It’s undeniable that white oak flooring is at an all-time high in popularity. Everyone wants it, and for good reasons: it’s durable, neutral, stylish, easy to work with, and, of course, incredibly stunning. But what if you’re looking for something different? As a family business with a passion for beautiful flooring, we often get requests for alternatives to white oak, and we think it’s important to share some options that might be perfect for your home or business.
Here are a few alternatives that stand shoulder to shoulder with white oak, each possessing similarities in looks while offering unique characteristics and durability.
Ash: A Close Match to White Oak
Ash is always the first option as an alternative. In fact, Ash may be closer to the look of white oak than even hickory, especially in terms of its grain pattern and consistent white color. Unlike hickory, Ash doesn’t have the same level of color variations and busy grain patterns, making it a great choice for those seeking a cleaner, more uniform appearance. Ash is also more durable than oak as it is a harder wood species. If you’re looking for the closest alternative, Ash makes for a pretty safe white oak doppelganger, offering both beauty and resilience.
Hickory: Rustic Charm
Hickory is known for its strength and durability, and it can withstand high-traffic areas while adding a touch of natural beauty to your space. While much harder than white oak and typically having more character (multi-colored grain patterns, tones throughout the wood, and more knots), it does bear a passing resemblance to the look of white oak at times. The color can read more white and even take to finish colors similarly, if not identically, to white oak. Thus, hickory makes a fair option if you’re looking for something similar to white oak but with a less predictable range of character and color tones.
Walnut: Rich and Elegant
Walnut is a great alternative to oak, offering a rich, dark color that displays elegance and sophistication. With its deep chocolate hues and striking grain patterns, walnut adds warmth and character to any room. It’s perfect for those who want a more dramatic look than traditional oak flooring, providing a luxurious and timeless appeal.
Walnut is a great alternative to oak, offering a rich, dark color that displays elegance and sophistication. With its deep chocolate hues and striking grain patterns, walnut adds warmth and character to any room. It’s perfect for those who want a more dramatic look than traditional oak flooring, providing a luxurious and timeless appeal.
Cherry Wood: Warmth and Timeless Appeal
Cherry wood is another excellent alternative to oak, offering a warm, reddish-brown color that deepens over time. This wood species brings a timeless elegance to any room, with its smooth grain and subtle variations in color, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home. Cherry wood is particularly well-suited for spaces where you want to evoke a sense of comfort and traditional beauty.
Pine: Traditional Americana Charm
For those who appreciate a more traditional look, pine is a great option. With its light color and prominent knots, pine offers a classic Americana feel that complements various interior styles. It’s especially well-suited for rustic, farmhouse, or country-inspired decor. Pine provides a soft, warm aesthetic that can make any space feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Engineered Hardwood: Versatility and Sustainability
For those concerned about sustainability or looking for a more versatile option, engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent choice. Our TrueWood™ engineered flooring can be installed on concrete slabs and requires less wood than solid planks, making it an eco-friendly alternative. Plus, it can be sanded and refinished over time, just like solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of traditional wood flooring while being more adaptable to different environments and conditions.
Reclaimed Wood: History and Character
If you’re after a unique flooring option, consider our reclaimed wood offerings. Reclaimed woods bring a piece of history into your home. These floors tell a story and add unparalleled character to any space. Each reclaimed wood plank is one of a kind, with unique imperfections and signs of its previous life, making it a perfect choice for those who value authenticity and heritage.
Antique Chestnut: Vintage Appeal
When you want vintage charm, Antique Chestnut is a standout choice. Known for its character and durability, this wood type can beautifully complement both traditional and modern interiors. With its rich history and unique aesthetic, this flooring showcases a range of tones from honey to deep brown, featuring distinctive characteristics like nail holes, wormholes, knot holes, and even occasional bullet holes, telling a story of its past life and adding unparalleled authenticity to your space.
Live Sawn White Oak: Versatility in Design
While it is still an oak variety, Live Sawn White Oak offers a different aesthetic from traditional oak. Its unique cutting method results in a floor with knots, wormholes, and varied grain patterns, making it a versatile choice that can complement various styles and spaces. Live Sawn White Oak provides a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the qualities of oak but want something a bit different.
Trending Light Tones
If you’re looking to stay on-trend, consider lighter-toned woods like Sandy Dune or Mountain Mist European Oak. These options offer a fresh, modern look that can make your space feel bright and open. Lighter tones are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to create a clean, airy aesthetic that works well in contemporary interiors.
Conclusion
Each wood type has its unique characteristics, from color variations to grain patterns, that can significantly impact the look and feel of your space. We invite you to visit our showroom in Berryville, VA, where you can see and feel these beautiful alternatives to oak wood for yourself. Our team of experts is always ready to help you find the perfect solution for your home or business. We’ll guide you through the selection process—considering factors like your lifestyle, the room’s function, and your personal style preferences.
Choosing an alternative to white oak doesn’t mean compromising on quality or durability. We are committed to providing top-quality hardwood options that will stand the test of time while adding beauty and value to your space. So, why not explore beyond oak? With so many stunning alternatives available, you’re sure to find a hardwood flooring option that perfectly suits your needs and reflects your unique style. Let’s work together to create a floor that you’ll love for years to come!
