Some people scoff at the thought of using oak in their new homes or soon to be renovated kitchens. We can’t blame them. For some, the mention of oak cabinets makes us think of our grandparents’ kitchens, reddish in color with cathedral arches and all. This was the design language prevalent back in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s not exactly something people want when they’re dreaming of an updated look.
However, this isn’t the only way to use oak. This classic wood species has been making a comeback in the recent years as designers find new ways to use this material. Using different cuts, stains, and even paint, oak is making it back into modern homes.
Why Use White Oak?
Being a naturally light-colored species, white oak is highly versatile when it comes to design options. With the right kind of stain, you can go from a washed out Scandinavian-style finish all the way to a burnt cocoa brown finish! This lets you mix and match tones, finding the perfect fit for your dream interior. This wood species also has a natural beauty and unique grain pattern that lets you add a rustic touch to your home.
Another reason you should go for white oak is that it’s highly durable. It’s rated at 1360 on the Janka hardness scale. This puts it above most other common wood types such as Cherry (950), Walnut (1010), and Red Oak (1290). It also has a degree of water resistance to it, which is why it’s been historically used for boats and wine barrels.
Now that we’ve shown you why white oak is an excellent choice for your new home or renovation project, here are some ideas how you can use white oak in your home!
Bleached White Oak Floors
White walls are a timeless classic that works well with any home. Bleached white oak like in the photo above emphasizes the natural color of this wood and pairs well with white interiors for a sophisticated look. The neutral colors create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. This kind of whitewashed and beachy yet refined look is a mainstay for the popular Hamptons style interiors.
White Oak Walk-in Closet
A natural white oak finish is a great option for your walk-in closet. The warmth brought in by wood creates a homey and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for busy work mornings or feeling pampered before a night out. It’s also a great backdrop for the different colors of your shirts and jackets. For open closets, colored cabinets may clash with your clothes, while neutrals like white and gray may feel too plain for some homeowners. White oak cabinets are a great way to add interest to your closet without the risk of being too loud and looking too busy.
Natural White Oak Kitchen Cabinets
Another area of your home that you surely want to bring warmth to is the kitchen. It is the heart of the home, after all. Using white oak cabinets with a sleek and streamlined design style is a great way to update your kitchen. It’s popular in many parts of the world, especially with Scandinavian and Japandi styled interiors. The other option for most contemporary interiors are painted black or white cabinets. These give a bold look, but it can feel a bit sterile for some. For homeowners that want a more natural feel in their interiors, white oak kitchen cabinets are a great choice.
Dark Stained White Oak Kitchen Cabinets
We mentioned earlier that oak is versatile depending on how you stain it, so it wouldn’t be fair not to show an example. If you’re looking for a more traditional and rustic feel for your interiors, a dark stain finish is an option for you. You can stain your oak cabinets to look like other wood species such as walnut or ebony.
White Oak Wall Paneling
You don’t have to limit yourselves to just using white oak cabinets. You can dress up your walls and mouldings with white oak wall paneling. It can make your interiors look rich and elegant as it displays the natural beauty of wood. On top of its stunning looks, wood is a natural insulator. This makes it great for keeping your home cool in the summer, and keeping it warm during winter. Another benefit that comes with wood paneling, especially if you use for the whole room, is the enhanced acoustics. Wood is good at insulating sound, which is perfect for private relaxation spaces such as a home library or your bedroom.
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Cerusing is a wood finishing technique that emphasizes the natural character of grain in wood. This is also called a “limed finish” because of the white liming wax or diluted paint used in modern cerusing techniques. A cerused wood finish mutes the original color of the wood and greatly emphasizes the wood’s natural grain and texture. It’s used in a variety of applications such as furniture, chests, cabinets, cabinetry, and even light fixtures.