White Oak Hardwood Flooring Ideal for San Francisco Apartment Remodels

The Beauty of White Oak Hardwood Floors

White oak hardwood flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for home renovations and new construction projects. This classic American wood species offers a timeless aesthetic paired with unparalleled durability to stand up to everyday wear and tear. For homeowners in San Francisco looking to install new floors during their apartment remodel, white oak makes for a smart selection.

Opting for Wider Width White Oak Floors

When it comes to white oak hardwood flooring, wider planks tend to be more desirable. Wider 4 inch oak floors showcase more of the wood's natural beauty compared to narrow strip floors. The 2 1⁄4 inch planks allow you to appreciate more of the oak grain patterns and character markings in each board.

By choosing a wider width oak flooring, there is also less repetition in appearance from board to board. The overall look is more appealing to the eye. These floors make smaller spaces appear larger as well, which can be beneficial for apartment renovations and conversions.

White Oak Flooring Thickness for Apartment Living

For durability in an apartment space that will experience everyday foot traffic, a 3⁄4 inch thick white oak floor is recommended. Compared to thinner 5/8 inch or 1⁄2 inch oak, the extra thickness provides more stability and prevents indentations over time.

Despite being slightly thicker, today's engineered white oak floors can still be installed over existing flooring or plywood substrate. This preserves existing floor height while gaining an upgrade in visual appearance.

Installing White Oak Floors Yourself or Hiring a Pro?

Ambitious DIYers can tackle white oak hardwood flooring installation on their own in order to save on labor costs. However, it is a more complex process than simply snapping floating planks together.

Proper acclimation of the wood must be done before installation, and care should be taken to carefully inspect each plank for visible defects beforehand. The apartment floor subsurface should be leveled, and appropriate vapor barrier and underlayments installed.

DIYers must also own the specialty power saws needed to precisely trim end joints and cut complicated patterns around doorways and irregular floorplan layouts.

Consider Hiring Professional Hardwood Flooring Installers

Many homeowners may wish to outsource this intensive labor to professional San Francisco hardwood flooring contractors. Reputable companies have crew members who are highly trained and experienced at properly installing new oak floors.

This includes efficiently demolishing old floor coverings, preparing the subsurface, laying the wood in visually pleasing patterns, cutting intricate custom joints, applying finish protections, and completing all necessary post-installation care. They also own specialized equipment that makes the work much easier compared to DIY equipment.

Apartment Renovations Increase Resale Value

Upgrading to beautiful white oak hardwood floors will help boost apartment resale value down the road. This is especially true for San Francisco's competitive real estate market catering to buyers and renters who expect high quality interior finishes.

Homebuilders choosing white oak today allows for appealing style that appeals to prospective apartment dwellers later on. The unmatched resilience of oak flooring also keeps maintenance costs down even with occupants changing over annually in rental units.

Maintaining White Oak Flooring in an Apartment

To keep white oak floors looking like new despite heavy apartment foot traffic, some basic care principles need to be followed.

Use doormats outside entrances to prevent grit from being tracked inside. Sweep and vacuum regularly to pick up dirt and debris that can scratch flooring finish.

Place felt floor protectors underneath all furniture legs. Wipe spills immediately and avoid wet mopping. For deeper apartment floor cleaning, use specially formulated hardwood-safe cleaners.

With proper San Francisco apartment white oak flooring installation from the start, along with conscientious maintenance habits, homeowners can enjoy their investment with durability and beauty for decades.

FAQs

What are the benefits of wider width white oak flooring?

Wider 4 inch oak floor planks showcase more of the natural wood grain and characteristics compared to narrower boards. The wider 2 1⁄4 inch width minimizes repetition for a more appealing overall aesthetic.

Is white oak durable enough for apartment use?

Yes, 3⁄4 inch thick white oak flooring provides durability for high-traffic apartment spaces. Engineered construction allows installation over existing floors while gaining stylish new oak visuals.

Should you refinish new white oak apartment floors?

New factory finished white oak does not require sanding or refinishing when first installed. It comes pre-sealed with protective layers of urethane. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for topcoat touch up or renewal years later.

How often should you clean white oak apartment floors?

Vacuum once or twice weekly and sweep daily to prevent built-up gritty debris from scratching the urethane coating. Damp mop only monthly or less using specially formulated hardwood floor cleaner.