Oak flooring is undoubtedly one of the main ways to improve the elegance of your home. Hardwood floors add a touch of class to any home regardless of origin, but of all hardwood floors, oak occupies a prominent place. Tradition aged oak, brown oak or engineered oak floors all add warmth to any interior and create a unique finish that makes a statement about decorative finesse.
The hardwood floor was once an absolute rule, without exception. Most of us can recall, perhaps at a younger age, when we would slide down on newly waxed hallways in our socks or sat on our parent’s hardwood floors playing board games. Over time, new surfaces appeared that were often less expensive, less maintenance or seen as “more modern”, replaced the noble post of the traditional hardwood flooring with the likes of linoleum, tile and wall to wall carpeting.
Oak floors, as with all hardwood flooring, is available in different grades and varieties. When you arrive at your initial choice, whether you go with European oak or American oak, there will be a selection of flooring grades from classic, character, rustic, provincial, country or prime. The key distinction between the grades is the amount of variations in timber grain pattern, figuring and knots. Take for example the prime oak floor has a straighter grain pattern, ideal for a contemporary look, whereas the rustic grade is characterised with a fair amount of natural figuring. The price will differ within the grades, but it all comes down to individual taste and the appropriate look to go with your home.
There is also a misconception about the task of cleaning and maintaining oak flooring being too difficult. If your floors are installed and finished correctly, you will only ever need to use wood floor detergent to clean regular daily grime and dirt. There are also products, like liquid wax cleaners, that will work on heavier stains and provide a polished finish.
Regardless of colour or grade chosen, the decision to add depth of real oak flooring into the home will always add value and elegance. Hardwood floors have been used and honoured for centuries for a reason; the durability, natural tones and harmonising beauty bring class into any decorative scheme. When you are walking on oak floors, you feel a sounding connection with nature and history that the family can enjoy for the life of your home.
