American White Oak Flooring

American White Oak

This is a mixture of species from North America chosen because the tones are similar. The result is a timber that looks similar to European Oak.  The species exhibit uniformity with browns to honey colours with some pink tones occasionally evident. The grain is quite open.

At times less uniform species are mixed together and the resultant timber adds the colouring of darker brown tones and lighter tones at the extreme with some knots. This is termed a rustic oak. [For an alternative look at French Oak which is slightly heavier and generally has virtually no pink colouring.]

American White Oak is easy to sand. It does not generally need to be sanded with very coarse paper as it can be leveled with a 40 grit paper or belt. Additional time is required with the rotary sander to close down the grain for coating. Sometimes with softer timbers it is harder to see rotary marks that will need sanding out so it is vital to check for these carefully. If in doubt sand through to a much finer grit than usual such as a 180grit or 220grit mesh.

American White Oak accepts most types of coatings. Solvent based finishes in two packs and single packs have been used for a long time with this species.

Waterborne finishes also work well with White Oak. Many Oaks are now supplied in pre-finished panels finished in waterborne coatings and the results are very even.  Oils have been used extensively with Oak with good effect. The timber has an open grain and is a beautiful timber. There is considerable difference in the appearance of Oak with oil as against a waterborne finish. It would be good to view this prior to making a choice.

American White oak accepts liming solution which sits into the open grain. If using liming solution it must be applied only once as the result of too much solution can look painted.

American White Oak is a well used, popular, proven timber in Australia that is good to work with.