( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Hardwood flooring is a timeless option that is exquisite in design, has a high return on investment, is extremely popular, and the demand for it does not appear to be dwindling. In recent years, there’s been an increase in the use of hardwood in the kitchen and bathrooms to complement the rest of the house. White oak and red oak are the two most commonly chosen hardwood flooring species, so let’s compare them!
For obvious reasons, it’s legitimate to assume that red oak flooring is the color red and white oak flooring is the color white. However, there is a significant difference between the two that goes beyond color. There is a rosy undertone to red oak. The pink graining is frequently seen in the unfinished shape. The red/pink tones will be less noticeable depending on your stain. Remember that the darker you get, the more the red undertone will be drowned out. However, if you preserve a natural finish (i.e. just polyurethane is used), the red will show through considerably more. White oak is darker; in fact, it is slightly darker than red oak. Who would have guessed? White oak will frequently have a yellow or brown undertone.
The graining on each is also highly varied. When a professional is trying to determine whether a hardwood floor is red or white oak and has been stained, they usually look at the graining.
Red oak has a more pronounced grain pattern. As a result, it is significantly more porous. Red oak has more visible grains than white oak. White oak appears smoother and cleaner. The grains of white oak are finer and less prominent than those of red oak. As a result, white oak is denser. Red wood has a Janka rating the hardness of 1290, while white oak has a hardness of 1360. Red oak, on the other hand, hides scratches and dents better than white oak because of its more noticeable grain pattern.
The option you choose when installing brand-new hardwood throughout the house is primarily determined by aesthetics. But matching hardwoods is a completely different thing, and a little more challenging.
I had no idea there were multiple grades. Don't worry, that's why this blog exists! For this knowledge, I went right to the source... (The NWFA/NOFMA Grading Guidelines) That’s right, there's no need to look any further... NOFMA has been in business for nearly a century, and this is what they have to say about their standard grades:
Let’s take it from the top:
“Clear”
A predominantly heartwood flooring product (heartwood is the thick interior section of a tree trunk that yields the toughest timber) that allows for all-natural heartwood color variations with little character marks and restricted color variance. This combination has infinitely changeable grain patterns with little attention from character marks and color fluctuation.
The term "clear grade" refers to the planks having the least degree of variance, such as color, graining, and flaws, marks, or defects. This grade isn't typically utilized for solid hardwood flooring because it comes from a relatively small fraction of the tree and, as a result, isn't particularly cost-effective. The clear grade is more common in produced hardwood goods.
“Select”
"The Select grade contains all of the color variations caused by the contrasting differences in heartwood and sapwood." Minimal character markings, such as minor knots, worm holes, and mineral streaks, are also included, as are slightly open characters. The mixture results in a floor with pale sapwood and dark heartwood mixed in with little characters and other color disruptions."
Essentially, they're attempting to emphasize that the "select grade" is the ideal option if you want flooring with consistent tones across the planks. This grade contains the least amount of variance and waste in each bundle. It has a very "clean" appearance with few natural imperfections such as knots, black spots, and wormholes. This is the grade we propose for all our customers' properties.
The decision between red oak and white oak is primarily aesthetic. If you are certain that you want a more uniform appearance, then white oak is the way to go. If you want those gorgeous swirly patterns and a bit more wild grain lines, red oak, on the other hand, is the best choice. To ensure the least amount of surprises, we always propose the “select” grade of both. Look through the gallery to view even more examples of each species to help you decide on the look of your stunning new hardwood floor.
We know how important the color and design of your floor can be, as they are unique to your own, personal aesthetic. Visit our website or give us a call at (503) 989-8997. Stay tuned for more advice from your friends at Rejuvenation Floor & Design in Portland, Oregon!
Phone: (503) 989-8997
Flooring Showroom: 2000 NE 42nd Ave #B
( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Portland, Oregon 97213-1357
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RGC - Residential General Contractor License: 189522
General Contractor License: REJUVCL901DW
Certified Lead-Based Paint Renovation (LBPR)
WA UBI License: 602997950
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Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens | Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag
Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens
Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag