The Pros and Cons of Oak Flooring

Oak has been a flooring standard in American homes for years, and for good reason. Locally produced, high-quality oak flooring looks great and adds to the value of your home. But, like all building materials, there are some downfalls. The following are the main pros and cons of using oak flooring in your home design projects.

White oak flooring is a great addition to any home, but it does have its flaws.

Pros:

Appearance
The look of red or white oak flooring is hard to beat, and one of the main reasons why people so often choose it as a building material. Oak is full of light, crisp tones and ranges in color from grayish-white to yellowish-brown. The grain is tight and fluid, adding distinction to the wood without being too flashy.

Home Value
It’s no secret that having wood floors in your home adds to the value of your house. Oak flooring is a great choice if you think you may ever want to sell – it is relatively inexpensive, and it really adds to your home’s market value.

Durability
Finally, oak flooring is a very durable wood. It is hard, dense, and naturally resistant to wear-and-tear. Treat it with a high-quality finish and your floors will last a very long time.

Cons:

Tendency to Fade
Oak has a tendency to lose its color when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. You can protect your wood with a good finish or by closing the blinds or drapes when you’re not in the room. However, there is no sure-fire way to prevent discoloration or fading – the best you can do is slow the process.

Easily Scratched
Oak flooring is not the best type of wood for high-traffic areas, as it can be easily scratched. You can lessen the scratch severity by placing felt pads on the bottoms of furniture and by clipping pets’ nails. A thick finish can also help, but it may alter the look of the floor in an unpleasant way.

Vulnerable to Spills
Like all wood floors, oak is vulnerable to spills. Make sure to clean up all spills immediately, especially oil. The longer the liquid sits on the floor, the deeper into the wood it will soak and the harder it will be to remove the stain.

As you can see, oak flooring isn’t perfect. It is, however, a versatile, long-lasting flooring solution. If you are unsure whether it is the right choice for your project, talk with a wood flooring professional.

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