Why Choose Oiled Timber Flooring?

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

Choosing the right finish for your timber flooring is a crucial decision. Among the various options available, oiled timber floors offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces. Here are the top reasons to consider an oiled wood floor:

 

1. Natural Aesthetic Appeal

Oiled timber floors maintain the natural beauty and character of the wood. The oil enhances the grain and texture, providing a warm and inviting look. Unlike other finishes, it doesn’t form a layer on top but penetrates the wood, giving it a more natural appearance.

 

2. Easy to Repair Scratches

One of the significant advantages of an oiled hardwood floor is the ease of repairing scratches. Minor scratches and scuffs can be easily buffed out with a bit of oil, restoring the floor to its original condition without the need for sanding or refinishing.

 

3. No Need to Sand and Refinish

With an oiled finish, there’s no need to sand and refinish the entire floor to address wear and tear. Regular maintenance involves reapplying oil to high-traffic areas, which is a straightforward process compared to the intensive work required for lacquered or varnished floors.

 

4. Customisable Colours

Oiled floors offer the flexibility to adjust the colour of your wood floor. The oil can be tinted to match your desired hue, allowing for a customised look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. This makes it an ideal choice for designers and homeowners looking to achieve a specific ambiance.

 

5. Environmental Benefits

Opting for an oiled timber floor is an environmentally friendly choice. The oils used are often derived from natural sources and are less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic finishes. Additionally, the maintenance process is gentler on the environment, requiring fewer harsh chemicals.

 

6. Better Humidity Regulation

Oiled wood floors have the unique ability to better regulate the humidity of a room. The oil allows the wood to breathe, which helps maintain a balanced indoor climate. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with varying humidity levels, reducing the risk of warping or cracking.

 

7. Enhanced Durability

The oil penetrates deep into the wood, providing enhanced durability and protection from within. This internal protection helps the floor withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting option for high-traffic areas.

 

8. Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Using natural oils for finishing timber flooring can contribute to healthier indoor air quality. These oils often have lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to synthetic finishes, reducing the emission of harmful substances into the air.

 

9. Low Maintenance

Maintaining an oiled timber floor is relatively easy. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep the floor clean. Periodically reapplying the oil keeps the wood nourished and protected, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years.

 

10. Versatility in Application

Oiled finishes are versatile and can be applied to various types of wood, including engineered timber floors and natural wood flooring. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from traditional hardwood floors to modern engineered options.

 

11. The Timeless Elegance of Oiled Timber Flooring

Oiled wood floors offer a timeless elegance that complements any interior style. Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional look or a sleek, modern design, an oiled finish enhances the natural charm of the wood, adding value and beauty to your space.

 

Choosing an oiled timber floor brings numerous benefits, from easy maintenance and repair to environmental advantages and improved indoor air quality. Its natural, customisable finish and ability to regulate humidity make it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for any home or commercial space. By opting for an oiled finish, you ensure a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly wood floor that will stand the test of time.

Havane 301 Distressed Timber Flooring

You may also be interested in these articles….

Sustainable and Compliant; Oiled Timber Flooring

The Different Finishes available for Engineered Timber Flooring

Oiled vs Lacquer Finish

Interested in how to care for an oiled floor?  You can see the care guide here.

See the Complete Timber Flooring Collection

The Discerning Difference: European Oak vs. American White Oak Flooring in New Zealand

Choosing the perfect timber floor can feel overwhelming. From the vast array of wood species to aesthetic considerations and performance needs, it’s a decision that requires careful thought. Today, we delve into the world of oak flooring, specifically comparing European oak and American white Oak, two titans of the hardwood flooring industry. Understanding these distinctions empowers you to make an informed decision for your New Zealand timber flooring project.

European Oak: Rich Character and Durability

European oak (Quercus robur) reigns supreme for its timeless appeal and exceptional resilience. Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:

  • Colour: European oak boasts a warm, honey-like medium brown colour, often slightly darker than its American counterpart [1].
  • Grain Pattern: This oak variety features a distinctive, wavy grain pattern with prominent knots and swirls, lending a touch of rustic charm [2]. In some instances, you might even encounter “burr,” a unique and eye-catching figuring [2].
  • Stability: European oak is renowned for its dimensional stability, making it a preferred choice for areas with fluctuating humidity levels like kitchens and bathrooms [3]. While pre-finished options are available, European oak is also commonly finished on-site in New Zealand to achieve a custom look and feel.

American White Oak: A Lighter Touch and Modern Appeal

Hailing from North America, American white oak (Quercus alba) offers a distinct aesthetic perfect for contemporary spaces. Let’s explore its defining features:

  • Colour: American white oak exhibits a lighter tan colour with occasional pinkish and yellow hues, creating a more subtle and modern look [2].
  • Grain Pattern: This species showcases a straighter, more uniform grain pattern, ideal for those seeking a clean and minimalist aesthetic [2].
  • Rot Resistance: American white oak is celebrated for its exceptional resistance to rot and decay due to its closed cellular structure [4]. American white oak is often pre-finished, but site-finishing is also an option. 

Here’s a table summarising the key differences:

 

Feature European Oak American White Oak
Colour Warm, honey-like medium brown Lighter tan with occasional pink/yellow hues
Grain Pattern Wavy, prominent knots and swirls Straighter, more uniform
Stability Excellent for areas with fluctuating humidity Good stability
Rot Resistance Good Excellent
Finishing (NZ) Pre-finished or site-finished Pre-finished or site-finished

 

Choosing the Right Oak for You:

Ultimately, the best oak variety for your project hinges on your desired aesthetic and performance needs.

  • European oak shines in traditional and rustic settings, and its exceptional stability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and rooms with fluctuating humidity. The ability to achieve a custom finish on-site can also be a major advantage.
  • American white oak complements modern and minimalist design, and its superior rot resistance makes it well-suited for moisture-prone areas. Pre-finished options offer a quicker installation process.

Additional Considerations:

  • Hardness: Both European and American white oak are considered very hard and durable woods [5].
  • Price: European oak typically commands a higher price point compared to American white oak [1].

Beyond the Basics:

While European oak and American white oak represent the most commonly used oak varieties for flooring, there are other options to explore, each with its unique characteristics. Here are a few examples:

  • French Oak: Renowned for its beautiful knots and graining, perfect for rustic elegance [6].
  • English Oak: Offers a lighter colour spectrum compared to other European oaks, ideal for creating a bright and airy feel [6].
  • American Red Oak: Provides a reddish-brown hue, perfect for those seeking a warmer, more traditional look [7].

Understanding the distinctions between European oak and American white oak empowers you to make an informed decision for your timber flooring project in New Zealand. Whether you crave the rich character of European oak or the light sophistication of American white oak, both offer enduring beauty and exceptional performance.



Further Reading:

 

[1] Duffield Timber: European Oak vs. American White Oak: Colour, Properties & Uses 

[2] The Reclaimed Flooring Company: American Oak VS European Oak: Key Differences

[3] WOCA Woodcare: White Oak: What’s the Difference? 

[4] Castle Bespoke Flooring: European White Oak v/s American White Oak 



Browse Oak Flooring

Herringbone Wood Floor for Heritage Apartment

In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant High Street, a heritage apartment sought a herringbone flooring that would honor its classic authenticity while meeting modern durability standards. The challenge was to blend timeless aesthetics with practicality, catering to both the apartment’s historical charm and its contemporary living requirements.

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

Technical Details

The flooring chosen for this project is in the Whisky Sour colour, a part of our Vienna Woods Distilled Collection. Whisky Sour adds a touch of elegance and history to the home. Lithuanian oak is renowned for its durability and density, a result of the slow growth caused by the region’s average temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. This slow growth process allows the timber to develop a dense, solid structure with unique and intriguing colouring and grain profiles.

Natural dark herringbone wood flooring pattern

Design and Aesthetic

The design of the home is a perfect blend of modern and classic styles, with the herringbone parquet flooring adding a touch of timeless elegance. The client desired a flooring option that could withstand the rigors of daily life while complementing the apartment’s high ceilings. It was crucial to preserve the space’s historical integrity while enhancing its visual appeal with a luxurious finish.

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

Fun Fact: The Whisky Sour Cocktail

Like so many spirits and cocktails, we can thank sailors for this delicious cocktail. The Whisky Sour was a perfect combination of citrus, to combat scurvy, and whisky to quench the sailor’s thirst. This cocktail embodies sophistication and a rich history, much like our Whisky Sour-coloured oak flooring.

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

The installation of this herringbone flooring not only revitalized the apartment’s interior but also exceeded the client’s expectations in terms of aesthetics and performance. The lacquer finish provided a resilient surface that required minimal maintenance, ensuring long-lasting beauty without compromising on functionality.

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

This project in Auckland’s High Street is a testament to the elegance and durability of our high-grade Lithuanian oak flooring. The herringbone parquet style adds a classic touch to the modern design of the apartment, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary. The Whisky Sour colour enhances the home’s bright and airy feel, making it a truly inviting and stylish space.

For those looking to elevate their home with high-quality timber flooring in Auckland, Vienna Woods offers a range of options that combine sustainability, durability, and exceptional beauty. Our Distilled Collection oak flooring is a perfect choice for creating a stunning, long-lasting foundation for any home.

 

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

Builder: Ashton Build

Photography: Mark Scowan

Flooring Consultant: Razvan

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

Specifications:

•Wood Species: Lithuanian Oak

•Style: Herringbone flooring / Parquet

•Grade: Light Feature

•Colour: Whisky Sour (part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection)

•Origin: Lithuania // made in Europe to meet strict European compliance standards

•Durability: Highly durable due to slow-grown, dense structure

If you are interested in more information about Parquet Styles, check our knowledge sheet here.

Herringbone Flooring with old style leather armchair
View Vienna Woods Distilled Collection

Wood Cutting Techniques; What is the Best for Timber Flooring?

When it comes to creating luxury hardwood floors, the method of cutting timber plays a crucial role in determining the final appearance, durability, and performance of the flooring. There are several primary methods for cutting timber, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the most common techniques used in the timber flooring industry: quarter sawn, rift sawn, plain sawn (also known as live sawn), and end grain. We’ll discuss each method in detail and outline their specific pros and cons, helping you make an informed choice for your next timber flooring project.

Plain Sawn (Live Sawn) Timber

Description: Plain sawn, also known as live sawn, is the most common and efficient method of cutting timber. The log is cut tangentially to the growth rings, resulting in a wide variety of grain patterns, including cathedral peaks and loops.

Pros:

  • Efficient and Cost-Effective: This method maximizes the yield from each log, making it more affordable.
  • Varied Grain Patterns: The diverse grain patterns can add a unique and dynamic aesthetic to flooring.

Cons:

  • Tendency to Warp: Plain sawn boards are more prone to warping and cupping due to the way the grain is exposed.
  • Less Stable: Compared to other methods, plain sawn timber can be less dimensionally stable, especially in environments with fluctuating humidity.
Diagram showing Cutting cross section for timber logs

Quarter Sawn Timber

Description: Quarter sawn timber is produced by first cutting the log into quarters and then sawing perpendicular to the growth rings. This method creates a linear grain pattern that is more uniform and less pronounced than plain sawn timber.

Pros:

  • Increased Stability: Quarter sawn boards are less likely to warp, cup, or twist, making them ideal for environments with varying moisture levels.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The linear grain pattern is often considered more refined and attractive, and it can feature unique ray flecks, especially in species like oak.
  • Wear Resistance: The vertical grain structure provides greater resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: The process yields less usable timber and is more labor-intensive, leading to higher costs.
  • Limited Availability: Due to its lower yield and higher demand, quarter sawn timber can be harder to source.

Rift Sawn Timber

Description: Rift sawn timber is cut at a slight angle to the radial, typically between 30° to 60°, resulting in a tight, straight grain pattern. This method is less common and more expensive due to its lower yield.

Pros:

  • Superior Stability: Like quarter sawn timber, rift sawn boards offer excellent dimensional stability and are less prone to movement.
  • Consistent Grain: The straight grain pattern is highly uniform and considered very desirable for a sleek, modern look.
  • Minimal Seasonal Gapping: This method minimizes the gaps that can occur between boards during seasonal changes.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The lower yield and more complex sawing process make rift sawn timber the most expensive option.
  • Wasteful: This method produces more waste compared to plain sawn and quarter sawn techniques.

End Grain Timber

Description: End grain timber is created by cutting the log cross-sectionally, exposing the ends of the growth rings. This method is often used for specialty flooring and creates a unique, block-like pattern.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Durability: End grain boards are extremely hard and wear-resistant, ideal for high-impact areas.
  • Unique Appearance: The pattern created by end grain cutting is distinctive and can add a bold statement to any space.
  • Natural Resilience: The orientation of the grain makes end grain timber naturally resistant to splitting and chipping.

Cons:

  • Complex Installation: End grain flooring can be more challenging to install and requires a skilled professional.
  • High Cost: The intricate cutting and installation process make end grain timber one of the more expensive options.

For more information on timber flooring and expert advice on choosing the right type of wood for your project, feel free to contact us at Vienna Woods, your Auckland wood flooring specialist. Whether you’re looking for luxury hardwood floors or specialist wood flooring solutions, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Vienna Woods Engineered Timber Flooring

Elegant Herringbone Floorboards in Auckland

A stunning project in Saint Heliers, Auckland, featuring a high-grade oak wood herringbone floorboards. The home boasts breathtaking views across the ocean and is filled with natural light, enhancing the beauty of our meticulously crafted flooring.

Spacious Open Plan Kitchen with European wood flooring

Technical Details

The flooring chosen for this project is in the Sazerac colour, a part of our Vienna Woods Distilled Collection. Named after the first-ever known cocktail, the Sazerac adds a touch of elegance and history to the home. Lithuanian oak is renowned for its durability and density, a result of the slow growth caused by the region’s average temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. This slow growth process allows the timber to develop a dense, solid structure with unique and intriguing colouring and grain profiles.

Light filled room wit stunning timber flooring

Design and Aesthetic

The design of the home is a perfect blend of modern and classic styles, with the herringbone floorboards adding a touch of timeless elegance. The Sazerac colour enhances the home’s airy and bright atmosphere, making it feel both warm and spacious. The unique grain patterns and subtle variations in the wood create a visual interest that complements the overall aesthetic of the home.

views from auckland home showcasing natural oak timber flooring

Fun Fact: The Sazerac Cocktail

The Sazerac cocktail, first created in New Orleans in the 19th century, is considered one of the oldest known cocktails. Traditionally made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters, it embodies sophistication and a rich history, much like our Sazerac-coloured oak flooring.

open plan Auckland home with European oak hardwood flooring

Sustainable and High-Quality Flooring

At Vienna Woods, we pride ourselves on offering sustainable, high-quality timber flooring. Our Distilled Collection is responsibly sourced and carefully processed to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and aesthetics. The slow growth of the oak trees in Lithuania results in a timber that is not only strong and long-lasting but also rich in character and charm.

open plan spacious kitchen lifted by oak wood floors

This project in Saint Heliers is a testament to the elegance and durability of our high-grade Lithuanian oak flooring. The herringbone parquet style adds a classic touch to the modern design of the home, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary. The Sazerac colour enhances the home’s bright and airy feel, making it a truly inviting and stylish space.

For those looking to elevate their home with high-quality timber flooring in Auckland, Vienna Woods offers a range of options that combine sustainability, durability, and exceptional beauty. Our Distilled Collection oak flooring is a perfect choice for creating a stunning, long-lasting foundation for any home.

 

Photography and Presentation

To capture the essence of this stylish home, we collaborated with photographer Jo Currie, who typically specialises in fashion and portrait photography. This choice allowed us to highlight the flooring’s intricate details and the overall ambiance of the space in a way that truly reflects its beauty.

The home was photographed in the strong morning light, which cast long, dramatic shadows and added depth to the images. These photographs not only showcase the flooring but also convey the sophisticated style and design of the home.

Specifications:

•Wood Species: Lithuanian Oak

•Style: Parquet/ Herringbone Floorboards

•Grade: NATUR // Ultra light feature

•Colour: Sazerac (part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection)

•Origin: Lithuania // made in Europe to meet strict European compliance standards

•Durability: Highly durable due to slow-grown, dense structure

If you are interested in more information about Parquet Styles, check our knowledge sheet here.

Interested in herringbone floors?  Take a look at another herringbone floor in this Auckland herritage apartment.

View Vienna Woods Distilled Collection