French oak flooring, as the name suggests, is oak which originates from France. A hugely popular wood flooring option, the reason French oak is a popular flooring choice is in large part due to the desirability it has gained through its reputation. This is the case, as much as and perhaps indeed rather than because it is particularly better or different than its far eastern, Russian or American equivalents.
Renowned for their slow growth, oak trees are known for their height and their strength, no matter where in the world they are grown. Typically reaching heights of upwards of 20 meters, the symbol of the oak tree has been used for years to represent strength and power. Commonly depicted in Greek and Roman mythology, the oak tree also featured on some old British coins. With a good range of species worldwide, oak varies in colour from pale, almost white colours to a dark brown depending on the variety you chose.
French oak flooring is available in finished and unfinished options and is a sought after flooring solution. There are several factors which affect the features of oak flooring, no matter in which country the actual tree has grown. These factors include the climate, the type of soil, the rate of growth and the tree’s age. Thereafter it’s a case of how carefully the trees are selected for their wood. So, in short, oak, no matter it’s geographical origin is pretty much the same world over, so what is it that makes French oak such a popular flooring choice?
Because most people (even experts) would seriously struggle to tell the difference between any of the main western European country oak producers, it is true to say that countries such as Great Britain, France and Germany have a reputation for producing quality oak floors, making their desirability high. That said, countries the world over are able to produce some seriously good quality oak. China, the Far East, Russia and America are some of the less sought after oak producers, but this is not to say that the quality of their product is any lower than their western European counterparts.
In conclusion, unless you have your heart set on the likes of French oak, you might do well to cast your net wider to nail yourself a great quality product at a good price.
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