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Red Oak Wood Flooring — Plain-sawn
Grade: Select and Better
Select and Better Red Oak is produced by most flooring companies in the U.S. and is very popular.
Other Grades of Plain-sawn Red Oak Wood Flooring:
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Select and Better Red Oak Flooring Dimension Specifications:
Select and Better grade Red Oak will have the longest lengths in comparison to lower grades. Select grade can be found pre-milled in 7-foot bundles but can be custom-made to order. The lengths and widths can be made specifically to each project’s specifications. The longest lengths can be from 10 to 14 feet, and the widths can be from 2¼″ up to 12″ or more. Moisture content is between 6% and 8% for quick acclimation. Select and Better Red Oak is found in solid unfinished and prefinished or engineered with a veneer top layer.
Flooring Availability:
Select and Better Red Oak flooring is readily available. Custom long plank orders usually demand 2–3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability. Pre-milled standard 7-foot bundles are a stock item for most manufacturers.
Finished Floor Appearance:
Select and Better Red Oak will have an even light-pink appearance. The long lengths produced make for fewer joints and a more desirable floor aesthetically. Only a trained eye can discern the subtle differences between Clear grade and Select and Better. Red Oak is not sensitive to sunlight and will not darken considerably with an oil-based finish. Water-based finishes will have a pale appearance in comparison to oil finishes.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
Select and Better Red Oak is very durable but resists denting and traffic wear much better than pine. Red Oak is relatively stable in comparison to other species like Yellow Pine.
Workability of Select and Better Red Oak Flooring:
Although a hardwood, Select and Better Red Oak flooring works with little difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers work well. Installation is quicker with higher-grade flooring because the lengths of the boards are typically longer. Red Oak holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It is relatively easy to sand with flooring equipment, but professional sanding and finishing is recommended.
Principal Uses of Select and Better Red Oak Flooring:
Because of its reasonable price, Select and Better Red Oak flooring is used in medium- and high-end residential applications for a dramatically elegant floor. It is also used for color-contrasting borders and medallions.
