Exploring the Richness: Understanding Different Types of Oak Flooring

Oak has long been the quintessential choice for hardwood flooring, admired for its exceptional durability, timeless beauty, and versatile appeal. Its enduring popularity stems from its strength and its ability to seamlessly integrate with various design aesthetics, from classic to contemporary. However, saying you want "oak flooring" is just the beginning. There are actually different types of oak flooring, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of grain pattern, color undertones, and hardness. 

At Murley's Floor Covering in Kennewick, WA, we've been helping families across the Tri-Cities area select and install beautiful hardwood floors since 2005. Our local experts are dedicated to you, and we're here to help you understand the types of oak flooring to find the perfect match for your vision.

 

The Two Main Families: Red Oak vs. White Oak

When discussing different types of oak flooring, the conversation almost always begins with the two primary categories: Red Oak and White Oak. While both are excellent choices for flooring, they possess unique qualities that impact their appearance and suitability for certain applications.

Red Oak Flooring: Warmth and Prominent Grain

Red Oak is arguably the most common and recognizable type of oak flooring in North America.

• Appearance: As its name suggests, Red Oak typically has warm, reddish, or pinkish undertones, which become more pronounced with certain stains. Its grain pattern is often characterized by bold, distinctive swirls and rays, sometimes described as "flame-like" or "cathedral" patterns, which add significant visual interest.
• Hardness: Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of around 1290. This makes it a very durable wood, capable of withstanding the demands of busy households.
• Versatility: Its warm tones and prominent grain make it a versatile choice for traditional, rustic, and transitional design styles. It takes a wide variety of stains well, from light naturals to deep browns, allowing for a personalized look.
• Availability & Cost: Red Oak is widely available, contributing to its generally more affordable price point compared to White Oak.

White Oak Flooring: Modern Elegance and Subtle Grain

White Oak has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially in contemporary and minimalist designs.

• Appearance: White Oak boasts cooler, grayish-brown undertones, which can range from light tan to darker brown. This makes it an excellent choice for achieving a more modern or Scandinavian aesthetic. Its grain pattern is generally straighter and more subtle than Red Oak, offering a cleaner, more understated look. White Oak also has a distinctive "ray and fleck" pattern, particularly in quartersawn cuts.
• Hardness: With a Janka hardness rating of around 1360, White Oak is slightly harder and more dense than Red Oak, providing marginally better resistance to dents and wear.
• Moisture Resistance: White Oak's cellular structure is more closed than Red Oak, making it slightly more resistant to moisture penetration. This is why it's often preferred for outdoor applications like boat building and wine barrels, and can be a subtle advantage in areas with higher humidity.
• Versatility: Its neutral color palette makes it incredibly versatile for achieving modern, contemporary, minimalist, and even some traditional looks when stained appropriately. It's particularly popular for a natural, light-stained, or wire-brushed finish.
• Availability & Cost: White Oak is also widely available but often commands a slightly higher price than Red Oak due to its growing demand and subtle advantages.

Beyond Species: Cut and Grade - Further Defining Oak Flooring Types

The various types of oak flooring extend beyond just red or white oak. The way the wood is cut and its grading also significantly impact its appearance and performance.

Understanding Wood Cuts

The way a log is sawn significantly affects the grain pattern of the finished plank.

• Plain Sawn (Flat Sawn): This is the most common and economical cut. It produces a distinct "cathedral" or flame-like grain pattern, especially prevalent in Red Oak. It's prone to more expansion and contraction than other cuts.
• Quarter Sawn: The log is quartered before sawing. This cut produces a much straighter, tighter grain pattern and prominent "medullary rays" or "fleck" (especially noticeable in White Oak). Quarter sawn planks are more dimensionally stable, making them less prone to cupping or gapping, and offer a unique, elegant look.
• Rift Sawn: This is the most expensive cut, producing planks with a very consistent, linear grain pattern without the prominent fleck. It offers the highest dimensional stability and a very modern, streamlined appearance.

Understanding Wood Grades

Hardwood grading refers to the appearance of the wood, specifically the presence of knots, mineral streaks, and sapwood. While grades vary slightly by association, common categories include:

• Clear Grade: The most uniform and consistent in color, with minimal or no knots or natural imperfections. Creates a very formal and refined look.
• Select & Better Grade: Mostly clear, with very few small, infrequent knots or mineral streaks. A popular choice for a clean, classic look.
• No. 1 Common Grade: Contains more natural character, such as small knots, mineral streaks, and some color variation. Offers a slightly more rustic or natural appearance.
• No. 2 Common Grade (Rustic/Character Grade): Features prominent knots, wormholes, distinct color variations, and other natural imperfections. Ideal for creating a very rustic, distressed, or reclaimed look.

 

Personalized Service: Finding Your Perfect Oak Floor at Murley's

Choosing among the different types of oak flooring means considering not just the species (Red or White), but also the cut and grade to achieve your desired aesthetic and performance. Whether you're drawn to the warm, classic charm of Red Oak or the cool, modern elegance of White Oak, and whether you prefer a clean look or one with rich character, there's an oak floor for your vision.

Shop Beautiful Oak Hardwood With Murley’s Floor Covering in Kennewick, WA

Oak flooring remains an enduring classic for a reason, offering unparalleled durability and beauty. By understanding the types of oak flooring, from the distinct characteristics of Red and White Oak to the nuances of different cuts and grades, you can make an informed decision that truly elevates your home. 

At Murley's Floor Covering, our dedicated local experts are committed to you. We'll provide personalized service, guiding you through our wide selection of hardwood options to help you find the perfect oak floor that brings your vision to life with quality craftsmanship. We've been serving the Tri-Cities area with beautiful floors and top-notch services since 2005, and we're ready to help you create lasting beauty in your home. Call or visit Murley’s Floor Covering today to get started!