Oak Hardwood Flooring Guide

Welcome to Discount Floors 2U’s Oak Hardwood Flooring Guide. As your trusted flooring experts, we’re here to provide you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision about oak hardwood flooring. Whether you’re renovating your home or starting a new project, oak hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty, durability, and versatility. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about oak hardwood flooring.

Species Of Oak Hardwood Flooring

Oak hardwood flooring comes in two primary species: red oak and white oak. Red oak is known for its warm reddish-brown hues and prominent grain patterns, while white oak features a more subdued grain with cooler tones ranging from light beige to medium brown. Our oak hardwood flooring collection features two main species: red oak and white oak. Red oak, sourced primarily from North America, is renowned for its warm, reddish hues and distinctive grain patterns. On the other hand, white oak, sourced from both North America and Europe, offers a cooler, more neutral color palette and a tighter grain pattern.

Oak Hardwood Janka Hardness

The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear by assessing the force required to embed a steel ball into its surface. A higher Janka rating indicates greater durability, making it ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. For oak hardwood flooring, knowing the Janka hardness rating helps you choose a product that suits your needs. At Discount Floors 2U, we offer a range of oak options, including both red and white oak sourced from America and Europe, ensuring you find the perfect blend of style and durability for your space. Both red oak and white oak are durable hardwoods, but white oak tends to be slightly harder on the Janka hardness scale. Red oak typically has a Janka hardness rating of around 1,290 lbf, while white oak can range from 1,350 to 1,360 lbf. This makes white oak slightly more resistant to dents and wear over time.

Oak Hardwood Flooring Pros And Cons

Oak hardwood flooring offers numerous advantages, including its classic appearance, durability, and availability in various finishes and styles. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as susceptibility to moisture and potential color variation between different oak species.

PROS

  • Timeless Appearance: Oak hardwood flooring offers a classic, timeless look that complements various interior styles.

  • Durability: Oak is a dense wood with excellent durability, making it resistant to wear and tear.

  • Wide Availability: Oak hardwood flooring is widely available, making it easier to find and purchase.

  • Value: It provides good value for money due to its durability and longevity.

  • Versatility: Oak hardwood flooring can be stained in various colors to match different decor styles.

  • Sustainability: Oak is a sustainable option as it is readily available and can be responsibly sourced.

  • Easy to Clean: Oak hardwood flooring is easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and occasional mopping.

  • Hypoallergenic: Oak hardwood flooring doesn’t harbor allergens like carpet, making it a healthier option for allergy sufferers.

CONS

  • Susceptible to Scratches: While durable, oak hardwood flooring can still be susceptible to scratches and dents over time.

  • Vulnerable to Moisture: Oak is a natural material and can be affected by moisture, so it’s not recommended for areas prone to high humidity or moisture.

  • Prone to Color Changes: Oak hardwood flooring may change color over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.

  • Initial Cost: While oak hardwood flooring offers long-term value, the initial cost can be higher compared to other flooring options.

  • Requires Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and refinishing, is necessary to keep oak hardwood flooring looking its best.

Why Choose Oak Hardwood Flooring?

Oak hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike due to its timeless appeal, versatility, and long-lasting durability. Whether you prefer the warm tones of red oak or the elegant look of white oak, oak hardwood flooring adds character and charm to any space. With proper maintenance and care, oak hardwood flooring can last for 30 plus years.

Oak Hardwood Flooring Costs

The cost of oak hardwood flooring can vary depending on factors such as the oak species, grade, finish, and installation method. Generally, red oak is more affordable than white oak, but oak hardwood flooring prices can range from $4 to $12+ per square foot for materials alone. 

Oak Hardwood Flooring Brands

At Discount Floors 2U, we carry a variety of reputable oak hardwood flooring brands, including Anderson Tuftex, Artisan Hardwood, Bella Cera, DM Flooring, LM Flooring, Provenza, and more. Each brand offers a unique selection of oak flooring options to suit your style and budget.

Flooring Colors, Surface Textures, And Finish

When it comes to oak hardwood flooring, you’ll find a wide array of colors, surface textures, and finishes to suit your preferences and decor style. Oak flooring is available in natural hues ranging from light blondes to rich browns, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance in your space.

Surface textures add depth and character to oak hardwood flooring, with options including smooth, wire-brushed, hand-scraped, and distressed textures. Each texture offers a unique look and feel, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood grain.

As for finishes, polyurethane is the most common choice for oak hardwood flooring. This durable finish provides excellent protection against scratches, stains, and wear, ensuring that your floors remain beautiful for years to come. Additionally, polyurethane finishes come in various sheen levels, from matte to high gloss, allowing you to achieve the perfect look for your space.

At Discount Floors 2U, we offer a wide selection of oak hardwood flooring with different colors, surface textures, and finishes to meet your needs. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect flooring option to complement your home or business decor.

Oak Hardwood Flooring FAQs

Oak hardwood flooring comes in two main species: red oak and white oak. Red oak is known for its warm reddish tones, while white oak tends to have a cooler, more neutral color palette.

Yes, oak hardwood flooring is known for its durability. Both red oak and white oak have high Janka hardness ratings, making them suitable for high-traffic areas in residential and commercial settings.

Pros include durability, versatility in design, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Cons may include susceptibility to scratches and dents, especially in softer red oak varieties.

Oak hardwood flooring offers a classic, timeless look that complements various interior styles. It’s also widely available, relatively affordable, and can add value to your home.

The cost of oak hardwood flooring can vary depending on factors such as the grade of wood, plank width, finish, and installation method. Generally, it falls within a moderate to moderately high price range.

Oak hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors ranging from light to dark tones. Surface textures may include smooth, hand-scraped, wire-brushed, or distressed finishes. Common finishes include matte, satin, and semi-gloss.

Several reputable brands offer oak hardwood flooring, including Bruce, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Armstrong, and Anderson Tuftex. Discount Floors 2U carries a wide selection of oak hardwood flooring from these brands.

Yes, oak hardwood flooring is versatile and can be installed in various areas, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even basements, with proper precautions and maintenance.

Thank you for exploring our Oak Hardwood Flooring Guide. Whether you’re looking for classic red oak or elegant white oak, oak hardwood flooring is a versatile and timeless choice for any home. If you have any further questions or would like assistance with your flooring project, don’t hesitate to contact Discount Floors 2U. We’re here to help you find the perfect oak hardwood flooring for your space.