Choosing the type of wood for your floors is not a decision to take lightly. This is because you need to think about your budget. Also, you must consider how much traffic that area receives. On this occasion, we’ll talk about oak wood properties so that you learn all about this wood species.
There are different types of hardwood species that you can choose from. But, not all of them are right for your specific situation. For that reason, it’s vital that you learn about each one. As a result, you’ll be able to choose one that truly benefits you.
As we said before, in this blog, we’ll focus on the different species of oak and its physical properties. In the end, you’ll be able to decide if this wood species is right for your home. We invite you to keep reading and learn all about this type of wood.
Species of Oak Wood
Before we discuss the characteristics and properties, we’ll give you a brief introduction to this species.
You can find more than 600 species of oak in the Northern Hemisphere. But, only 60 of them are found in the United States.
Even though there are many varieties of oak out there, experts classify the different oak trees under red and white oak.
All varieties of oak are strong and resistant, but we will discuss this feature later on. For now, let’s talk about red and white oak for a bit.
Red Oak
Red oak, or Quercus rubra, is more abundant than white oak. As a result, you can find red oak at a more affordable price than white because of its availability.
It is characterized by pinkish and red tones. Its sapwood ranges from white to a light brown. This type of oak is straight-grained and has a coarse texture.
White Oak
White oak, or Quercus alba, can be found all throughout the Eastern United States. It is more expensive than red oak, though people tend to prefer it over red oak.
The tones that characterize white oak are browns and tans. The sapwood is also somewhat light-colored like red oak. It is also straight-grained but is less coarse than red oak.
5 Oak Wood Properties
Now that we have briefly discussed red and white oak, we’ll talk about some of the physical properties that characterize oak as a whole.
The top oak wood properties are that the wood’s color ranges from light beige to a dark brown or red, and has an uneven texture. Oak is resistant and durable but has high shrinkage. Also, it stains and finishes well.
Color and Appearance
As we have said before, the wood’s color will depend on the type of oak you buy. We recommend you consider your home’s décor and style before deciding on a type of oak wood. This is because you don’t want to install a hardwood floor with a color that doesn’t match the rest of your house.
Another thing we need to mention regarding the color of oak wood is that it darkens over time. However, you won’t be able to notice this since the change is very subtle. It darkens over time because of its exposure to oxygen and UV lights.
Texture and Pattern
When a person is looking at hardwood options for their flooring, they’ll pay close attention to the grain texture and pattern.
Both red and white oak are straight-grained, with red oak being more coarse than white oak. However, both of these varieties of oak have an uneven texture.
Oak wood’s grain pattern is very attractive because it is straight. So, it will look good in almost any room with any type of furniture.
Resistance and Durability
If you want a hardwood floor that will last a long time, then you must consider oak. Oak wood is highly durable, which makes it a great option for high-traffic areas. This is one of the physical properties that people enjoy about oak.
However, if your new oak hardwood floor will be in a room where it will be in contact with water, we recommend white oak. Red oak wood does not have the same rot resistance properties that white oak does.
Red oak has a Janka Hardness scale of 1290, while white oak has a scale of 1360. The Hardness scale is a test that measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear. So, you can see that both types of oak are great for flooring, with white oak winning.
Oak Wood Has High Shrinkage
One of the physical properties that people may not choose oak for their flooring is its high shrinkage values. As a result, it doesn’t have the dimensional stability that some people want.
Oak will shrink when exposed to colder temperatures. However, white oak is more resistant to shrinkage. So, if you want to avoid shrinkage as much as you want, then consider white oak over red.
It Stains and Finishes Well
When looking for a hardwood floor, you need to consider if you’ll ever want to stain and finish it. While we recommend always finishing hardwood floors to protect them, staining is not a necessary step.
But, in case you do want to stain and finish your wood floors, then you would have no problem with oak. This is because oak wood stains and finishes well.
However, be careful when choosing the stains and finishes for your oak wood floor. This is because some of them could darken your floors faster.
As you may see, oak is an amazing option to consider for your new floors. It has some great features that will make you love your hardwood flooring.
Even though it has some downsides, it has more advantages than other types of hardwood. For example, it will last you for many years before you have to replace your floors.
Consider these oak wood properties when deciding if this is the right type of wood for your home. Then, you can make your decision if you prefer red or white oak. But, we guarantee that either will be an excellent option.