A Guide to the Most Popular Designs of Oak Flooring

Oak is a traditional hardwood that has been used for flooring for centuries. It is found in many homes built during the 1700s, 1800s and even early 1900s. This natural wood provides durable, attractive floors that are easy to maintain and install.

Oak Flooring Basics

As a classic flooring option for homeowners all over the globe, it is hard to imagine hardwood floors ever going out of style. So if you’re looking to use timber for your floors, you have several alternatives. Oak, in particular, is at the top of the list.

What are the main benefits of oak flooring?

• Easy staining

A great advantage of oak is that it stains well, giving you plenty of colour options. Its wide range of colours can complement almost any room style, from rustic to modern and chic.

• Durability

Oak floors are a good choice if you want a hard-wearing floor. They are resistant to dents and general wear and tear, making them a practical option for high-traffic areas.

• Warm aesthetic

Oak floors, with their natural grain and warm look, give off an appealing impression.

• Insect and fungus resistance

Homeowners also consider oak floors because they’re naturally resistant to insect and fungus infestation.

• Added value

Due to their durability and overall features, installing oak floors enables you to boost your property’s value.

How hard is oak flooring?

Oak floors rate higher than other types of hardwoods, such as black cherry or black walnut. Red oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1290. Meanwhile, white oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1360.

How long does oak flooring last?

Oak floors, with proper maintenance and upkeep, can typically last for decades. How long they last also depends on whether they are high-quality and installed properly.

Types of Oak Flooring

There are two main types of oak flooring: red oak and white oak. Below, we will show you the differences between the two.

Colour

Despite their names, you’ll observe that when comparing unstained oak floors, white oak tends to be darker in colour than red oak. In white oak, brown and yellow undertones are present. Meanwhile, red oak contains pinkish hues.

Grain patterns

Red oak generally has a more dynamic graining, with more swirls and waves. In comparison, white oak looks smoother, straighter and less busy.

Water Resistance

White oak has more of a closed-grain than red oak. This characteristic makes it a bit better in terms of water resistance. It’s also why white oak can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. Meanwhile, red oak is generally used for indoor applications only.

Price

This will depend on several factors, and generally, the price of the two oak types will fluctuate. At times, red oak can cost higher than white oak and vice versa.

Most Popular Oak Flooring Designs

Here is a look at the most popular oak flooring designs that you can use for your home.

1. Dark stained oak flooring

Dark oak boards give the room they’re in a bold and dramatic flair. They provide depth and contrast to any room. This makes them ideal in large living spaces with light-coloured walls or furniture.

2. Grey stained oak flooring

For a visually striking room, you can opt for grey stained floors. They are suitable if you want a room to look contemporary or modern rustic. Grey stained floors can also be quite versatile and complement furniture easily. Since red oak has pinkish hues, white oak is better if you want grey-stained floors.

3. Light oak flooring

Light oak is perfect for making a certain area look brighter and more spacious. This type of oak flooring has a rustic look yet also has a contemporary feel, depending on how you style it. Additionally, light oak floors have the added benefit of being easy to clean and maintain. Compared to dark wood floors, scratches and pet hair are harder to detect if you have light wood flooring.

4. Whitewashed oak flooring

Looking for flooring that has a shabby yet chic vibe? Whitewashed floors give you exactly that. They also brighten up a room, making them suitable for smaller, darker spaces.

5. Natural oak and natural finish

Depending on your preference, you may also leave your oak floors unstained. Natural oak flooring is a classic choice for many because of its aesthetic appeal. It can also be paired with darker furniture and accessories.

6. Antiqued or distressed oak flooring

Distressed or antiqued oak floors add character and charm to a room with their weathered and textured appearance. For a cosier and more rustic feel, you can partner your distressed oak floors with wood furniture such as an oak vanity unit to complete the look.

7. Wire-brushed oak flooring

Wire-brushed oak flooring is another attractive flooring option for homeowners. It creates texture and shows off the darker oak grains. These floors are ideal for areas in your home with high foot traffic.

8. Herringbone oak flooring

With a timeless, interesting design, herringbone oak floors are worth considering if you want to make a statement. Another perk is that they’re versatile. You can choose this type of oak floor for your kitchen, living room, office and more.

9. End-grain mosaic oak flooring

Often chosen for its striking appearance, end-grain mosaic flooring is truly unique. It also offers superior durability, making it a good option for areas with high foot traffic.

10. Oak flooring with wide planks

Wide oak wood planks are suitable in smaller areas, as they can make a space look larger.

11. Oak flooring with mixed-width planks

Using oak planks of random widths makes for an interesting floor choice. They give off a unique, personalised look to a room.

With the various colour and design options available, choosing the oak flooring that’s right for your home can be challenging. At Beswick Stone, we offer a wide range of premium quality oak flooring options that you can choose from.

Contact our team today, and let us help you find the best oak flooring for your needs.