Maple Vs Oak Wood Flooring

Choosing between maple vs oak hardwood flooring can be challenging.

Maple vs oak wood flooring.

Many people prefer maple over other types of hardwood due to it s unique grain and light delicate color. They also come in different species which makes the choosing process tricky. Initially it seems that maple is more costly than the other most popular choice in hardwood flooring oak but that is not necessarily the case. This is largely because it is virtually non porous.

Overall white oak is the best choice for projects that call for water resistant decay resistant wood. Exotic hardwoods such as teak and mahogany will cost more. There are two types of oak available red oak and white oak. Differences between oak and maple flooring.

Oak wins over maple when you want a dark or dramatic but for neutral tones or to lighten up a space oak is less popular. This is largely because it is virtually non porous. Three essential factors make oak and maple stand apart from each other appearance durability and pricing. Oak offers more options as far as grain pattern and will provide a richer look when used as cabinetry or flooring.

Maple is commonly used for bowling alleys dance floors and high end homes. Depending on your location and the brand it could be red or white oak but either is cheaper than quality maple or hickory flooring. Its durable and glassy surface finishes to a high gloss that can take punishment. Hardwood harvested from the outer wood of the trunk or sapwood is usually a light creamy white color while hardwood harvested from the center of the tree or heartwood is a deeper shade of brown with a slight reddish hue.

Durable maple flooring is extremely hard and dent resistant even more so than oak flooring. It s comparable in price to oak cherry and ash which are also american hardwoods. Oak has been used for centuries and will continue to be in demand for generations. Red oak has a reddish rosy tone and a medium to heavy grain pattern.

Which style of flooring is the easiest to stain or refinish. Hickory takes stain well and so does oak. A recent survey of retailers we conducted found these hardwood flooring prices for just the material. Fewer imperfections maple has a consistent grain pattern that is more subtle than oak with fewer imperfections.

The strength and consistency of oak measures up well against maple hardwood flooring and traditional themes demand the use of traditional building materials. Maple wood is harder than oak but not as stable. Maple on the other hand is more challenging to coat with stain. 3 15 to 7 00 per square foot.

Other types of maple flooring are softer and they should be avoided. Maple is lighter more affordable and works well in contemporary spaces and for indoor projects. Hard maple is a premier flooring material. Red oak flooring is also durable but with its more prominent grain lines it s more time consuming to maintain.