Are you looking for wooden flooring? Chances are, then, that you have come across white oak. A popular choice for both homes and offices, white oak has become a flooring staple. There are a number of reasons for this, and it is a material that you need to consider when installing it in your home or office.
Understanding the perks and drawbacks of the flooring you choose is always prudent. It enables you to understand if the option is right and helps you make an informed decision.
So, here are the pros and cons of white oak flooring.
White Oak Flooring: What Are the Pros and Cons?
It is very important to weigh the pros and cons of any type of flooring you install. That way, you can make an informed decision.
The Pros
1. It Offers a Modern Look
One of the main reasons for installing white oak flooring is its aesthetic appeal. Compared to red oak, which is considered a more traditional choice, white oak offers a more contemporary and modern look to your space.
This is because white oak has less graining due to its growth rings being closer together. This helps to create a smoother, more uniform look, which gives the space a more contemporary look.
The mineral streaks present in white oak also give an elegant, contemporary appearance. Check out our oak flooring essentials.
2. It Is Durable
Durability is a key consideration when investing in any type of flooring. Your floors endure a lot, so it is crucial to pick a durable material. Otherwise, they won’t last long, and replacing new flooring is something no one wants to do.
The good news is that oak flooring is quite resilient to dents and has a high Janka wood hardness rating of 1360. Therefore, white oak flooring is perfect for rooms that see a lot of traffic.
Fun fact: In contrast to other hardwoods, oak floors generally have a higher resistance to rot, fungus, and mould.
3. It Is More Water-Resistant Than Red Oak
White oak is frequently used to construct boats. This is due to the fact that it is a closed-grain wood where most of its pores are closed, making them more water-resistant.
While it is more water-resistant than red oak, it is important to remember that it is not waterproof like vinyl flooring. Being a natural material, white oak will not work well in high-moisture areas of your home when exposed for a long period of time. Therefore, while it can handle the occasional spills, it is not suitable for bathrooms or basements.
4. It Offers Ease Of Maintenance
High-maintenance flooring is never a great idea. Not only is it a hassle, but it is also a recurring cost. Fortunately, maintaining oak flooring is fairly simple.
It is best to use a damp microfiber mop and a wood floor cleaning product to clean your white oak flooring. Harsh chemicals, such as vinegar and bleach, should be avoided at all costs.
5. It Is Affordable
Budget is a very important factor to consider. Oak is an abundant wood that is grown across North America and Europe, so it is reasonably priced due to its abundance. Since this variety of hardwood is locally sourced, the price of the final product is not as high as exotic species that need to be imported.
Engineered white oak is even less expensive than solid white oak but is still significantly less than other species of hardwood flooring.
6. It Accepts Stain Easily
If you want your white oak flooring to be refinished in a particular colour or stain, this variant gives you that opportunity. Compared to red oak, white oak accepts stains more readily.
Since white oak does not have a pink undertone like red oak, it offers better flexibility in terms of colours and blends. So you can go from very dark to very light colours easily.
The Cons
Like any other flooring, white oak also has drawbacks.
1. It Is Difficult To Work With
Different wood species have different levels of hardness. We have previously discussed that white oak has a high Janka rating, and while that is great for durability, it makes it challenging to work with.
2. It Is Not Temperature Resistant
Just like every other hardwood, solid white oak flooring is very reactive to changes in temperature. The ideal temperature for hardwood floors is typically between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit; any temperature higher or lower than that will cause solid white oak flooring to expand and contract, leading to flooring issues. The engineered hardwood variant is slightly more resistant.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to white oak flooring, making it a great choice for homes. When installing any type of flooring, we highly recommend using professional installation services like The Reno Superstore to complete your installation for the best results. Get in touch with us to get started on your project today!