Comparing Ash vs. Oak Wood Floors

Ash and Oak are two of the most popular species for hardwood floors. Both Ash and Oak are beautiful and durable woods that produce planks of exceptional width and length.

So, when considering Ash wood vs. Oak wood floors, which species is right for your home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both species to see which wood is best suited for your interior design.

Ash wood

Planks made of Ash reveal the unique, meandering grain of this hardwood as well as color variations that range from cream to light blonde to a rich, nutty brown. Its naturally light colors and undertones help to make rooms seem more spacious. Ash is an incredibly durable hardwood – in Norse mythology, Ash was known as the “mighty tree that supports the heavens.” Ash is prized for its ability to suit the needs of a range of settings – from traditional homes to refurbished urban lofts to beachside residences.

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Oak wood

Floors made of American Oak fall into two categories: Red Oak and White Oak. Red Oak is the most popular species for commodity hardwood flooring, offering an ideal balance of beauty, durability, stability and affordability. Red Oak planks have tight, consistent grain and deep salmon tones in the heartwood.

White Oak flooring has become the most sought-after wide plank hardwood flooring species over the last decade.  In a White Oak plank, you’ll see dramatic grain patterns that range from simple and sleek to intricate, vibrant swirls. The nutty brown and cocoa hues of White Oak tend to run a little darker than Red Oak. White Oak can easily complement any design scheme from casual to formal to contemporary.

Comparing the Density of Ash wood vs. Oak wood

The density of hardwood has a lot to do with how well a floorboard will resist scratches, dents and wear. The density of various woods is measured with a Janka hardness test, which records the amount of force required to embed a steel ball halfway into a plank of wood. Ash, Red Oak and White Oak are very similar in density.

White Oak is the hardest, with a Janke rating of 1360. Ash rates at 1320 and Red Oak at 1290. Any of these woods can handle a fair amount of foot traffic and offer a good amount of resistance to scratches and dents.

Comparing Durability

Ash is incredibly elastic wood. It expands and contracts easily as conditions change, making it ideal for installation in larger, open spaces. Ash can easily absorb shocks, which is why it’s often used to make baseball bats. This quality also makes it great for high-traffic areas. Oak floors are not quite as elastic but still offer incredible durability.

White Oak is especially resistant to moisture, making it an excellent option for bathrooms and kitchens.

Red Oak is extremely durable as well. It’s also very easy to work with, which is why it’s the most common choice for hardwood floors.

Staining Ash wood vs. Oak wood

Both Red Oak and White Oak can be stained to a wide range of colors. Unfinished Oak floors have a porous quality that accepts stains very easily. Ash is even easier to stain, thanks to a lack of tannins in the wood. However, it’s less common to see stained Ash floors, as many homeowners prefer the neutral, lighter white and brown tones of natural Ash hardwood flooring.

Choosing engineered Ash or Oak floors

Both Ash and Oak floorboards can be fashioned from solid wood or engineered wood. Engineered floors are made with boards with multiple layers of material that are glued together and topped with a veneer of hardwood. The result is a floorboard with a core that’s more resistant to changes in moisture and humidity.

Engineered Oak hardwood flooring or Ash flooring is ideal for installation below grade – places like basements or wine cellars – as well as installation over concrete slabs and radiant heating systems.

Which is easier to clean?

When finished naturally, Ash wood floors are quite easy to maintain. Their lighter hues help to hide dust, dirt and scratches more easily than darker woods. Cleaning both Ash and Oak floors is a fairly simple proposition. Sweeping and vacuuming the floors will keep them free of dirt and debris, while lightly mopping with a mild solution of water with a little white vinegar can help to release any stubborn dirt and leave a streak-free floor.

What’s the cost of Ash wood vs. Oak wood floors?

The cost of Oak vs. Ash floors is roughly similar, though in many areas Red Oak may be more affordable because of its greater availability. It may be harder to find old-growth Ash trees as the species is being decimated by an invasive beetle in certain areas of the country making this a species that is a rare treasure.

The conclusion: Ash wood vs. Oak wood – which makes the better floors?

Both Ash and Oak will create beautiful, resilient and durable floors. The primary difference in these hardwoods is their appearance – which means the choice between Ash wood vs. Oak wood floors is simply a matter of taste.

If you’re looking for a natural floor with lighter, more neutral hues, Ash may be the best wood for you. If you want a floor with more warmth and color, Red Oak can fill the bill. And if you’re looking for a floor with less prominent grain that can complement any design scheme, White Oak is an excellent candidate.

At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, our design consultants can help you explore all your options for hardwood and pine flooring. We’ll walk you through the benefits of or bamboo flooring vs. Oak, Ash vs. Maple or Birch vs. Oak, as well as the pros and cons of engineered and solid hardwood floors. We can also show you all the available options for wood grades, color, texture and pattern to help you design the wide plank floor of your dreams.