Difference Between French And American Oak Flooring

Variation in tone as timber is a natural product the tone varies from board to board this is the beauty of a natural solid oak floor.

Difference between french and american oak flooring. It has 3 traditional cuts. Steven m hong kong. Normally european oak looks darker better. Today i am going to explain in more detail the difference between american oak and french oak.

What s the finish like. American oak quercus alba is also a temperate hardwood predominantly found in eastern north america. Dear steven i like to refer to oak barrels as part of the metaphorical spice rack that vintners use to make a wine of their style. Unlike american oak which will often have a large colour variation between its boards european oak will have a much more even colour tone.

While there are many different types of white oak three are most used for. What is the difference between american and french oak for maturation. Generally french oak is thought to impart a subtler influence and smoother texture which is nice most of the time while american oak is bigger on vanilla flavour and astringent tannins. First we examine standard american white oak.

European oak flooring on the other hand in terms of colour generally tends to be darker compared to american oak flooring. Russian oak has less tannic acid inside european oak has more this will only influence if your floor needs fumigation after fumigation the appearance will be different. Yet they are not always familiar with the significant differences that make european oak such a rich product in design and functionality. Barrels are made from oak trees grown all over the world but the most popular barrels are made from oak trees grown.

European oak is darker with a naturally rich golden honey hue while american oak is lighter and more yellow in colour with the occasional pinkish hue. Designers and architects who specify wood flooring veneers cabinetry or millwork on projects are intimately familiar with oak. Over time this will need to be touched up and refinished. In the french oak vs.

Both species are classed as white oaks and have been known to live for several hundred years. Species and origin french oak quercus robur is a temperate hardwood native to most of europe and is in fact the same species as english oak. American oak debate another difference is the finish of the flooring. European oak has a more even colour tone from board to board than american oak which can show greater contrasts between lighter and darker shades especially in the grain pattern.

In a previous wine words post i gave a general overview of oak as it pertains to wine. Grain pattern european oak tends to have a. To start off both american oak and french oak are species of white oak. Generally speaking american oak is treated with a polyurethane finish.