When it comes to choosing flooring, there are so many different options out there that it can be tough to make a decision. However, since wood flooring can last for decades when it’s cared for properly, it’s important to pick the best type of wood for your needs. Understanding the characteristics of the wood and its overall colors and grain is the key to making that decision wisely.
For example, looking at the differences between oak wood flooring and maple wood flooring can help you decide what is best for your home or workspace.
With that said, once you’ve gone over the differences between them, as explained here, you’ll quickly be able to choose which one you prefer.
All About Oak Flooring
Oak flooring, of course, is made from the trunks of oak trees. These trees, which grow in deciduous forests around the United States, produce wood that’s known for its beautiful grain and array of colors. For example, you can get both red oak and white oak flooring and stain it in a number of different colors, depending on your preferences.
On top of the way that it looks, oak flooring is fairly easy to install, and it can hold up over time due to its hardness rating. Both of these, as well as the aesthetics, make oak flooring a common option in homes. If you want a pretty, long-lasting floor that comes with beautiful grain patterns, then this type of wood is the way to go.
The Details on Maple Flooring
With that said, maple flooring is just about as popular as oak. Why? Because this wood, which comes from maple trees, known for their sap that’s turned into aptly named maple syrup, has just as many pros as oak. The wood grows in a very pretty white color that can easily be stained to match the rest of the wood trim in your home.
In addition, maple flooring is high on the Janka Hardness Scale, more so than oak, meaning that it has the ability to be very durable and long-lasting when it’s cared for properly.
Maple flooring is also easy to install and care for. However, since maple is often lighter in color, it has the propensity to show scuffs more than oak. This doesn’t make it a bad choice, though.
Which Is Better?
The best way to choose between oak and maple when picking out the materials for a hardwood floor is by looking at the two side by side and going through a number of different factors, such as hardness rating, colors, price, and more.
We’re here to help! Let’s break it down to truly help explain the difference between maple flooring and oak flooring.
Hardness Rating
The Janka Hardness Scale is used to describe just how hard a type of wood plank is. Every type has a rating, and the higher the number, the harder the wood. This doesn’t mean that the wood is brittle and hard to work with. Instead, the rating is used to determine the overall durability of the material.
On the Janka Hardness Scale, maple is rated higher than oak. Maple is 1450 on the scale, while oak clocks in at 1250. This means that although both are considered hardwoods, maple is slightly harder and will be more durable in the long run. Of course, 1250 isn’t a bad number at all, and oak flooring is also known for its longevity.
Durability
Durability and the Janka Hardness Scale go hand in hand. The higher the number, the more durable the wood flooring will be. This means that it’s less likely to be scuffed, nicked, scratched, gouged, and pitted.
Why does this matter when you’re looking at flooring? Well, your floors are walked on by family members, guests, and even pets, so a harder type of wood will hold up better.
Comparing oak and maple here, since maple is harder, it’s less likely to get damaged in this manner. You can drop something on your maple floor without worrying about leaving a dent (unless the item is very heavy). On the other hand, while oak is still considered to be a hardwood, it is slightly less tough than maple. It may dent and scratch in situations where maple wouldn’t.
Wear and Tear
Next comes wear and tear. It’s important to consider not only who will be walking on your wood floors but also how well they’ll hold up under ordinary use. After all, some people are harder on their floors than others. People with kids and pets are more likely to scuff, scratch, and dent their wood floors by accident.
Since maple is harder than oak, it will hold up better to daily wear and tear. However, there’s something else to consider here — the overall makeup and color of the wood. As maple is often lighter than oak, it will show scuffs more easily.
This means that you may spend quite some time buffing scuffs out of your flooring if you choose maple. While it may not be your deciding factor, it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
Color Options
Color also matters since people want a floor that coordinates well with the other wood trim and furniture in their homes. This is where oak and maple differ quite a bit. Oak flooring comes in many shades, and it can be purchased pre-stained. However, one option, red oak, is well known for its beautiful reddish undertones that add quite a bit of pizzazz to a home.
In addition, oak comes in a white color, as does maple. Usually, white oak is considered something used for outdoor purposes, like decks and porches, but it can be used indoors as flooring as well.
Maple usually comes in a light cream color that stands out in a home. Leaving it this color is fine, but the wood also takes on stain very easily, making it simple to match.
Grain and Texture
After considering color, grain and texture are next. The way that the wood looks, its natural grain pattern, is something that people must think about. Oak flooring has a lovely grain pattern, while maple is less grainy and therefore easier to match with similar boards when putting together a floor. It all comes down to preferences here. Some simply like wood that’s grainier.
Price
On top of all of the other factors, price matters as well. In some cases, especially for those on a budget, this is the most important factor to look at. The price of maple wood tends to be higher than oak simply due to its hardness and additional factors.
With that said, the cost of installation for both is very similar, and maple isn’t usually priced astronomically higher than oak. The two are very close in price.
Which Type of Wood Is the Best?
Choosing between oak floors and maple floors requires you to examine each factor and weigh them carefully. Do you prefer a floor with a warm tone and strong grain pattern? If so, then oak may meet your aesthetic needs. Do you want a paler floor without a lot of graininess? Then pick a maple floor.
Since oak and maple are similar, as far as price and installation are concerned, it’s important to look for the best deal. Check out Hardwood Bargains when you’re searching for a new wood floor for your home. With plenty of options, including oak and maple, we can help you choose the gorgeous floor of your dreams in no time!
Sources:
Oak vs. Maple Flooring | Floor Techie
