The Pros and Cons of Oak Hardwood Floors

For homeowners old and new, hardwood floors are a must. While hardwood floors are a popular choice, they are classic yet classy. They can be adorned with a patterned or oriental rug and still look elegant. However, the type of hardwood floor is just as important as whether or not one chooses to get hardwood floors. Among the several types of hardwood floors, oak boasts the most benefits with the least amount of drawbacks.

There are several types of oak hardwood floors to choose from, each with their own design personality. White oak is a more traditional choice with a natural look. Red oak has a red tint and is easier to work with compared to white oak. Though it is easier to work with, it does not bode well in different environments and is less durable than other kinds of oak. That’s not to say that oak hardwood floors aren’t durable, because they certainly are. More expensive than its natural oak cousins, engineered red oak requires minimal maintenance and is notably more durable. Engineered white oak is similar to engineered red oak, though not coated in aluminum oxide. The least expensive, yet not pure wood is oak laminate. It has been engineered to look like real oak wood and thus is immune to the aging that happens to regular oak.

For someone looking to save money on low maintenance floors, oak hardwood flooring is the perfect solution. These floors cost less money than the more exotic types but still look elegant and cozy. Compared to acacia, oak hardwood floors cost around two dollars less per square foot. If an eco-friendly option is what you are looking for, white oak is the optimal choice. It is durable and water-resistant, thus keeping out of landfills and reducing pollution, and is biodegradable. Furthermore, the simplistic nature of all oak flooring means less maintenance than other types of hardwood floors.

Alongside the low maintenance, hardwood floors are known to last a very long time while still maintaining the glow and beauty they had when first installed. If you are looking for floors to last a lifetime, oak hardwood flooring won’t let you down. They have been known to last up to 200 years with proper maintenance.

However, some things to consider are the climate the floors would be installed in and the noise level produced by them. As with most hardwood floors, then wood expands and contracts due to humidity and temperature. It is recommended to avoid an extreme high or low humidity level to avoid expansion. To avoid contraction, mildly heat rooms with hardwood floors during cold seasons and air condition them during hot seasons.

When a change in humidity or temperature occurs, the hardwood floors may make a popping or cracking noise. It is especially important that the floors are fitted properly so as to ensure that popping and cracking sounds are not made. If the fit is too tight, the noises may be quite loud.

Another thing to consider is the value of the home the floors will be installed in. Oak hardwood floors have been proven to increase the value of a home. If the intention is to buy and resell the house, hardwood floors are an easy way to increase the value.

While there are several other more “exotic” types of hardwood floors, oak hardwood floors will always be the perfect addition to any home–it costs less than the exotic woods and is easier to maintain.

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