We’re planning to install hardwood flooring (DIY project) in our house. We’re deciding between maple, red oak, and white oak. The house already has one room in maple.
What are the differences between red and white oak in terms of hardness, wear & tear, and coloration?
Just to cover our bases, any opinions on hickory and birch as flooring?
Thanks.
Replies
IMO it's all about color and grain look.
White oak is harder than red oak. Either can be stained, if you want to play with colors.
I've layed just about every common species of flooring and, to be honest, my favorite is hickory.
And to have a good experience, the supplier is very important: Some of the discount places sell a lot of seconds which means you're likely to experience variation in thickness or width.
I'm on the West Coast so I usually spec Kelly-Goodwin because I've always had good exsperience. There are other.
When you shop for your flooring, get some quotes and then go to the reputable (sometimes more expensive) retail outlets and they'll usually come down some in price.
Thanks! Sound like good advice. Why do you prefer hickory?
Actually, there are a number of different species I like, given how they complement a given interior.
But I like hickory because of it's appearance, it's tough, it lays well, it takes stain well ( if that is desired), finishes well..... and I like using domestic wood when I can.
stain or clear finish?
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
We're clear finish people. At least I think we are. Sometimes my wife changes our mind.
Check hardwoodinstaller.com for a very good forum and source of material.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I did a maple floor for a lady with that problem. When we decided on the kind of wood to use, she wanted clear, light colour, so we went with maple.When it came time to finish it, she wanted it walmut stain. We gave it a try in the laundry room. Even tried a dye.Waste of time. Maple too hard and closed to accept stain, especially in a floor situation
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Depends on the look you want. Maple does not take stain well, so it's usually finished clear. The upside is that the floor it is easier to repair if damaged. We chose maple floors in our home because we have 5 kids and a dog, so maintenance is a big issue for us.
If you're considering options, ya might look into brazilian cherry.
Put it in my bedroom...clear finish.....gorgeous wood....nice to work with as well.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
My wife and I put in Hickory floors. Not as light as maple. Has good color/grain patterns that aren't overwhelming. Has been very durable thus far (16 mos.)
That's a beautiful floor and opens up some ideas--we have a fairly open floor plan, and I've been thinking that some woods might be too uniform to suit our needs.
Here's some "Character" Hickory (meaning it has knots and surface defects) that I installed in a "rustic" vacation home this Summer.
The owner wanted it stained with a medium walnut stain; I really didn't want to, because it was going to look good anyway, IMO.
But, after staining, I'm glad we did, because against the rough-sawn Port-Orford cedar walls and the general tone of the house decor, it looked terrific.
(The finish over the stain is three coats of Ben Moore low-luster "Stays Clear.")
These aren't great photos 'cause I just took them for my file, but it might give you an idea of your options.
Edited 9/28/2006 11:28 pm by Notchman
Edited 9/28/2006 11:30 pm by Notchman