European Oak vs American Oak
November 29, 2017
Oak flooring is highly sought-after as one of the most dependable wooden flooring options available on the market, so why not find out a little more about the wooden flooring beneath your feet!
Not all Oak is the same. To the untrained eye European and American Oak may appear very similar but both of these species have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other, such as natural colour, tone variation, plank length, and distinctive grain patterns. Both species are know as 'White' Oaks and are durable and strong, with a longstanding reputation of longevity.
| European Oak (Quercus Robur) | American Oak (Quercus Alba) | |
Species and origin | Native to Europe | Predominantly found in eastern North America Trees tend to grow shorter and thicker, producing shorter planks |
| Colour | Darker in colour with a naturally rich golden honey hue | Lighter and more yellow in colour with the occasional pinkish hue |
| Colour variation | Has a more even colour tone from board to board than American Oak | Can show greater contrasts between lighter and darker shades, especially in the grain pattern |
| Grain pattern | Has a more wavy and interesting grain pattern | Has a larger and predominantly straight grain pattern |
| Finishing | Has a higher tannin content and less sapwood | Has a lower tannin content and more sapwood |
At Forté the vast majority of our timber flooring is made using European Oak or French Oak due to its beautiful colour, exquisite grain pattern and the versatility of finishing processes it allows.
