Oak Hardwood Flooring
Solid oak hardwood flooring exudes warmth, bringing comfort to a room. This is difficult to replicate in other materials. In planning a new or replacement floor, oak hardwood flooring should be at the top of the list of considerations, for many reasons.
Oak wood colors can be selected through various stains which enhance and beautify any decor, and this type of flooring is classical and timeless, blending perfectly into its surroundings.
Oak Hardwood Options
There are several oak wood types used for flooring. We will explore two of the most popular, red oak flooring and white oak hardwood flooring. Although white and red oak hardwood flooring are beautiful, other types of solid oak hardwoods have their followers. White oak hardwood flooring is known for its pronounced "figure" character over red oak flooring.
Figure patterns in the wood are the result of growth rings, knots, rays, and other deviations. Coloration may vary, and the grain itself may present as interlocked and wavy. This can be desireable for a more interesting oak wood texture, and reflectiveness of light.
Red oak is the "benchmark" for comparison of hardness. However, both the white and red oak hardwood flooring are grades which are equally strong. Selecting one type of oak hardwood flooring over another depends on which presentation looks best.
Oak wood colors are changeable, using various stains, and oak wood texture is superior for holding stain well. These allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, while protecting and enhancing the wood.
Prefinished oak hardwood flooring is also available, which may be costlier, but this eliminates staining the floor following installation. DIY homeowners have more choice of varieties of stains over the prefinished oak hardwood flooring colors.
Flooring Pricing and Cost
Oak wood flooring price depends on grade, species, size of area to be installed, and whether it is prefinished oak hard wood flooring. Price also depends on whether the oak hard wood flooring requires special ordering. There are over 80 kinds of oak in the United States. Not all are suitable for oak wood flooring. In considering the oak wood flooring cost, it is possible that oak wood flooring may increase the property value.
Additionally, it will not need replacement for many years. Buyers should not be confused by solid oak hardwood flooring as compared to oak veneer or composites that are designed to look like solid oak hardwood flooring, but lack the durabilty. This may reduce the oak wood flooring cost, but does not compare with solid oak flooring.
Installing oak hardwood flooring can be done professionally, or by a DIY homeowner. Sub-flooring conditions and tools are specific to installing oak hardwood flooring. Oak wood flooring price may be lower if done by a knowledgeable DIY homeowner.
Protecting Oak Wood Floors
In cleaning oak wood floors, it is important to use products that protect the wood. Brooms with flared bristles or dust mops are fine. Avoid vacuum cleaners that have beater heads, and use bare floor attachments. Avoid using water. Products designed for oak wood floors are recommended.
Choosing Oak Wood Flooring
Selecting solid oak wood for a flooring project is always a smart choice, for traditional, rustic, or modern room designs. Almost unsurpassed in its durability, beauty and easy maintenance, solid oak will add value wherever it is installed.