Picking the best hardwood floor for your home or business can be tricky. After all, no single type of wood is the best option for all applications. Different species are better suited for different situations.
With that said, oak is almost always one of the best options. There are several reasons it tends to be a great choice, including its strength and durability, as well as the fact that it is attractive, with a classic appearance that has widespread appeal.
But deciding that you want oak floors is only half of the equation. You must also decide what kind of oak you’d like. And for many, that means deciding between American and European oaks.
Both oak types can work well, but they do exhibit slight differences, which shoppers are wise to consider when making a choice. Don’t worry — we’ll explain everything you need to know to pick the best floor below.
American Oak: The Basics
American oak is a bit of a catch-all term that’s applied to a variety of oak species that are native to the U.S. However, in terms of hardwood flooring, it generally refers to one of two species: the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) or the white oak (Quercus alba).
Red and white oaks are pretty similar trees, and they can both work very well for hardwood floors. They both produce very durable wood, and they’re both considered sustainable species.
However, they do exhibit a few key differences shoppers should consider, including:
- Color: White oak tends to be greyish brown in color, while red oak often appears slightly pink.
- Grain: White oak’s grain tends to be fine, somewhat subtle, and relatively tight, while red oak’s grain is wider and more pronounced.
- Hardness: Both woods are hard, but white oak is considerably harder than red oak.
- Finishing: White oak accepts stain well, but red oak can be more difficult to stain evenly, thanks to its more pronounced grain.
- Stability: White oak is very stable, while red oak is more likely to move, thanks to its wider grain and more porous structure.
Because of these differences, white oak tends to be slightly more expensive than red oak. However, both tend to be more affordable than European oak, which must obviously be shipped from overseas.
European Oak: The Basics
While the term “American oak” is often applied to two distinct species, “European oak” almost always refers to English oak (Quercus robur). An important timber species for centuries, English or European oak has an array of desirable characteristics that make it well-suited for hardwood floors (as well as furniture, cabinetry, and other uses).
European oak is usually light brown in color, with subtle honey-colored hues and distinctive rays that many people find attractive. It also has a very fine grain pattern that allows it to soak up stain very evenly. These factors, combined with the relatively low number of knots present, give European oak a refined appearance.
In terms of hardness, European oak scores nearly identically to American red oak, though its tighter grain makes it feel slightly harder.
European oak does have a slower growth rate than both American species, which makes it a slightly less sustainable choice. However, many European oak suppliers are now obtaining stock from responsibly managed forests to help protect the environment.
European Oak vs American Oak: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s be clear: Both American oak and European oak are fine options for hardwood floors. But while you’re likely to be happy with either one, we’d love to help you select the one that’ll make you the happiest.
That not only means choosing between American and European oaks, but it also means choosing between red and white oak, should you decide that American oak is the best option for your situation.
Here are a few key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when making your choice:
- Cost: If affordability is a critical factor in your decision-making process, you will probably want to start by examining red oak options — they’re generally the most affordable.
- Grain Preference: If you’d like a tight, refined-looking grain pattern with few knots, you’ll want to consider European oak; if you would prefer an open grain pattern with a rustic appearance, you’ll want to consider red oak. White oak offers a nice middle ground option.
- Stability: European oak and white oak are typically stabler than red oak, making them better for environments with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.
- Color: White oak and European oak are typically quite neutral and accept stain well, while red oak often appears somewhat pink and can be more challenging to stain evenly.
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Again, both European and American oak are fine choices for most hardwood floors. But to select the best option for your situation, you’ll want to consider your specific.
If you’re having trouble deciding on the best hardwood floor option for your home or business, schedule a consultation — we’ll discuss your needs, answer any questions you have, and try to help you make the best possible flooring decision you can.