Reasons Why Thermowood is a Fine Timber

Red and White Oak Flooring Comparison

Oak wood is an exceptional and timeless material that is used as decking boards, beams and as a perfect flooring option.

Oak flooring is widely used in many European households. Available in two kinds: the red oak and the white oak, both have an exceptional beauty. However, there are still differences between the two.  

Strength and Durability

Determining the strength and durability of an oak flooring material depends on two main factors – the Janka hardness and the density.

            Janka Hardness

The Janka hardness rating measures how resistant a piece of hardwood can be. The measurement is in pounds, where the higher rating is equivalent to a harder wood.

Density

Density measures how much wood is packed into a cubic meter.

The combination of the two factors will determine the capacity of the wood to endure wear and tear.

Red oak has a Janka hardness rating of 12,900 lbs. and a density of 780 kg/m3. White oak has a hardness rating of 1,360 lbs. and a density of 900 KG/m3. The white oak flooring is stronger than the red.

Appearance

Both have tight, complex grain patterns. The heartwood has a reddish-brown hue and is surrounded by warm glowing tones, making red oak the perfect option for a more exotic-looking floor. White oak takes on a pale tone with a contrasting dark grain, providing a more neutral and versatile look.

Movement in Service

Movement in Service refers to how much a hardwood shrinks or expands during shipping or after installation. The measurement is based on the tangential and radial shrinkage – which is expressed as a percentage. The lower the percentage, the less likely the wood will shrink.

The tangential and radial shrinkage for red oak flooring is 8.6% and 4.0%, respectively. For white oak flooring, the numbers are 7.2% and 4.2%. It is clear that white oak flooring can resist buckling, bending and warping – better than the red oak.

To learn more about UK Timber’s oak flooring options, call us on +44 (0)1536 267107.

Simple Tips to Keep Firewood Dry During Winter

Tips on Wooden Deck Maintenance

Decks are structural add-ons for homes. They can be categorised into three types: low-level, remote and hillside decks. Wooden decking boards can be treated or untreated depending on the preference of the homeowner. Decks should be checked regularly because timbers are prone to rot and may require renovating at some stage. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain wooden decks:

Get rid of the rubbish

Regular sweeping is important. Use a normal broom or a leaf blower when sweeping. Debris such as leaves and dirt can cause moisture build up, which can lead to the premature aging of wood that will likely result in rotting. The spaces between each decking board often acquire dirt. Use a putty knife to remove the dirt in between.

Inspect the deck

Check every part of the deck for signs of decay. Small spots of rotting can be easily resolved by scraping and wood treatment. However, a large rotting area can only be fixed by a board replacement. Nails should also be checked to see if they are coming loose. Try forcing loose nails back into the deck or replace them with decking screws or longer nails. Also examine the deck for cracks and splinters that may be sealed before further damage results. 

Clean the wood

Wood tends to stain due to the weather. Too much sunlight or too much rain can be contributing factors of wood discoloration. Scrubbing with water, detergent and a fibre brush could help return the wood to its original colour. Some people use a power washer, which blasts high water pressure for easier cleaning.

UK Timber Ltd provides a variety of high-quality lumbers that are perfect for any home project. E-mail us at sales@uk-timber.co.uk with all your enquiries.

On the Spotlight: Pressure Treated Timber Gardening

Fun Facts About the Douglas Fir Tree

Benefits of an Oak Flooring

It is easy to like oak beams. Affordable, durable and requiring very little maintenance, it is simply the most beautiful and nostalgic wood flooring option. Oak has many attributes that have been recognised for centuries but how can oak flooring improve your home?

Oak is Flexible – If you are redecorating, renovating or building your home from scratch, consider placing oak flooring at the top of your “flooring list”. Its natural beauty is alluring, with the ability to blend into any décor. Due to its flexibility, you can use it in your bedroom for a relaxing and cosy environment and it will give an equally pleasing effect in your living room.

Damage resistant and durable – Oak is one of the most durable and damage resistant materials available on the market. People have been using oak since the middle-ages and its outstanding resistance to damage has been proven over time. Oak is also known for its water-resilience and therefore is an ideal choice of flooring for areas that are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, attics and kitchens. Furthermore, oak is naturally resistant to splitting, scratching and denting.

Maintenance – Maintenance is not as demanding as other flooring alternatives. It can be cleaned by slight sweeping, vacuuming and simple dusting. Furthermore, stains and muddy foots prints are easier to clean – much easier than removing stains from a carpet. Oak flooring doesn’t have to be vacuumed or swept daily for maintenance purposes. Once or twice a week is enough.

Cost-effective – In relation to its durability and maintenance, an oak floor will be more cost effective in the long run. Unlike other flooring options that are prone to damage, oak will stand the test of time. Moreover, since its maintenance fees are practically non-existent, the money you save can be used on other things.

Saleability – Contrary to popular belief, oak flooring will not dramatically increase the value of your home. Instead, by giving your home an antique look and style, it will increase the saleability of your home – giving you a competitive advantage over other sellers. A lot of prospective buyers are into homes with wood floors, rather than laminated options. From a buyer’s point of view, wood floors are more enticing and appealing than carpeted floors.

UK timber has a variety of solid oak flooring. Our affordable oak flooring is of high quality, plus, it is supplied completely unfinished, giving you the opportunity to apply the personal touch with the finish of your choice. We also offer timber decking, fencing materials, oak doors and whole lot more timber products. Visit our website for more details.