When it comes to building, flooring, and furniture projects, oak is a highly desired and widely used type of wood. If you’re considering oak flooring for your home and want it to last a lifetime, it’s important to consider which type of oak is most suitable for your lifestyle and design preferences.
This article will compare European and American Oak flooring, helping you understand the differences between the two and make an informed decision about which one is right for you. How To Choose Between
How To Choose Between European & American Oak Flooring For Your Home
If you’re considering a new wooden floor that is durable, easy to install, and aesthetically pleasing, you’ll need to choose between American and European oak. These two oak species have distinct characteristics that can impact the appearance of a renovated room.
Here are the primary differences between American and European oak:
● Color: While both oaks have similar tones, European oak tends to be darker than American oak. European oak has a warm, golden honey color, whereas American oak is lighter with pinkish tones.
● Finishing: European oak is versatile and can be finished with natural oils that strengthen the wood fibers and preserve its natural beauty. American oak is often finished with polyurethane, which requires expensive and time-consuming refinishing.
● Origin: European oak is the same species as English oak and is found naturally in most of Europe. American oak is a temperate hardwood commonly found in the eastern part of North America. Both oaks are considered “white” oaks and can live for hundreds of years.
Here are some alternative ways to express the points made:
● Floorboard movement: European oak is harder than American oak, which means it’s less likely to expand and contract significantly after installation. Experienced floor layers are aware of this and choose European oak to avoid splits or other indications of movement over time.
● Tone variation: Natural wood color varies from plank to plank, but European oak tends to have a more consistent tone throughout the floor than American oak. This is why oak flooring is so popular worldwide.
● Fuming: Fuming is a chemical process that darkens hardwood using ammonia gas in a closed chamber. European oak responds well to fuming, resulting in a deep, walnut-like black hue. While American oak can also be fumed, the results are typically less consistent.
Here are some alternative ways to express the points made:
● Plank length and thickness: European Oak trees tend to be taller and wider than American Oak trees, so it’s more common to find longer and thicker planks of European Oak than American Oak.
● Strength and durability: Both European Oak and White American Oak rank higher on the Janka Scale, which measures hardwood strength, than Red American Oak. However, all three types are considered highly durable and strong.
These are some key differences between European and American Oak that you should consider when deciding which type of oak to install in your home.
Maple hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for commercial spaces with high traffic. Canadians often prefer maple as their hardwood flooring option due to its superior quality. Maple adds a touch of elegance and charm to any room, blending modern and classic aesthetics seamlessly. Its soft, pale color and fine grain make it a popular flooring choice.
Maple is one of the most durable woods available, with a Janka hardness rating of 1450. In comparison, European white oak flooring rates at 1360, while red oak rates at 1290. Maple is highly resistant to dents and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal flooring option for commercial spaces.
Cork flooring is an excellent choice for commercial spaces that require sound insulation. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, cork’s natural acoustic dampening properties can save you a significant amount of money by reducing the volume of sound transmitted through floors and walls.
In addition to its use as a flooring material, cork is also an effective method of reducing noise transfer between rooms when installed as soundproofing tiles on walls. With modern technological advancements, cork has become one of the most attractive and cost-effective options for construction projects due to its natural sound-absorbing abilities that do not harm the environment.
Acacia hardwood flooring is a highly durable and wear-resistant option for commercial spaces. Also known as Asian walnut or wattle, acacia features a distinct, modulating grain pattern and beautiful knots. It is harder than maple and lasts for many years without requiring refinishing or replacement.
Acacia’s high hardness level provides two significant benefits. Firstly, it is highly durable and can last between 50 to 100 years with proper care, depending on its thickness. Secondly, acacia is highly resistant to dents, gouges, scratches, and other types of damage.
For commercial use, engineered wood flooring has both advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before installation.
Advantages:
- Installation is easier and cheaper, and can be done by oneself with a click-together system.
- It is a relatively cheap option compared to solid hardwood or laminated flooring.
Disadvantages:
- Engineered wood flooring is not water or moisture-proof, making it vulnerable to damage in areas where water or moisture is present.
- It is susceptible to scratches and dents, which can affect the appearance of high-traffic areas.
It is important to note that proper installation is crucial for any type of wood flooring, and seeking help from a commercial wood flooring company is recommended for optimal and efficient installation.
