White Oak Flooring

How white oak floors are made

Natural oak is honey-coloured and turns slightly amber with light, so white oak floors are created with white-pigmented finishes. White oils soak into the wood and leave a soft white tone in the grain; whitewashed lacquers add a pale, protective film; liming works white into the brushed, open grain for a textured look. Some floors are also lightly smoked or sanded first for an aged, Nordic feel. Because the white is in the finish, it is refreshed with a matching white maintenance oil.

A note on names

“White oak” can also mean a species (American white oak) as well as a colour. On this page it means oak floors with a white or whitewashed finish; most of our floors are European oak.

How to choose white oak flooring

How white?

Soft whitewashed oaks keep some warmth and suit most homes; bright white-oiled oaks look crisp in south-facing, modern rooms; limed oaks add texture and character. In north-facing rooms, choose a softer, warmer white so the room does not feel cold.

Engineered or solid?

Engineered for underfloor heating, concrete subfloors, kitchens and wide planks; solid for traditional rooms over joists.

Grade and width

Prime grades give a calm, even white floor; natural and rustic grades with knots add a relaxed, Nordic feel and hide wear. Wide planks look generous and modern.

Oil or lacquer?

White oil looks the most natural and can be refreshed locally with white maintenance oil. White lacquer is easier to clean and suits kitchens and hallways.

Living with a white oak floor

White oak hides light dust, pet hair and small scratches well, and the grain breaks up marks. It shows dark grit and mud, so door mats matter. Over time, natural oak can show slightly warmer tones through the white, especially in strong sun; regular maintenance with white-pigmented oil keeps the colour fresh.

Designing with white oak

• Scandinavian: white walls, pale textiles and black or natural wood furniture.
• Coastal: blues, sandy neutrals and linen.
• Japandi: white oak with warm greys, clay tones and natural materials.
• Skirting: white skirting for a seamless look.

Fitting and care

Let the packs acclimatise, fit as the board requires, and keep the floor clean during fitting. Clean with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner and refresh oiled floors with a white maintenance oil, never a clear or natural one, which would yellow the colour. Our installation guides explain each method.

Comparing samples at home

Order free samples of two or three options and put them on the floor of the room where they will be laid. Look at them in daylight and in the evening under your own lamps, next to the walls, skirting, units and furniture they will sit with. Colours and textures look different in every room and on every screen, so a few minutes with real samples is the best way to avoid a costly mistake. Stand back as well as looking close up: a floor is mostly seen from standing height and from the doorway.