The Beauty and Versatility of English Oak Flooring

The Beauty of English Oak Floors

English oak is one of the most popular types of wood used for flooring. Prized for its durability and rich color variations, English oak brings warmth and character to any room. Let's explore why home and business owners love English oak flooring and how to care for it once installed.

The English Oak Tree

English oak, or Quercus Robur, is a majestic oak tree found throughout Europe. It can grow up to 100 ft with a thick trunk and broad, spreading canopy. The name "English oak" comes from the fact that it has historically been widespread across England.

English oak trees can live for hundreds of years. Their acorns feed wildlife, and their strong timber has been prized by woodworkers, boat builders, and architects for centuries. Thanks to sustainable forestry practices, we can still responsibly source beautiful English oak for fine wood flooring.

Why Choose Oak Flooring?

There are several reasons why oak continues to be a beloved flooring choice:

• Strength - Oak has a dense grain and rates very high on the Janka hardness scale. That makes it very resistant to heavy foot traffic and everyday wear-and-tear.
• Stability - Properly kiln-dried oak planks are unlikely to warp or shift once installed.
• Beauty - Oak flooring has an elegant, natural look featuring grain patterns and color variations that add depth.
• Value - While more expensive than pine or cheaper imported woods, oak offers good value for a domestic hardwood flooring.

Benefits of English Oak Flooring

Why choose English oak specifically? Here are a few notable benefits:

• Lovely golden and brown hues
• Pronounced grain patterns with visual interest
• Environmentally responsible choice from well-managed English forests
• Can be custom milled to various plank sizes and finishes

Whether you prefer a rustic, uneven-plank look or modern wide oak planks, English oak offers lots of design flexibility.

Caring For Your English Oak Floors

To keep your investment beautiful for years, be sure to care for your English oak floors properly. Here are top maintenance tips:

Regular Sweeping and Light Mopping

Sweep daily to remove gritty dirt and dust that could scratch flooring. For quick clean-ups, use a slightly damp mop. Over-wetting oak can cause warping and damage.

Protect From Dents and Gouges

Move furniture carefully to avoid gouges. Add felt pads under chair legs and other furniture. Pick up pet nails to avoid scratches and dents.

Re-apply Protective Coats

Over time, foot traffic slowly wears away protective urethane or oil finishes. Re-coat English oak floors every 3-5 years to renew gloss levels and stain resistance.

Address Spills Quickly

Clean up food spills, pet accidents, or dripping houseplants right away. Excess moisture can seep between floorboards and cause cupping, mold, or discoloration.

With regular sweeping and damp-mopping along with occasional re-coating, your English oak flooring can stay gorgeous for decades.

Unique English Oak Flooring Ideas

English oak is versatile enough to complement all kinds of decor styles. From traditional to modern, here are some inspiring floor design ideas:

Chippy Oak

"Chippy" means the oak planks are gently hand-distressed, with dents, wormholes, or chipped edges here and there. The varied textures beautifully catch the light. Chippy oak floors have old-world cottage charm.

Extra Wide Planks

For a dramatic, contemporary look, install extra wide English oak planks up to 8 inches across. The sweeping scale makes small rooms appear larger. Filler strips transition to standard adjoining flooring.

Chevron Pattern

A chevron pattern of alternating light and dark English oak planks makes a bold geometric statement. It works with modern, rustic, traditional, and eclectic decor styles and draws the eye to the center of the room.

However you choose to install it, rich English oak flooring adds timeless beauty to any home or commercial space. Its natural warmth and resilient hardness makes oak always in style.

FAQs

What are the best rooms to install oak flooring?

Oak flooring works beautifully in living spaces like the living room and family room. Extra durable but still stylish, it's also nice for kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and dens. Avoid placing it in overly humid spaces like basements or bathrooms.

How long will oak floors last?

With proper care and maintenance, English oak flooring can last over 100 years. The dense grain resists wear in high traffic areas, and the wood's rich patina improves with age.

Can oak flooring be repaired or refinished?

Yes. Damaged, heavily worn, or discolored oak planks can usually be sanded down and refinished. Deep dents, pet scratches, and stains may be able to be spot repaired without replacing whole boards. An experienced flooring contractor can advise on options.

I have pets and kids. Is oak a good choice?

Indeed it is. The hardness of oak resists scratches, scuffs, and dents considerably better than alternatives like cherry, ash, or pine. It's extra resistant to household moisture and spills too. Keep nails trimmed and add felt pads to pet beds and furniture legs.