Are you looking to give your home the ultimate makeover this year? Oak is one of the most attractive and elegant-looking materials that you can use in your home. There are so many types and uses of oak to suit all tastes, but many of us are afraid of overusing the material. While there is nothing wrong with a log cabin-style home, many of us aren’t looking to create this aesthetic.
The use of oak comes with several benefits that other materials often do not offer. We have put together the following guide to explore these advantages as well as some of the most popular ways to incorporate different types of oak into your home. If you are looking for some oak inspiration, then you have come to the right place!
THE BENEFITS OF OAK
Appearance: Oak is an attractive, high-quality, and widely recognisable material due to its rich, warm colour. It can appear either aged due to the natural weathering process or preserved with a varnish. The rustic nature of the material means that it is great for adding character to either the interior or exterior of your home.
Versatility: Oak is an extremely versatile type of wood and is commonly found in buildings in a number of different forms. The initially malleable followed by the hard, durable nature of this type of wood is what makes it a great option for many projects. Traditionally, oak beams frame buildings and oak is also used for many internal features in your home, such as flooring, beams, doors, and other decorative elements.
Sustainability: Oak has been used for hundreds of years due to its wide availability. Before oak is cut down, the tree will have spent its entire lifetime absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, which is extremely beneficial to the environment. Trees can be regrown, meaning that if we act responsibly, oak is a great renewable source.
Durability: There are hundreds of types of oak available with different benefits to each. However, it is the common consensus that all types are strong and durable. The best characteristic of oak is that the older it gets, the stronger it becomes which is why many houses built as early as the 1500s are still standing strong today. With a resistance to rot, pests, and moisture, oak is a favourite material for many.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF OAK
There are endless types of oak wood available which is why they have been split into two main groups: red oak and white oak.
RED OAK:
Red oak has warm tones of pink and red and is particularly popular for furniture and home fixtures. Numerous types of oak fall into this species including:
- Black oak
- Pin oak
- Willow oak
- Cherry bark oak
- Water oak
- Scarlet oak.
WHITE OAK:
White oak is slightly harder than red oak, has longer grain rays, and is more resistant to water penetration. This species is popular in construction and common varieties include:
- Chestnut oak
- English oak
- Holm oak
- Bur oak
- Post oak
- Swamp white oak.
5 USES OF OAK
1. SOLID OAK FLOORING
Give your home a traditional feel with the addition of real solid oak flooring. Oak wood flooring is one of the simplest ways to incorporate natural oak into a variety of rooms like your kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, or hallways. Try reclaimed oak flooring if you want to add extra character to your home or stick with an existing rustic theme.
2. OAK FURNITURE
Oak furniture comes in all shapes and sizes so you can be sure to find the perfect oak additions for your home. Think bed frames, dressing tables, coffee tables, wardrobes, chest of drawers, and everything else in between. If you are looking to make a statement with your oak furnishings, opt for a large oak dining table and chairs. This is the perfect way to add a touch of class to your dining room and you can choose a style to suit your taste.
3. SOLID OAK DOORS
Both internal and external solid oak doors also act as an eye-catching feature to add to your home. This style of door can match a traditional aesthetic and give your property a classic appearance. Apart from being visually pleasing, the great thing about oak wood doors is the fact that they are sturdy, durable, and heavy. Consider opting for reclaimed oak doors for all of the same benefits, but a smaller price tag.
4. OAK BEAMS
Oak beams can significantly revamp and add charm to your property. The arrangement of beam types depends entirely on the age and layout of your home, but they can be cleverly used to divide large open-plan rooms or to install elaborate lighting features.
5. OAK FIREPLACE
Similar to structural or roof oak beams, oak fireplace beams are a great alternative for more modern-style houses looking to create a cosy feel. Fireplaces often serve as a statement centrepiece, and incorporating an oak frame or mantelpiece can bring your fireplace to life, adding a lot of character to your living room, bedroom, or dining room.
If you need more information or are looking for reclaimed oak flooring, doors, or beams, Cawarden Reclaim has you covered. Our team of friendly experts are always on hand to offer honest and unbiased advice based on your personal needs. Simply get in touch with us today!