White Oak Flooring Buyer’s Guide (Everything You Should Know)
Average Cost To Install New FlooringPrice Range: $1,215 - $2,460
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Solid Hardwood
Engineered Hardwood
Made from a single piece of hardwood
Top layer of hardwood backed by a layer of cheaper wood such as plywood
Thicker than engineered hardwood (Usually 19 mm)
Thinner than solid hardwood (Usually 12-14 mm)
You can refinish it multiple times and it lasts up to 100 years
Usually, you can only refinish it once and it lasts up to 30 years
Low water resistance, may expand or contract in high moisture conditions
Medium-high water-resistance copes well with moisture but isn’t fully waterproof
You can only install it using the nail down or glue down methods
You can install it using the floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods
More expensive than engineered hardwood
Cheaper than solid hardwood
Gloss Level
The gloss level determines the overall look of your white oak floor. There are four different gloss levels used on wood flooring, these are:
Matte – 25% luster
Satin – 40% luster
Semi-Gloss – 55% luster
High Gloss – 70% luster
Satin has been the favorite gloss level for homeowners in recent years. It has only a small amount of shine and goes well with a modern interior design.
High gloss floors require more frequent cleaning as the high shine of the floor makes dust and dirt very visible, especially in natural light.
Gloss level is a personal preference, and many people still prefer high gloss floors over satin. The choice is yours.
You can also buy unfinished white oak flooring. This allows the homeowner or installer to stain and gloss the floor themselves.
Plank Size
Most planks come in long rectangular sizes, usually two to three inches wide.
However, wide plank white oak flooring has become a popular choice in recent years.
Wide-plank styles also go well with modern interior design types, and most people agree that a wider plank can make the whole room look bigger.
There are also other styles, such as the mixed-sized plank-style, which can add a rustic feel to your home and is loved by many consumers.
Mixed-size flooring styles feature a mixture of long, short, wide, and thin hardwood planks.
Another option is herringbone and parquet style if that’s your cup of tea. These two styles suit a more traditional look.
Herringbone-style planks are installed in a zig-zag pattern.
Parquet floors usually consist of numerous small pieces of hardwood flooring square or rectangular shapes.
At the end of the day, plank size is a personal preference, just like gloss levels, so make sure to choose the right style for you.
Installation of White Oak Flooring
There are many important rules to follow to avoid a complete disaster.
You can install engineered hardwood floors using the floating method.
It involves inserting the tongue of a plank to the groove of the next one and clicking together using a locking mechanism. The floating method requires no glue or nails.
On the other hand, you must nail or glue down solid hardwood to the subfloor.
Tongue-and-groove flooring is easy to install.
Essential Rules of Hardwood Installation
Rule #1– Always lay down a sheet of either cork or foam underlayment before installation.
I recommend using cork underlayment as it helps with moisture control and makes your floor warmer and quieter.
For glue-down hardwood, you need a specific glue-down underlayment. Only some underlayment products are suitable for this method of installation.
Rule #2 – Make sure that your subfloor is completely level, structurally sound, and free from any moisture.
You should deal with damp subfloors properly. Always find the source of the damp. Sometimes this requires complete removal of the subfloor.
If your subfloor is uneven, I recommend using self-leveling concrete to level it out, that’s if it’s a concrete subfloor.
For uneven wood subfloors, you can screw down large sheets of plywood to level it out.
Rule #3 – Allow time for acclimation before installing the floor. I recommend acclimating the floor for at least five days in the areas it will be installed in.
Rule #4 – Leave gaps of at least 12 mm at the edges of your new floor to allow for expansion.
You can cover these gaps with baseboards or finishing trims. It’s best to take off the existing baseboards before installation.
All hardwood flooring will expand and contract over time, so doing this is crucial.
Alternatives to White Oak Hardwood
Some of you may be thinking that white oak hardwood is too expensive, luckily there are some cheaper alternatives. These are laminate and vinyl plank flooring.
White Oak Laminate Flooring
Almost every laminate brand out there has a product designed to look like white oak floors.
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of white oak laminate flooring?
Advantages of Laminate:
Like laminate flooring, you’ll find numerous vinyl plank products with white oak floor looks.
Most vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as they are highly water-resistant.
But, what are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
Advantages of Vinyl Plank:
Easy to install
Slightly cheaper than hardwood
Looks good compared to laminate
Highly durable, it can last up to 20 years
Highly resistant to water – suitable for bathrooms
Sometimes comes with pre-attached underlayment
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank:
You can’t refinish it
Releases harmful gasses
It doesn’t last as long as hardwood
Overall, I believe that a white oak floor can be a valuable addition to your home, and I do recommend it.
White oak hardwood flooring can increase house value by 5-10%, making it a good investment if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Just make sure to buy from a reputable, well-known brand and look for the thickest options, not the cheapest.
This will ensure you have a long-lasting hardwood floor that can be refinished many times throughout its lifespan.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on white oak floors, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
White oak trees naturally have a dark exterior and light interior.
Is White Oak Hardwood Durable?
The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of different wood types to wear and denting; the higher the score, the stronger the wood.
Most flooring professionals consider the Janka hardness score an important factor for the durability and longevity of hardwood flooring.
White Oak hardwood flooring has a reasonably good Janka hardness score of 1360. It beats many other species, including:
Birch (1260)
Mahogany (800)
Walnut (1010)
However, white oak isn’t the hardest of wood species; for example, it’s not as hard as:
Maple (1450)
Hickory (1820)
Brazilian cherry (2350)
I would expect a high-quality white oak hardwood floor to last at least 30 years, assuming you refinish the floor every 8-10 years.
Some solid hardwood floors can even last over 100 years.
You can refinish thick solid hardwood up to ten times, while you can only refinish engineered hardwood once or twice.
White Oak Pros
Modern look – Light wood floors have become trendy in recent years; they go well with modern interior designs.
Water-resistant – White oak is a closed-grain wood, meaning liquids find it hard to penetrate, making it highly water-resistant.
You can refinish it – The significant advantage of white oak floors over laminate and vinyl plank is that you can refinish them several times, often lasting more than 30 years.
Affordable hardwood – Compared to other wood species, white oak is one of the most affordable options on the hardwood market.
White Oak Cons
Not the strongest – Although white oak floors are pretty strong, they can’t compete in hardness with species like Brazilian cherry or hickory, according to the Janka hardness score.
Not fully waterproof – White oak floors are water-resistant, but only to an extent. I wouldn’t install them in high moisture areas such as bathrooms.
More expensive than laminate – Generally, all real hardwood floors are more expensive than laminate flooring.
How Much Does White Oak Hardwood Flooring Cost?
White oak hardwood is priced at around $5 – $12 per square foot, slightly more expensive than red oak.
Hardwood Species
Price per Square Foot
Janka Hardness Score
Pine
$2 – $7
1225
Red Oak
$3 – $10
1290
Hickory
$3 – $10
1880
Maple
$4 – $10
1450
Acacia
$4 – $10
1750
White Oak
$5 – $12
1350
Black Walnut
$5 – $12
1010
Brazilian Cherry
$8 – $20
2350
Generally speaking, the thicker a hardwood plank is, the longer it will last. This also reflects in the price; I recommend spending more on a thicker hardwood floor.
White oak engineered flooring is much cheaper than solid white oak flooring. This is because it’s usually thinner and you can refinish it fewer times.
You can read our complete hardwood guide for more information about the different options.
These prices are for materials only. You can add installation costs to get the total cost including installation.
Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring
White oak and red oak flooring are the two most popular species used for wood floors in the US.
This has always sparked the red oak vs. white oak flooring debate. I recommend choosing the one which meets most of your needs.
Red Oak Characteristics
Open grain wood
Low water resistance
Hard to stain with light colors
Slightly cheaper than white oak
Traditional look with reddish/pink undertones
White Oak Characteristics
Closed grain wood
Medium-high water resistance
Slightly more expensive than red oak
Modern look with gray/brown undertones
Easy to stain with both light and dark colors
Things to Consider
When buying white oak, the most important aspect is choosing whether you want engineered or solid hardwood.
You should also consider the plank size and gloss level.
Engineered or Solid?
When shopping for wood floors, you’ll find two different structure types; solid and engineered. Here are the key characteristics of both types.
Solid Hardwood
Engineered Hardwood
Made from a single piece of hardwood
Top layer of hardwood backed by a layer of cheaper wood such as plywood
Thicker than engineered hardwood (Usually 19 mm)
Thinner than solid hardwood (Usually 12-14 mm)
You can refinish it multiple times and it lasts up to 100 years
Usually, you can only refinish it once and it lasts up to 30 years
Low water resistance, may expand or contract in high moisture conditions
Medium-high water-resistance copes well with moisture but isn’t fully waterproof
You can only install it using the nail down or glue down methods
You can install it using the floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods
More expensive than engineered hardwood
Cheaper than solid hardwood
Gloss Level
The gloss level determines the overall look of your white oak floor. There are four different gloss levels used on wood flooring, these are:
Matte – 25% luster
Satin – 40% luster
Semi-Gloss – 55% luster
High Gloss – 70% luster
Satin has been the favorite gloss level for homeowners in recent years. It has only a small amount of shine and goes well with a modern interior design.
High gloss floors require more frequent cleaning as the high shine of the floor makes dust and dirt very visible, especially in natural light.
Gloss level is a personal preference, and many people still prefer high gloss floors over satin. The choice is yours.
You can also buy unfinished white oak flooring. This allows the homeowner or installer to stain and gloss the floor themselves.
Plank Size
Most planks come in long rectangular sizes, usually two to three inches wide.
However, wide plank white oak flooring has become a popular choice in recent years.
Wide-plank styles also go well with modern interior design types, and most people agree that a wider plank can make the whole room look bigger.
There are also other styles, such as the mixed-sized plank-style, which can add a rustic feel to your home and is loved by many consumers.
Mixed-size flooring styles feature a mixture of long, short, wide, and thin hardwood planks.
Another option is herringbone and parquet style if that’s your cup of tea. These two styles suit a more traditional look.
Herringbone-style planks are installed in a zig-zag pattern.
Parquet floors usually consist of numerous small pieces of hardwood flooring square or rectangular shapes.
At the end of the day, plank size is a personal preference, just like gloss levels, so make sure to choose the right style for you.
Installation of White Oak Flooring
There are many important rules to follow to avoid a complete disaster.
You can install engineered hardwood floors using the floating method.
It involves inserting the tongue of a plank to the groove of the next one and clicking together using a locking mechanism. The floating method requires no glue or nails.
On the other hand, you must nail or glue down solid hardwood to the subfloor.
Tongue-and-groove flooring is easy to install.
Essential Rules of Hardwood Installation
Rule #1– Always lay down a sheet of either cork or foam underlayment before installation.
I recommend using cork underlayment as it helps with moisture control and makes your floor warmer and quieter.
For glue-down hardwood, you need a specific glue-down underlayment. Only some underlayment products are suitable for this method of installation.
Rule #2 – Make sure that your subfloor is completely level, structurally sound, and free from any moisture.
You should deal with damp subfloors properly. Always find the source of the damp. Sometimes this requires complete removal of the subfloor.
If your subfloor is uneven, I recommend using self-leveling concrete to level it out, that’s if it’s a concrete subfloor.
For uneven wood subfloors, you can screw down large sheets of plywood to level it out.
Rule #3 – Allow time for acclimation before installing the floor. I recommend acclimating the floor for at least five days in the areas it will be installed in.
Rule #4 – Leave gaps of at least 12 mm at the edges of your new floor to allow for expansion.
You can cover these gaps with baseboards or finishing trims. It’s best to take off the existing baseboards before installation.
All hardwood flooring will expand and contract over time, so doing this is crucial.
Alternatives to White Oak Hardwood
Some of you may be thinking that white oak hardwood is too expensive, luckily there are some cheaper alternatives. These are laminate and vinyl plank flooring.
White Oak Laminate Flooring
Almost every laminate brand out there has a product designed to look like white oak floors.
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of white oak laminate flooring?
Advantages of Laminate:
Like laminate flooring, you’ll find numerous vinyl plank products with white oak floor looks.
Most vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as they are highly water-resistant.
But, what are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
Advantages of Vinyl Plank:
Easy to install
Slightly cheaper than hardwood
Looks good compared to laminate
Highly durable, it can last up to 20 years
Highly resistant to water – suitable for bathrooms
Sometimes comes with pre-attached underlayment
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank:
You can’t refinish it
Releases harmful gasses
It doesn’t last as long as hardwood
Overall, I believe that a white oak floor can be a valuable addition to your home, and I do recommend it.
White oak hardwood flooring can increase house value by 5-10%, making it a good investment if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Just make sure to buy from a reputable, well-known brand and look for the thickest options, not the cheapest.
This will ensure you have a long-lasting hardwood floor that can be refinished many times throughout its lifespan.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on white oak floors, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
White oak flooring works well for parquet designs.
In this guide, I present everything you should know about white oak flooring, including the pros & cons, cost, hardness rating, and how it compares to red oak flooring.
What is White Oak Flooring?
White oak flooring is a type of hardwood flooring made from the white oak tree, Quercus alba.
The wood, selected from trees displaying natural beauty and a tight grain, is sawn into planks of varying thickness.
Planks used for white oak engineered flooring are cut thinner than those used for solid white oak flooring.
White Oak is a domestic wood species that originates from North America; it occurs along the east coast, the northern areas of the United States, and across Canada.
The vast supply and proper hardness of white oak is the main reason why it’s used for flooring, but there’s also another reason.
White oak is a closed-grain wood type meaning it can handle contact with water well. This contrasts with red oak, which is an open-grain wood.
The naturally neutral color of white oak hardwood allows you to easily stain it with various shades, both light, and dark.
This allows for a wide variety of popular finishes. Many other wood species have reddish and yellowish tones and are harder to stain with light shades.
White oak trees naturally have a dark exterior and light interior.
Is White Oak Hardwood Durable?
The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of different wood types to wear and denting; the higher the score, the stronger the wood.
Most flooring professionals consider the Janka hardness score an important factor for the durability and longevity of hardwood flooring.
White Oak hardwood flooring has a reasonably good Janka hardness score of 1360. It beats many other species, including:
Birch (1260)
Mahogany (800)
Walnut (1010)
However, white oak isn’t the hardest of wood species; for example, it’s not as hard as:
Maple (1450)
Hickory (1820)
Brazilian cherry (2350)
I would expect a high-quality white oak hardwood floor to last at least 30 years, assuming you refinish the floor every 8-10 years.
Some solid hardwood floors can even last over 100 years.
You can refinish thick solid hardwood up to ten times, while you can only refinish engineered hardwood once or twice.
White Oak Pros
Modern look – Light wood floors have become trendy in recent years; they go well with modern interior designs.
Water-resistant – White oak is a closed-grain wood, meaning liquids find it hard to penetrate, making it highly water-resistant.
You can refinish it – The significant advantage of white oak floors over laminate and vinyl plank is that you can refinish them several times, often lasting more than 30 years.
Affordable hardwood – Compared to other wood species, white oak is one of the most affordable options on the hardwood market.
White Oak Cons
Not the strongest – Although white oak floors are pretty strong, they can’t compete in hardness with species like Brazilian cherry or hickory, according to the Janka hardness score.
Not fully waterproof – White oak floors are water-resistant, but only to an extent. I wouldn’t install them in high moisture areas such as bathrooms.
More expensive than laminate – Generally, all real hardwood floors are more expensive than laminate flooring.
How Much Does White Oak Hardwood Flooring Cost?
White oak hardwood is priced at around $5 – $12 per square foot, slightly more expensive than red oak.
Hardwood Species
Price per Square Foot
Janka Hardness Score
Pine
$2 – $7
1225
Red Oak
$3 – $10
1290
Hickory
$3 – $10
1880
Maple
$4 – $10
1450
Acacia
$4 – $10
1750
White Oak
$5 – $12
1350
Black Walnut
$5 – $12
1010
Brazilian Cherry
$8 – $20
2350
Generally speaking, the thicker a hardwood plank is, the longer it will last. This also reflects in the price; I recommend spending more on a thicker hardwood floor.
White oak engineered flooring is much cheaper than solid white oak flooring. This is because it’s usually thinner and you can refinish it fewer times.
You can read our complete hardwood guide for more information about the different options.
These prices are for materials only. You can add installation costs to get the total cost including installation.
Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring
White oak and red oak flooring are the two most popular species used for wood floors in the US.
This has always sparked the red oak vs. white oak flooring debate. I recommend choosing the one which meets most of your needs.
Red Oak Characteristics
Open grain wood
Low water resistance
Hard to stain with light colors
Slightly cheaper than white oak
Traditional look with reddish/pink undertones
White Oak Characteristics
Closed grain wood
Medium-high water resistance
Slightly more expensive than red oak
Modern look with gray/brown undertones
Easy to stain with both light and dark colors
Things to Consider
When buying white oak, the most important aspect is choosing whether you want engineered or solid hardwood.
You should also consider the plank size and gloss level.
Engineered or Solid?
When shopping for wood floors, you’ll find two different structure types; solid and engineered. Here are the key characteristics of both types.
Solid Hardwood
Engineered Hardwood
Made from a single piece of hardwood
Top layer of hardwood backed by a layer of cheaper wood such as plywood
Thicker than engineered hardwood (Usually 19 mm)
Thinner than solid hardwood (Usually 12-14 mm)
You can refinish it multiple times and it lasts up to 100 years
Usually, you can only refinish it once and it lasts up to 30 years
Low water resistance, may expand or contract in high moisture conditions
Medium-high water-resistance copes well with moisture but isn’t fully waterproof
You can only install it using the nail down or glue down methods
You can install it using the floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods
More expensive than engineered hardwood
Cheaper than solid hardwood
Gloss Level
The gloss level determines the overall look of your white oak floor. There are four different gloss levels used on wood flooring, these are:
Matte – 25% luster
Satin – 40% luster
Semi-Gloss – 55% luster
High Gloss – 70% luster
Satin has been the favorite gloss level for homeowners in recent years. It has only a small amount of shine and goes well with a modern interior design.
High gloss floors require more frequent cleaning as the high shine of the floor makes dust and dirt very visible, especially in natural light.
Gloss level is a personal preference, and many people still prefer high gloss floors over satin. The choice is yours.
You can also buy unfinished white oak flooring. This allows the homeowner or installer to stain and gloss the floor themselves.
Plank Size
Most planks come in long rectangular sizes, usually two to three inches wide.
However, wide plank white oak flooring has become a popular choice in recent years.
Wide-plank styles also go well with modern interior design types, and most people agree that a wider plank can make the whole room look bigger.
There are also other styles, such as the mixed-sized plank-style, which can add a rustic feel to your home and is loved by many consumers.
Mixed-size flooring styles feature a mixture of long, short, wide, and thin hardwood planks.
Another option is herringbone and parquet style if that’s your cup of tea. These two styles suit a more traditional look.
Herringbone-style planks are installed in a zig-zag pattern.
Parquet floors usually consist of numerous small pieces of hardwood flooring square or rectangular shapes.
At the end of the day, plank size is a personal preference, just like gloss levels, so make sure to choose the right style for you.
Installation of White Oak Flooring
There are many important rules to follow to avoid a complete disaster.
You can install engineered hardwood floors using the floating method.
It involves inserting the tongue of a plank to the groove of the next one and clicking together using a locking mechanism. The floating method requires no glue or nails.
On the other hand, you must nail or glue down solid hardwood to the subfloor.
Tongue-and-groove flooring is easy to install.
Essential Rules of Hardwood Installation
Rule #1– Always lay down a sheet of either cork or foam underlayment before installation.
I recommend using cork underlayment as it helps with moisture control and makes your floor warmer and quieter.
For glue-down hardwood, you need a specific glue-down underlayment. Only some underlayment products are suitable for this method of installation.
Rule #2 – Make sure that your subfloor is completely level, structurally sound, and free from any moisture.
You should deal with damp subfloors properly. Always find the source of the damp. Sometimes this requires complete removal of the subfloor.
If your subfloor is uneven, I recommend using self-leveling concrete to level it out, that’s if it’s a concrete subfloor.
For uneven wood subfloors, you can screw down large sheets of plywood to level it out.
Rule #3 – Allow time for acclimation before installing the floor. I recommend acclimating the floor for at least five days in the areas it will be installed in.
Rule #4 – Leave gaps of at least 12 mm at the edges of your new floor to allow for expansion.
You can cover these gaps with baseboards or finishing trims. It’s best to take off the existing baseboards before installation.
All hardwood flooring will expand and contract over time, so doing this is crucial.
Alternatives to White Oak Hardwood
Some of you may be thinking that white oak hardwood is too expensive, luckily there are some cheaper alternatives. These are laminate and vinyl plank flooring.
White Oak Laminate Flooring
Almost every laminate brand out there has a product designed to look like white oak floors.
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of white oak laminate flooring?
Advantages of Laminate:
Like laminate flooring, you’ll find numerous vinyl plank products with white oak floor looks.
Most vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as they are highly water-resistant.
But, what are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
Advantages of Vinyl Plank:
Easy to install
Slightly cheaper than hardwood
Looks good compared to laminate
Highly durable, it can last up to 20 years
Highly resistant to water – suitable for bathrooms
Sometimes comes with pre-attached underlayment
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank:
You can’t refinish it
Releases harmful gasses
It doesn’t last as long as hardwood
Overall, I believe that a white oak floor can be a valuable addition to your home, and I do recommend it.
White oak hardwood flooring can increase house value by 5-10%, making it a good investment if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Just make sure to buy from a reputable, well-known brand and look for the thickest options, not the cheapest.
This will ensure you have a long-lasting hardwood floor that can be refinished many times throughout its lifespan.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on white oak floors, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
White Oak Flooring Buyer’s Guide (Everything You Should Know)
Alongside red oak, white oak is the most common wood species used to manufacture hardwood flooring.
White oak flooring is visually pleasing, has excellent durability and stability, and is highly water-resistant compared to other wood species.
However, many people don’t appreciate the high price tag of white oak wood flooring compared to laminate and carpet.
White oak flooring works well for parquet designs.
In this guide, I present everything you should know about white oak flooring, including the pros & cons, cost, hardness rating, and how it compares to red oak flooring.
What is White Oak Flooring?
White oak flooring is a type of hardwood flooring made from the white oak tree, Quercus alba.
The wood, selected from trees displaying natural beauty and a tight grain, is sawn into planks of varying thickness.
Planks used for white oak engineered flooring are cut thinner than those used for solid white oak flooring.
White Oak is a domestic wood species that originates from North America; it occurs along the east coast, the northern areas of the United States, and across Canada.
The vast supply and proper hardness of white oak is the main reason why it’s used for flooring, but there’s also another reason.
White oak is a closed-grain wood type meaning it can handle contact with water well. This contrasts with red oak, which is an open-grain wood.
The naturally neutral color of white oak hardwood allows you to easily stain it with various shades, both light, and dark.
This allows for a wide variety of popular finishes. Many other wood species have reddish and yellowish tones and are harder to stain with light shades.
White oak trees naturally have a dark exterior and light interior.
Is White Oak Hardwood Durable?
The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of different wood types to wear and denting; the higher the score, the stronger the wood.
Most flooring professionals consider the Janka hardness score an important factor for the durability and longevity of hardwood flooring.
White Oak hardwood flooring has a reasonably good Janka hardness score of 1360. It beats many other species, including:
Birch (1260)
Mahogany (800)
Walnut (1010)
However, white oak isn’t the hardest of wood species; for example, it’s not as hard as:
Maple (1450)
Hickory (1820)
Brazilian cherry (2350)
I would expect a high-quality white oak hardwood floor to last at least 30 years, assuming you refinish the floor every 8-10 years.
Some solid hardwood floors can even last over 100 years.
You can refinish thick solid hardwood up to ten times, while you can only refinish engineered hardwood once or twice.
White Oak Pros
Modern look – Light wood floors have become trendy in recent years; they go well with modern interior designs.
Water-resistant – White oak is a closed-grain wood, meaning liquids find it hard to penetrate, making it highly water-resistant.
You can refinish it – The significant advantage of white oak floors over laminate and vinyl plank is that you can refinish them several times, often lasting more than 30 years.
Affordable hardwood – Compared to other wood species, white oak is one of the most affordable options on the hardwood market.
White Oak Cons
Not the strongest – Although white oak floors are pretty strong, they can’t compete in hardness with species like Brazilian cherry or hickory, according to the Janka hardness score.
Not fully waterproof – White oak floors are water-resistant, but only to an extent. I wouldn’t install them in high moisture areas such as bathrooms.
More expensive than laminate – Generally, all real hardwood floors are more expensive than laminate flooring.
How Much Does White Oak Hardwood Flooring Cost?
White oak hardwood is priced at around $5 – $12 per square foot, slightly more expensive than red oak.
Hardwood Species
Price per Square Foot
Janka Hardness Score
Pine
$2 – $7
1225
Red Oak
$3 – $10
1290
Hickory
$3 – $10
1880
Maple
$4 – $10
1450
Acacia
$4 – $10
1750
White Oak
$5 – $12
1350
Black Walnut
$5 – $12
1010
Brazilian Cherry
$8 – $20
2350
Generally speaking, the thicker a hardwood plank is, the longer it will last. This also reflects in the price; I recommend spending more on a thicker hardwood floor.
White oak engineered flooring is much cheaper than solid white oak flooring. This is because it’s usually thinner and you can refinish it fewer times.
You can read our complete hardwood guide for more information about the different options.
These prices are for materials only. You can add installation costs to get the total cost including installation.
Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring
White oak and red oak flooring are the two most popular species used for wood floors in the US.
This has always sparked the red oak vs. white oak flooring debate. I recommend choosing the one which meets most of your needs.
Red Oak Characteristics
Open grain wood
Low water resistance
Hard to stain with light colors
Slightly cheaper than white oak
Traditional look with reddish/pink undertones
White Oak Characteristics
Closed grain wood
Medium-high water resistance
Slightly more expensive than red oak
Modern look with gray/brown undertones
Easy to stain with both light and dark colors
Things to Consider
When buying white oak, the most important aspect is choosing whether you want engineered or solid hardwood.
You should also consider the plank size and gloss level.
Engineered or Solid?
When shopping for wood floors, you’ll find two different structure types; solid and engineered. Here are the key characteristics of both types.
Solid Hardwood
Engineered Hardwood
Made from a single piece of hardwood
Top layer of hardwood backed by a layer of cheaper wood such as plywood
Thicker than engineered hardwood (Usually 19 mm)
Thinner than solid hardwood (Usually 12-14 mm)
You can refinish it multiple times and it lasts up to 100 years
Usually, you can only refinish it once and it lasts up to 30 years
Low water resistance, may expand or contract in high moisture conditions
Medium-high water-resistance copes well with moisture but isn’t fully waterproof
You can only install it using the nail down or glue down methods
You can install it using the floating, glue-down, and nail-down methods
More expensive than engineered hardwood
Cheaper than solid hardwood
Gloss Level
The gloss level determines the overall look of your white oak floor. There are four different gloss levels used on wood flooring, these are:
Matte – 25% luster
Satin – 40% luster
Semi-Gloss – 55% luster
High Gloss – 70% luster
Satin has been the favorite gloss level for homeowners in recent years. It has only a small amount of shine and goes well with a modern interior design.
High gloss floors require more frequent cleaning as the high shine of the floor makes dust and dirt very visible, especially in natural light.
Gloss level is a personal preference, and many people still prefer high gloss floors over satin. The choice is yours.
You can also buy unfinished white oak flooring. This allows the homeowner or installer to stain and gloss the floor themselves.
Plank Size
Most planks come in long rectangular sizes, usually two to three inches wide.
However, wide plank white oak flooring has become a popular choice in recent years.
Wide-plank styles also go well with modern interior design types, and most people agree that a wider plank can make the whole room look bigger.
There are also other styles, such as the mixed-sized plank-style, which can add a rustic feel to your home and is loved by many consumers.
Mixed-size flooring styles feature a mixture of long, short, wide, and thin hardwood planks.
Another option is herringbone and parquet style if that’s your cup of tea. These two styles suit a more traditional look.
Herringbone-style planks are installed in a zig-zag pattern.
Parquet floors usually consist of numerous small pieces of hardwood flooring square or rectangular shapes.
At the end of the day, plank size is a personal preference, just like gloss levels, so make sure to choose the right style for you.
Installation of White Oak Flooring
There are many important rules to follow to avoid a complete disaster.
You can install engineered hardwood floors using the floating method.
It involves inserting the tongue of a plank to the groove of the next one and clicking together using a locking mechanism. The floating method requires no glue or nails.
On the other hand, you must nail or glue down solid hardwood to the subfloor.
Tongue-and-groove flooring is easy to install.
Essential Rules of Hardwood Installation
Rule #1– Always lay down a sheet of either cork or foam underlayment before installation.
I recommend using cork underlayment as it helps with moisture control and makes your floor warmer and quieter.
For glue-down hardwood, you need a specific glue-down underlayment. Only some underlayment products are suitable for this method of installation.
Rule #2 – Make sure that your subfloor is completely level, structurally sound, and free from any moisture.
You should deal with damp subfloors properly. Always find the source of the damp. Sometimes this requires complete removal of the subfloor.
If your subfloor is uneven, I recommend using self-leveling concrete to level it out, that’s if it’s a concrete subfloor.
For uneven wood subfloors, you can screw down large sheets of plywood to level it out.
Rule #3 – Allow time for acclimation before installing the floor. I recommend acclimating the floor for at least five days in the areas it will be installed in.
Rule #4 – Leave gaps of at least 12 mm at the edges of your new floor to allow for expansion.
You can cover these gaps with baseboards or finishing trims. It’s best to take off the existing baseboards before installation.
All hardwood flooring will expand and contract over time, so doing this is crucial.
Alternatives to White Oak Hardwood
Some of you may be thinking that white oak hardwood is too expensive, luckily there are some cheaper alternatives. These are laminate and vinyl plank flooring.
White Oak Laminate Flooring
Almost every laminate brand out there has a product designed to look like white oak floors.
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of white oak laminate flooring?
Advantages of Laminate:
Like laminate flooring, you’ll find numerous vinyl plank products with white oak floor looks.
Most vinyl planks are suitable for bathrooms as they are highly water-resistant.
But, what are the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?
Advantages of Vinyl Plank:
Easy to install
Slightly cheaper than hardwood
Looks good compared to laminate
Highly durable, it can last up to 20 years
Highly resistant to water – suitable for bathrooms
Sometimes comes with pre-attached underlayment
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank:
You can’t refinish it
Releases harmful gasses
It doesn’t last as long as hardwood
Overall, I believe that a white oak floor can be a valuable addition to your home, and I do recommend it.
White oak hardwood flooring can increase house value by 5-10%, making it a good investment if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Just make sure to buy from a reputable, well-known brand and look for the thickest options, not the cheapest.
This will ensure you have a long-lasting hardwood floor that can be refinished many times throughout its lifespan.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on white oak floors, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Average Cost To Install New FlooringPrice Range: $1,215 - $2,460
