooring
One of the major benefits of hickory vs. oak flooring is the durability and lower resale value associated with the product. Oak floors are considered to be less durable than hickory, but this difference is not always noticeable when you are placing an item in your home.
Hardwood floors are generally more durable than their oak counterparts, which is one of the reasons why they are a better choice for the home. If you are concerned about the resale value of your home, then the floors may not be a good option for you since they are less desirable than their oak counterparts.
Quality Hickory vs. Oak Flooring
Hickory is considered to have a lower quality finish than oak planks. In addition to this disadvantage, oak planks tend to be lighter and are less likely to crack under pressure.
Color Hickory vs. Oak Flooring
The final disadvantage is that both of these floors have somewhat distinctive grain patterns. Although both are susceptible to attack by termites, hickory tends to be discolored at times. The grain patterns of oak planks are much more uniform and consistent.
Why Choose Hickory Flooring?
Durability. Hickory Flooring Pros
The main characteristics of hickory flooring are its durability and its resistance to decay and insect damage. Hickory is considered to be very durable and robust as compared to other woods available today. It’s commonly used in high-traffic areas.
Even red oak (the most expensive type of wood) can’t compare to the durability of hickory. Red oak is also prone to rotting and can sometimes require expensive treatments to restore its beautiful, natural color.
Besides its attributes, you can’t forget that you have to clean your floors to preserve them in first-rate condition. You can learn how to take care of your floors and some hacks like stripping wood floors with vinegar as a solution to cleaning by reading our blog.
Resistant to Stains and Scratches
In addition, hickory flooring is resistant to stains and scratches, so it’s solid hardwood. This quality makes it perfect for homes with children or pets. Most engineered hickory floors have stains resistances up to five hundred percent. It makes them stain-proof and virtually unbreakable under normal conditions.
Many homeowners choose solid wood floors over engineered hickory floors because of their stain resistance.
Moisture Resistance
Besides its stain resistance ability, another one of the main characteristics of hickory flooring is its moisture resistance. Unlike most other types of hardwood floors, hickory has a naturally higher degree of resistance to moisture.
This means that it can withstand extremely high levels of water. For example, areas like the bathroom or kitchen if you were to do a remodel or addition.
Water damage
One more feature of hickory flooring that makes it so desirable is its toughness. Also, its the capability to resist scratches and dents. As previously mentioned, many homeowners are choosing it because of its stain and scratch-resistant properties.
Even with direct contact with water, it’s very resistant to water damage. This advantage means that you can enjoy years of durability from your Hickory floor installation. You’ll feel secure without having to worry about water damage.
Value for Money Hickory vs. Oak Flooring
With all of these great features of Hickory flooring, you’re certain to get value for money. You also have the option to mix and match some of the features and create your unique design.
The grain patterns and color tones are already pre-set. Therefore, it’s easy to get a feel for the style that you like. These qualities make hickory flooring one of the most popular in the United States.
Why choose Oak Flooring?
When it comes to cost, durability, and variety of grain – Oak flooring may be your best bet yet. Oak is one of the oldest types of hardwood flooring in the country. English settlers introduce them to America sometime around the 13th century.
Wet and Humid Areas
One of the main characteristics of oak flooring is its high resistance to water and mold; hence it is an excellent choice for wet and humid areas. This aspect makes it an ideal choice for places where water can seep in through cracks or other openings.
The characteristics of oak flooring that make it ideal for wet and dry areas are dependent on its natural hardness level. The fourth hardness grade, called ‘Janka hardness’, is particularly desirable in this case, as it increases the oak’s ability to resist water by 50 percent.
Natural Beauty Oak vs. Hickory Flooring
As already mentioned above, another characteristic of oak flooring is its natural beauty, which is especially visible in its natural grain patterns. Although not particularly unique, many people appreciate its look, especially when combined with white oak floors.
However, several factors can affect the hardness and natural beauty of an oak flooring, meaning that comparing two completely different properties of oak. The hardness of an oak floor can be increased by treating it with linseed oil or with various sanding and refinishing methods, such as the so-called ‘whitening’ process.
Learn More About Hickory vs.Oak Flooring at Santiago’s Hardwood Flooring Inc.
If you want to learn more about the advantages of Hickory vs. Oak flooring, get in touch with one of our broad plank specialists. We’ll be delighted to show you all the finish, pattern color, and texture options available.
Call us if you want to know about hardwood floor in Philadelphia PA.