5 Ways to Use White Oak in Your Home

Wiki Article

Some people scoff at the thought of using oak in their new homes or soon to be renovated kitchens. We can’t blame them. For some, the mention of oak cabinets makes us think of our grandparents’ kitchens, reddish in color with cathedral arches and all. This was the design language prevalent back in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s not exactly something people want when they’re dreaming of an updated look.

However, this isn’t the only way to use oak. This classic wood species has been making a comeback in the recent years as designers find new ways to use this material. Using different cuts, stains, and even paint, oak is making it back into modern homes.

Why Use White Oak?

Being a naturally light-colored species, white oak is highly versatile when it comes to design options. With the right kind of stain, you can go from a washed out Scandinavian-style finish all the way to a burnt cocoa brown finish! This lets you mix and match tones, finding the perfect fit for your dream interior. This wood species also has a natural beauty and unique grain pattern that lets you add a rustic touch to your home.

Another reason you should go white oak kitchen cabinets for white oak is that it’s highly durable. It’s rated at 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. This puts it above most other common wood types such as Cherry (950), Walnut (1010), and Red Oak (1290). It also has a degree of water resistance to it, which is why it’s been historically used for boats and wine barrels.

Now that we’ve shown you why white oak is an excellent choice for your new home or renovation project, here are some ideas how you can use white oak in your home!