January 09, 2023
3 Reasons We Love White Oak
by Haley Holm-Pedersen
At Stuga, we love white oak. We love it so much, in fact, that it’s the only hardwood species that we sell. And we know that you love it, too. White oak is the species that everyone is asking about. So what is it that makes this hardwood species so universally appealing?
What is White Oak?
White oak refers to wood from the white oak tree species, Quercus alba in America, or Quercus robur/petraea in Europe, among others. This tree is known as the “king of oaks” for its sturdy wood and magnificent beauty in the landscape. White oak lumber is prized for its hardness and resistance to rot, making it an easy choice for flooring.
Reasons We Love It
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Beauty
Simply put, white oak is a stunner. Its grain patterns are soft and subtle, creating beautiful movement. It’s a perfect choice for interiors for exactly this reason.
There's also some nostalgia to the beauty of oak. It's the wood that many of us grew up learning to admire. We were around it in our childhood homes. Oak is steadfast in more than one sense – it endures both the physical test of time and the ever-changing trend cycle.
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Versatility
Naturally neutral, white oak does have undertones of grays, pinks, and browns, but does not lean heavily red or yellow like some hardwood species. It takes stain beautifully thanks to its neutral tone, which allows us to offer it in a range of design-friendly colors. Plus, it develops a patina with time that deepens its natural color. A white oak floor often looks more beautiful after aging for a decade than it did when freshly installed.
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Personality
It’s hard to describe the character of white oak, but once you recognize it, you’ll never want another species. Some boards feature gorgeous characteristics from the tree, like medullary rays and cathedral graining. In some floors, knots and cracks bring the individual tree’s story to life.
We believe in embracing the irregularity of nature – every knot, freckle, and burl of it. All this character creates an instant connection to nature every time you see your floor. And in our opinions? That's something worth celebrating.
White Oak FAQs
How much does white oak flooring cost?
The cost can range depending on factors such as construction, board length, board width, and country of origin. At Stuga, we offer white oak flooring at prices for any home. Our least expensive floors start at $5.25 per square foot, while our most premium, 12” wide plank floors are $13.75 per square foot.
To accurately estimate the cost of your project, including accessories, installation, and more, check out our guide here. Keep in mind that by choosing real wood over faux materials like luxury vinyl plank, you can benefit from impressive ROI when it's time to sell your home.
How hard is white oak flooring?
The Janka Hardness Scale measures the resistance of different types of wood to dents and wear. White oak ranks highly on the scale. It is less likely to dent than softer woods like walnut, cherry, Douglas fir, or pine.
Because it’s a natural material, the color of white oak will vary from board to board. Boards from younger parts of the same tree, for example, may appear lighter in color than those from the older center of the tree. Generally speaking, white oak ranges from creamy tan to warm brown tones. Some boards may have pinkish undertones, and others may lean grayish, but overall it is a very neutral species of wood.
Stuga floors use European white oak, which is somewhat richer than its pale American counterparts. European oak also has more swirls and waves in its graining patterns, whereas American oak tends to have straighter patterns.
