Oak flooring is a very popular choice of many homeowners as it adds warmth and sophisticated element to any room. The floor in any home is the most visible thing as soon as you step in. Therefore, you simply cannot compromise on the quality and looks of your flooring. There are many different types of hardwood flooring, of which oak stands out as a valued and trusted quality wood. Oak can easily complement with any type of furniture in the house and can instantly brighten up even the dullest room. There are so many stunning options to choose in oak flooring as the beauty and luster of oak flooring can last for years. Oak flooring also adds to the green sale value of your home apart from being environmentally friendly.
Types of oak wood
In oak wood, you will be spoilt for choice as it comes in prefinished or finished hardwood, solid or engineered types and even laminated ones. The most popular choice is the red and white oak hardwood, which has its own characteristic appearance. The red oak is a light reddish shade and the white oak is white, cream, or tan in color. Whichever type of oak you choose, it will enhance the style and class of your flooring as a green option. Besides, oak wood is affordable as compared to other kinds of hardwood and will be friendly even on your budget.
Benefits of oak flooring
Oak is known for its durability, high quality, and exceptional beauty in its grain and natural patterns. Both types of oak are notably dense and stiff, although the white oak is slightly harder. They are resistant to splitting with incredible holding ability and are resistant to heavy traffic wear as well. When it comes to white oak, it has high concentration of tannic acid, which repels insects and is impervious to fungi. It is also impermeable to liquids, making it excellent flooring for bathrooms and kitchens or the verandah. Oak flooring is also easy to install and works well for nailing, screwing, gluing, and is easy on machines. The use of color and shade options on oak for finishing treatment is well received by the wood regardless of its natural color and finish. The oak flooring is not only easy to clean and maintain but is wear resistant if it is properly looked after. Oak floors just need a regular wipe and mop to keep it looking immaculate.
Pattern rays of oak
The beauty of oak is not only in its durability and color but also because of its pattern of rays that differ in both red and white oak. The red oak has very distinct rays while the white oak has longer ones. The kind of treatment in sawing can produce these unique rays. When oak is cut with a plain saw, it will produce a plumed look while quarter sawn oak gives out flakes or tiger stripes patterns. The tighter grain pattern in oak is achieved by a rift-sawn treatment.
Where to install oak flooring
Although oak is durable and attractive it still needs to be installed in rooms which will not have too much traffic. Oak is most suited for the bedroom, living room and the dining area. It is susceptible to scratches and dents so it is not suitable for the children’s playroom or study. Oak is not a very suitable choice for the bathroom as moisture can seep into the wood. It is a good idea to use felt pads on furniture to protect the oak flooring.
Drawbacks
Oak may be a very green choice but it is a material which may be easily damaged by shoe heels or by moving furniture around. Oak should also not be exposed to direct sunlight as it has a tendency to fade and darken with time. If you have oak flooring in a room that receives direct sunlight, then you need to keep the curtains drawn to protect your floor. You will have to invest in some good throw rugs to protect the parts exposed to the sun. In order to protect your oak floor from drying out, you will need to use special conditioning and cleaning products meant for oak floors. You need to ensure that your floor is protected from extreme temperatures and constant liquid spill. Oak is also rather expensive in the initial purchase stage and may be quite unaffordable for many people.
Conclusion
However, there is nothing like oak when it comes to giving your home the warmth and elegant touch. Despite its drawbacks, the benefits of oak flooring far outweigh the drawbacks. With a little care and attention, your oak floor is bound to give you the enjoyment of its appearance and classic texture for generations.
