Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Domestic Species
Select and Better White Oak Flooring —
Plain Sawn
Select and Better White Oak is a very popular grade.
Select and Better White Oak Flooring Dimension Specifications:
Select and Better grade White Oak will have longer lengths in comparison to lower grades. Select and Better White Oak can be found pre-milled in 7-foot bundles, or a long plank can be custom-made to order. The lengths and widths are made specifically to each project's specifications. The longest lengths can be from 10 to 14 feet, and the widths can be from 2¼″ up to 12″ or more. Moisture content is between 6% and 8% for quick acclimation. Select and Better White Oak is found in unfinished and prefinished solid or engineered with a veneer top layer.
Flooring Availability:
Select and Better grade White Oak flooring is readily available. Custom orders usually demand 2-3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability. Pre-milled standard 7-foot bundles are usually not a stock item.
Finished Floor Appearance:
Select and Better grade White Oak will have an even grayish tan appearance. The long lengths produced make for fewer joints and a more desirable floor aesthetically. White Oak is not sensitive to sunlight and will not darken considerably with an oil-based finish. Water-based finishes will have a pale appearance in comparison to oil finishes.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
Select and Better White Oak is very durable and resists denting and traffic wear much better than pine. White Oak is relatively stable in comparison to other species like Yellow Pine.
Workability of Select and Better White Oak Flooring:
Although a hardwood, Select and Better White Oak flooring works with little difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers work well. Installation is quicker with higher-grade flooring because the lengths of the boards are typically longer. White Oak holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It is relatively easy to sand with flooring equipment, but professional sanding and finishing is recommended.
Principal Uses of Select and Better White Oak Flooring:
Because of its price, Select and Better White Oak flooring is used in high-end residential applications for a dramatically elegant floor. It is also used for color-contrasting borders and medallions.
Learn more about these other Plain Sawn White Oak wood flooring grades:
« About Plain Sawn White Oak Wood Flooring
