Unfinished Red Oak Flooring

Red Oak flooring is arguably the most popular hardwood in the United States, Red Oak flooring is a ubiquitous sight in many homes. Red Oak is such a commonly used wood in the United States that it could almost be described as ubiquitous. Most of the industry divides oak into two main categories, white oak, and red oak. However, when you find “reclaimed mixed species” they are referring to a red & white blend, with pine added down south.

Red Oak Flooring can be boring. No offense but Red Oak’s heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with a reddish cast but with extraordinarily little variance of colors or what we call character. Of course, Red Oak floors can be finished to look amazing but why work so hard to create them. The good news, Red Oak workability ranks excellent. The floors are easy to finish and take stains very evenly, great DIY species.
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Red Oak Solid Hardwood Flooring

Red Oak Unfinished

Flooring Grade: Select & Better

Red Oak Unfinished

Flooring Grades: #1 Common

Red Oak Unfinished

Flooring Grades: Character

Red Oak Unfinished

Flooring Grades: #2 Common

Red Oak Installation

Red oak has almost all the same uses as white oak, except it is not used for tight cooperage since the wood is extremely porous and not water resistant. White oak is used more frequently for boat and shipbuilding than red oak, again for the same reasons. Red oak is considered less resistant to decay than white oak and European oak, which are better suited for items which require a natural durability. But because red oak wood is more permeable, it is easier to treat with preservative treatments than the other oaks.

The Tree – Red Oak (s) are found from Virginia into Southeastern Canada. Mature Red Oak grow up to 115 ft tall and up to 6’ in trunk diameter. Red and White Oaks can be indistinguishable on the outside which leads to them being processed together, separated later.

The lumber – The downside? Red Oak is rated as non-durable perishable, with little resistance to insects. The wood stains when in contact with water (particularly along the porous growth ring areas). Red Oaks do not have the level of decay and rot resistance that White Oaks possess.

Check Also # Prefinished Brazilian Hardwoods

What is unfinished Red Oak flooring?

a floor without a finish, i.e., direct from the mill not a factory finish where ends are matched, and bevels added. Red Oak is the most common hardwood in the north America used in all types of furniture and cabinetry.

Is Red Oak flooring hard?

With a Janka rating of 1220 Red Oak has about the same hardness rating as New Heart Pine but nowhere near the durability. Red Oak is rated as perishable, with insects and water being the two big enemies.

What is the difference between Red Oak vs White Oak

About .75 per square foot. COLOR – The color of White Oak is a mix of browns and tans ranging from dark brown to beige, while Red Oak is a lighter wood that ranges from almost white to a soft amber color. GRAIN PATTERN- The grain in White Oak runs straighter and tighter than Red Oak, with fewer swirls, circles, or deviations. Red oak wide grain runs in zigzag patterns and wavy lines that not found in White Oak.

What grades of Red Oak Flooring do you carry?

Bayou Rustic offers Select & Better, #1 Common, #2 Common, Character and Euro Character when available..

Is unfinished Red Oak flooring hard to install?

No Red Oak is a perfect hardwood for DIY with or without experience. Learn as you go when nailing real wood!