Choosing the right hardwood floor isn’t easy. There are so many options out there, and they all seem to look good. But not every wood suits every home. That’s why Flooring Surgeons is here to help. We’ve narrowed it down to the two most popular choices: oak and maple. Be with us to know which option is the best for you.
What is the Difference Between Maple and Oak Flooring?
Both Maple and Oak are hardwood flooring options, but they differ in appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost.
- Oak flooring is strong and reliable. It has a natural, varied grain pattern that hides wear well. It’s also much more moisture-resistant, making it a good choice for high-traffic or humid areas like hallways and kitchens.
- Maple flooring has a smooth, clean look that fits modern interiors. It’s also very durable but it can be harder to stain evenly. Maple needs more careful maintenance to avoid scratches and discolouration over time.
Appearance: Maple vs Oak Flooring Colours and Grain
Oak flooring is known for its warm colour and strong grain. It comes in red and white varieties, with shades that range from light to medium brown. The grain gives the floor a natural look and helps hide small scratches or dents. Because of this, oak works well in both traditional and modern homes. It is both good-looking and durable, which makes it a popular choice.
Durability: Is Maple or Oak Flooring Stronger?
When it comes to durability, both maple and oak are strong hardwoods, but there are some differences. Based on the Janka hardness scale, maple is slightly harder than oak. This means it resists dents and wear a bit better. That’s why it is often used in sports courts and high-traffic areas. However, oak is still very durable and has the advantage of hiding scratches better, thanks to its grain pattern.
In conclusion, if you are choosing maple flooring for a high-traffic area that is prone to scratches, you are making the right decision. Keep this in mind:
- Maple flooring is more resistant to scratches,
- Oak flooring hides the scratches better.
Maintenance: How Easy Is It to Care for Maple and Oak Floors?
To make your decision confidently, you need to know how easy it is to clean oak and maple flooring. As mentioned previously, oak flooring hides everything better than maple flooring. On the other hand, maple flooring is very smooth and even, so stains, dust, and dirt are more noticeable. Plus, maple is more sensitive to humidity, so you need to keep indoor conditions stable. If you don’t mind cleaning your hardwood flooring more often, maple can be a great option. And if you’re not a fan of daily cleaning, oak is the better choice.
Are you looking for the best solid wood flooring options available in the UK? Flooring Surgeons is here for you.
Cost Comparison: How Much Do Maple and Oak Flooring Cost in the UK?
Oak flooring offers a wide price range starting from just £22.99 per m2, making it accessible for various budgets. Maple flooring, while not currently available at Flooring Surgeons, generally comes at a higher price point.
When choosing between maple and oak flooring, consider both the material and installation costs to align with your budget and design preferences. If you need further details or assistance in making your choice, contact us.
Maple vs Oak Flooring: Installation Tips for British Homes
Before installing oak or maple flooring in British homes, it’s important to let the boards adjust to room conditions.
For solid wood, it can take about seven days, while engineered wood can take around three days. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat.
Maple is smooth and shows flaws more easily, so it needs a very level surface. Maple also needs more accurate fitting.
Oak has a stronger grain, which hides small gaps or uneven spots better. That makes oak easier to work with, especially in older houses.
After installation, keep the room temperature and humidity steady to prevent damage.
Best Rooms for Maple and Oak Flooring in UK Houses
Oak flooring is a better option for high-traffic areas and rooms. These include hallways, kitchens, entryways, and living rooms. Oak hides scratches and dirt well, so it’s great for busy areas. It’s also a good choice for houses that are rather old where the subfloor may not be perfect.
Maple flooring works better in bedrooms, home offices, and dining rooms. It has a clean, modern look and fits quiet spaces where there’s less foot traffic. Because it can show scratches more easily, it’s best in areas with light use.
Environmental Impact: Choosing Sustainable Maple or Oak Flooring
Both maple and white oak can be smart choices for the environment, as long as they’re sourced the right way.
White oak grows fast and is considered a renewable wood. Many suppliers use sustainable methods to reduce harm to nature.
Maple is also widely available and is harvested in a way that keeps forests healthy.
To make sure your flooring is eco-friendly, look for FSC or PEFC certification. These labels show the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. With the right supplier, both maple and oak flooring can be sustainable and long-lasting options for your home.
Maple Flooring Pros and Cons (UK Guide)
Maple flooring is a popular choice for modern homes. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you:
| Maple Flooring Pros | Maple Flooring Cons |
| Clean, light, modern look | Shows scratches and dirt easily |
| Very durable and hard | Harder to stain evenly |
| Works well in low-traffic areas | Less forgiving on uneven subfloors |
| Great for bedrooms and offices | Can react to changes in humidity |
| Smooth surface feels polished | Usually imported, so higher carbon footprint |
| Often used in minimalist designs | Needs more careful maintenance |
Oak Flooring Pros and Cons (UK Guide)
Oak flooring is known for its classic look and strong performance. Let’s take a quick look at its advantages and drawbacks:
| Oak Flooring Pros | Oak Flooring Cons |
| Warm, natural tones | Needs regular care to stay in top shape |
| Strong grain hides marks well | Harder to stain evenly |
| Good for high-traffic areas | Grain pattern may not suit all styles |
| More forgiving during installation | Colour can darken with age |
| Easier to refinish and stain | Can be pricier depending on the type |
| Often used in minimalist designs |
Which Is Better for High-Traffic Areas: Maple or Oak Floors?
Oak is definitely a better option for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms because:
- It has a strong, visible grain that hides scratches and dirt
- It’s more forgiving on uneven subfloors
- It handles daily wear better without showing damage
- It needs less frequent cleaning to stay looking good.
How to Choose Between Maple and Oak Flooring for Your Home
Choosing between maple and oak depends on your home, your needs, and your style. Here’s what to think about before you decide between flooring options:
- The room use
- The look you want
- The lighting
- Your lifestyle
- Your budget
- Sustainability
Maple vs Oak: Which Wood Flooring Adds More Value to Your UK Home?
Both maple and oak can add value to your home, but oak is usually the better choice in the UK. Oak is more common and matches well with furniture and different home styles. Maple can add value too, especially in modern houses. But it’s less familiar to UK buyers and may not fit every taste. If you want a safer option with better resale value, oak is the best pick.
Before you make your decision, we recommend you seek professional help from experts at Flooring Surgeons.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Maple or Oak Flooring in the UK?
Both maple and oak are excellent choices for hardwood flooring, each bringing unique characteristics to a space. Your selection should align with your aesthetic preferences, budget, and the specific demands of your living environment.
If you need further assistance in choosing the right flooring for your home, feel free to reach out or visit our showrooms for personalised guidance.
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
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