Oak. Quercus.
Singing the praises of oak: Oak is durable, plentiful, traditional, and beautiful. Both Red and White Oak take stain beautifully and can easily be stained to match any color scheme, so you can go natural, or pickled white, dark espresso, or anything in between. Our Oak wide plank flooring starts at $4.25/sf.
- Oak trees grow in all the temperate climates of the world. Renowned for their strength and longevity, Oaks also provide shade, beauty, mast for wildlife, and lumber.
- There are over 60 species of Oak in the United States. Northern Red and White Oak, grown in the northeastern United States, are prized for their superior strength and tight grain—the result of shorter growing seasons and colder weather. Hull Forest Products sells Northern Red and White Oak only, and we offer three separate grades of each: select, country, and character.
- Oak is very wear-resistant so it makes an extremely durable wood floor that holds up well to foot traffic
- Oak is more open to receiving stains and finishes than many other woods. Because Oak pores absorb stain so well, a wide variety of finish tones from light to dark can be achieved. As a result, your Oak floor can be finished dark for a vintage look, or light or medium in color for a more airy or natural feel.
- Traditionally used for the frame and planking of ships and for timber framing, Oak has a natural ability to resist rot and insect damage. Most of the great sailing ships of the world had hulls and planks and frames made of Oak.
The hull of the U.S.S. Constitution, the ship that gave the U.S. its first naval victory, was made of Oak and famously repelled British cannonballs during the War of 1812. The British coined her nickname, “Old Ironsides,” when their cannonballs appeared to bounce off her hull. (Incidentally, the captain of the Constitution during this famous naval battle was none other than Isaac Hull.) Launched in 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution is now the oldest commissioned ship afloat in the world and you can take a virtual tour or visit it at the naval yard in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
- Oak is the most popular wood floor in Europe and the United States because of its durability, eye-pleasing appearance, and price.
- Northern Red Oak is a 1290 on the Janka hardness scale. Northern White Oak is a 1360.
- Oak barrels are used in wine and whiskey making because they are waterproof and because the tannins in tightly grained oak impart subtle flavors of vanilla, butter, and spice. Remember this next time you are enjoying a nice Chardonnay!
Have questions about Oak or any other wide plank floor? Feel free to email or call us at 800-353-3331 between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm EST to speak to a real live person.
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The most popular flooring choice in the United States and Europe, Oak is a wood floor mainstay for good reason: it is durable, beautiful, and affordable.
Have questions? Call us at 1-800-353-3331 or email flooring@hullforest.com.
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