Oak Flooring Tips for Homeowners and Interior Designers

What does Oak flooring look like?

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Oak flooring is naturally light to medium brown colour with a prominent grain pattern. However, depending on the type of finish you have this can change its overall look. Natural oak flooring has a light to medium tan colour with prominent grain patterns. Stained oak flooring, on the other hand, can come in various shades, such as dark brown, grey, or black. Whereas distressed oak flooring is designed to have a worn or weathered appearance, giving it a rustic feel. Check out our Oak flooring range to see the different types of shades we offer.

What are the benefits of choosing Oak flooring for your home or business?

One of the key benefits of oak flooring is its durability. Oak is a hardwood that is known for its resistance to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Oak flooring is also easy to clean and maintain, and it adds value to your property. There are many different types of oak flooring, each coming with its own unique set of benefits.

Solid oak flooring

Solid oak flooring is made from planks of solid oak that are milled to size. This type of flooring is thick and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. The main drawback of solid oak flooring is that it can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, leading to warping or bowing.

Engineered Oak Flooring

Engineered oak flooring consists of a top layer of real oak wood glued to a plywood or fiberboard base. This type of flooring is less susceptible to warping than solid oak flooring and is usually pre-finished which means it does not require finishing on site, saving time and money on installation.

French Oak Flooring

French oak flooring is made from oak trees that are grown in France. This type of oak has a tighter grain pattern and a more consistent colour than other types of oak. French oak flooring is known for its elegance and sophistication and is often used in high-end homes and commercial spaces.

European Oak Flooring

European oak flooring is made from oak trees that are grown in Europe, including countries such as Germany, Poland, and Austria. European oak has a slightly different colour and grain pattern than American oak and is often used in traditional or rustic design styles.

How should you maintain your oak floors?

Oak is a beautiful flooring material and taking good care of your floors means you can keep them for longer. Our tips for Oak flooring maintenance include:

• Sweeping or vacuuming regularly. As with any natural wood flooring, sweeping or vacuuming regularly will keep it looking great.

• Wipe up spills immediately. as any type of wood floor can warp or bow if exposed to too much liquid, removing large amounts of liquids immediately will mean a longer life for your floors.

• Use a damp mop or a specialised wood flooring mop for deep cleaning, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. By cleaning your floors with a damp mop instead of a wet mop you are preventing long-term water damage. Also using gentle cleaning products will keep your oak floors looking brand new for years to come.

• To deal with scratches or stains, use a wood touch-up pen or sand the affected area and refinish the floor - a great tip to ensure you are treating any areas that need attention without destroying your floor at the same time. In some cases you may need to replace the floor board. For this reason it is a good idea to keep any leftover planks at the time of installation, just for this purpose should the need arise. Use floor protectors or furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents.

• Use floor protectors or furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents.

Should you DIY install your Oak floors?

If you have experience with carpentry or flooring installation, you may be able to install oak flooring yourself. However, professional installation is recommended for those who lack experience or are unsure about the process. The installation process involves preparing the subfloor, laying the planks, and securing them in place with nails or glue.

Installation methods and steps will vary depending on the product selected and where it is being installed. Here is an example of a step-by-step installation process:

1. Prepare the subfloor by removing any existing flooring, cleaning the surface, and making any necessary repair.

2. Acclimate the oak flooring to room temperature and humidity level for at least 48 hours before installation.

3. Lay a moisture barrier, such as felt or paper, over the subfloor to prevent moisture from seeping through.

4. Lay the first row of planks along the longest wall, leaving a ¼ inch gap between the wall and the plank for expansion.

5. Secure the planks in place with nails or glue, depending on the installation method.

6. Continue laying planks, staggering the ends of each row, until the entire floor is covered.

7. Install baseboards and transition pieces to finish the installation.

8. With engineered oak flooring, it is often possible to walk of the floor the day after installation, or once the glue is dry.

Does Oak flooring change colour over time?

Over time, oak flooring may undergo a change in colour as a result of being exposed to light and air. Direct sunlight, in particular, can cause oak flooring to darken or lighten slightly.

Factors that contribute to colour change include:

• UV exposure can cause the colour of oak flooring to fade or change.

• Airborne pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals, can discolour the flooring over time.

How to prevent colour change?

While it might be hard to not expose all your floor to the sun, there are some tips and tricks you can use in your home or business to prevent colour change.

1. Use window coverings or add a UV-blocking film to your windows to prevent direct sunlight exposure. You may not be able to do this for your entire floor but adding curtains in places where there are large windows/sliding doors can prevent accelerated colour change.

2. Rotate area rugs periodically to prevent uneven colour changes.

3. Use furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents.

4. Keep the flooring clean and free from dirt and debris.

If you prefer the natural ageing process of oak flooring, embrace the changes and enjoy the unique character that it adds to your space.

Why should you select Oak flooring for your home or business?

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As mentioned, Oak is a durable and beautiful aesthetic flooring material that will complement any home or business. The key benefits of selecting Oak flooring fall into 3 categories:

• Budget: Oak flooring is available at a range of price points depending on whether you select solid wood, engineered, or even hybrid. Whatever your selection, you will find a price that will be suitable for your budget.

• Installation: Engineered Oak flooring is nearly always prefinished and can be installed quickly and cleanly by a professional, saving time and money.

• Durability: Oak flooring is durable and long lasting, making it a good investment for your home or business.

Oak flooring is a popular and versatile flooring option that can add beauty and value to any space.

With its durability, easy maintenance, and classic beauty, it is no wonder why so many homeowners and business owners choose oak flooring for their properties.

If you are looking for the best flooring in the market, why not check out our extensive selection of Oak flooring? Or come and visit us in one of our showrooms where you can see and compare our range in person.