Northern vs. Southern Oak
Northern oak and southern oak are both great choices for hardwood flooring, each with their own unique characteristics. Northern oak is a more premium product with a higher price point. This comes with many advantages over southern oak. Both can work for your project depending on your budget and needs.
Appearance:
- Color: Northern oak has a lighter, more uniform color. Southern oak can have more variation in color, often with darker streaks or figuring.
- Grain: Northern oak typically has a fine, tight grain pattern. While southern oak may have a slightly coarse more open grain.
- Why: The northern growing seasons are shorter due to the long winters. This causes the trees to grow slowly keeping the growth rings tight. When we get further south we see faster growing seasons and more open grain patterns.
Durability:
- Hardness: Both species are considered durable, but northern oak is slightly harder than southern oak. This means it may be more resistant to dents and scratches.
- Stability: Generally Northern oak is more stable due to its tighter grain structure.
Cost:
- Price: Prices can vary depending on factors like region, availability, and grade. However, in general, northern oak is slightly more expensive due to its cleaner overall look and popularity.
Overall Considerations:
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choice for your flooring depends on your personal aesthetic preferences.
- Maintenance: Both species require regular maintenance much like any hardwood floor.
Have further questions? Feel free to reach out to one of our team members for further information.