The Benefits of Live Sawn White Oak Flooring
Posted: March 6, 2023Updated 6/27/2025
Author – Ryan Palma Owner/CEO Sustainable Lumber Co.
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What is live sawn white oak, and what are the benefits?
Live-Sawn White Oak lumber is a popular choice for hardwood flooring due to its high level of durability and natural beauty. The density of White Oak is one of the main reasons it is so durable for hardwood flooring. The Janka rating of White Oak (measures the level of hardness by pushing a steel ball into the wood) is 1,360 pounds per square inch, which ranks it the 3rd hardest domestic hardwood behind Maple and Hickory.
Live-sawn White Oak lumber refers to a method of cutting the wood that maximizes the yield from each log. Rather than using multiple cuts, live-sawn White Oak lumber is cut straight through the log, starting from the center and working outward. This method of cutting produces planks with a combination of grain patterns, including rift-sawn, quarter-sawn, and plain-sawn. The result is a beautiful, varied pattern that showcases the natural beauty of the wood, like in our Rustic Engineered White Oak Flooring.
One of the benefits of live-sawn White Oak lumber is that it provides a wider range of grain patterns than traditional cuts. Rift-sawn and quarter-sawn White Oak are typically more expensive due to the amount of waster produced during the milling process. However, live-sawn White Oak lumber maximizes the yield from each log, making it a cost-effective option that still provides a range of grain patterns. The plain sawn portion of the plank is typically less expensive than rift-sawn or quarter-sawn wood, which makes live-sawn White Oak lumber an affordable option that still showcases the beauty of the wood.
Another benefit of live-sawn White Oak lumber is its stability. The combination of grain patterns in each plank provides added strength and stability, which is particularly important in flooring applications. Live-sawn White Oak lumber is less likely to cup, warp, or twist over time, which means that it will maintain its beauty and durability for years to come.
Live-sawn White Oak lumber is also an environmentally friendly option. Because it maximizes the yield from each log, it reduces waste and allows for more efficient use of the wood. This can help to reduce the overall impact on the environment and promote sustainability.
When it comes to finishing live-sawn White Oak flooring, there are a variety of options available. Because the wood has a varied pattern, it can be finished with a range of stains and coatings to achieve the desired look. Some homeowners choose to simply finish with a clear top coat, while others choose to stain it with a particular color to achieve an aged patina. Fuming White Oak is a popular technique that enhances the natural color and characteristics while darkening the wood into a beautiful light brown color.
To summarize, live-sawn White Oak is a unique cut of wood that offers a range of benefits for hardwood flooring applications. Its combination of multiple-grain patterns provides a beautiful and distinguished look that showcases the natural beauty of the wood. It is also a cost-effective option that is more environmentally friendly than other cuts of wood. With its stability and durability, live-sawn White Oak is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a high-quality and long-lasting flooring option.
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