As you now know, white oak is more expensive because it has a higher score on the Janka scale and is not as common as red oak trees. Red oak trees — also called Quercus rubra — are plentiful, which means that this material is less expensive than other options.
Just so, Why is white oak more expensive than red oak?
Price – In general, there is not a major price difference between red oak and white flooring. Because unfinished hardwood is a commodity item, the price tends to fluctuate weekly. At times, red oak costs more; at other times, white oak costs more. the price will often vary based on width and grade.
Does white oak turn yellow? Oak, whether red or white, tends to yellow in time with exposure to UV light. The oil-based finish will also yellow in time.
Similarly, Is there a shortage of white oak flooring?
The inventory is low, the demand is at an all-time high and so are the prices. … Many are surprised to learn that the availability of white oak is not the issue— as many as 5.2 billion white oak trees cover 235,000 square miles in the United States.
Is white oak better than red oak?
Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1290, while White Oak’s rating is 1360, making it slightly more impervious to dents and scratches. However, these numbers are so close that both hardwoods will tend to perform equally well once they’ve been installed, finished and sealed.
Does white oak flooring turn yellow?
White Oak has a history of “tannin pull” when a water based finish is used. That’s why a sealant is HIGHLY recommended/required. It acts in two ways: It greatly reduces tannin pull (slight yellowing over time)
How do you tell a white oak from a red oak?
The white oak tree leaves have rounded leaves whereas the red oak either has a pointed lobe or spiny teeth on the margins. Also white oak trees acorns develop faster than the acorns of the red oaks. White oak bark has a more grayish tinge, and red oak bark is naturally much darker.
Which oak is harder red or white?
Red Oak is slightly softer than White Oak
Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1290, while White Oak’s rating is 1360, making it slightly more impervious to dents and scratches. However, these numbers are so close that both hardwoods will tend to perform equally well once they’ve been installed, finished and sealed.
Are white oak floors trendy?
With hardwood floors, strong trends usually last five years, then something else comes along or so it seems. This may also be true of heavy character European or French White Oak floors which everyone seems to sell if you’re in a trendy market.
How do you keep white oak floors from turning yellow?
Loba or Bona lines come with water based finishes that also benefit from a sealant that prevents tannin pull. Bona Traffic HD is a true clear finish. White Oak has a history of “tannin pull” when a water based finish is used. That’s why a sealant is HIGHLY recommended/required.
Is white oak good?
Comments: Strong, beautiful, rot-resistant, easy to work, and economical: white oak represents an exceptional value to woodworkers. It’s no wonder that the wood is so widely used in cabinet and furniture making.
Why is oak flooring so expensive?
Cutting down all of the old growth timber has made it to where there are far less large trees. This means less hardwood over all. This has resulted in major increases in prices for all hardwood products. The cost of hardwood flooring has increased drastically since the year 2000.
Do lumber prices affect hardwood flooring?
Not only has this impacted housing affordability, causing the cost of single-family and multifamily starts to rise steeply in recent months, it’s also strained the production of some hardwood floors. …
Is White Oak in short supply?
While there’s no shortage of white oak trees across the country – one source said there’s an estimated 5.2 billion in the U.S. – there is a shortage of loggers to cut the trees, as well as mills to turn them into the raw wood necessary for barrel-making or cooperage.
Is white oak flooring more expensive than red oak?
Though flooring prices can fluctuate depending on width and grade, in general for any planks 5” or larger, White Oak is usually a bit more expensive. As Red Oak trees tend to be more abundant, the price of Red Oak flooring can actually be more affordable, so it may be well worth your while to consider choosing Red Oak.
How do you tell a white oak from a red oak?
The difference between red oak trees and white oak trees are the leave shapes. The white oak tree leaves have rounded leaves whereas the red oak either has a pointed lobe or spiny teeth on the margins. Also white oak trees acorns develop faster than the acorns of the red oaks.
How do you tell if my floors are red oak or white oak?
If you look at the endgrain and see that the pores are open and uncovered, it’s red oak. The pores in white oak are filled with tyloses, which are outgrowths of the tree’s xylem vessels. The pores of red oak lack this outgrowth, which makes them appear to be open.
Which is better red oak or white oak?
If you appreciate a strong wood grain pattern, you’re going to love red oak flooring. Red oak has a much stronger graining than white oak, which appears smoother. Overall, the strong graining of red oak also helps hide scratches and dents that may occur, which is perfect for busy households with kids and pets.
Are white oak floors timeless?
Whether you choose red or white, a great advantage of oak flooring is that it’s timeless. Because its look is subtle and understated yet so clearly beautiful, it stays in fashion. That means that if you buy oak flooring, you don’t have to worry about it ever looking dated.
Is white oak or red oak more expensive?
Though flooring prices can fluctuate depending on width and grade, in general for any planks 5” or larger, White Oak is usually a bit more expensive. As Red Oak trees tend to be more abundant, the price of Red Oak flooring can actually be more affordable, so it may be well worth your while to consider choosing Red Oak.
Why is a white oak called a white oak?
White oak trees get their name from the whitish color of the undersides of their leaves, distinguishing them from other oaks.
