Oak Skirting Boards & Architrave: FAQ’s about Solid Oak Wood

When it comes to shopping for skirting boards, you are probably surprised by all of the options available to you, not only here at Skirting 4 U but from the many skirting board suppliers online and locally to you. We are thrilled to now offer Oak skirting boards and architrave in our product range also. This stunning material is both attractive and hardwearing making it a perfect option for any interior project you have coming up. Oak allows you to bring a touch of nature inside your home which is perfect if you are keen on a more natural aesthetic. If you are new to the world of skirting boards you might be a little overwhelmed by all of the decisions you have to make to ensure you get the right boards for your home. To make things a little easier we thought we would give you some information on our Oak skirting boards and architrave and answer some of the questions we get asked frequently. Hopefully, this will help you decide if Oak is the right material for the project you have in mind.

What Type Of Oak Do We Use?

The material we use for our skirting boards and architrave is more commonly referred to as American White Oak. This is a hugely popular material and is used throughout construction for a wide range of furniture, flooring and mouldings. The attractiveness of this type of material comes from its light brown sapwood and intricate grain. As well as being highly attractive, American White Oak is extremely durable and long lasting. You can expect a very long lifespan with this type of material which is ideal if you are wanting to invest in materials that will last.

Are Oak Skirting Boards & Architrave Moisture Resistant?   

As our oak wood is unfinished and a natural material it is important to note they are not moisture resistant like our MDF skirting boards. Untreated Oak wood will in fact soak up water and moisture in the air and can lead to warping and structural problems. Unlike our MDF skirting boards and architrave, our Oak wood is supplied completely natural and unfinished. With this material we really wanted to keep the natural element of the wood and allow you to bring a touch of nature inside your home. If you were hoping to use hardwood in areas that do have a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms then we would recommend applying a finish or treatment to the board to protect the wood.  As wood wants to absorb water, it can’t be guaranteed that its beauty will last as long when used within damp conditions.

Is Oak Better Than MDF?

It’s really important to note that when shopping for skirting boards and architrave both MDF and Oak Wood are high quality materials. Both materials have different advantages and will serve different purposes, but the one thing they have in common is their strength and durability. Like Oak, MDF works really well in high traffic areas of the home.

One of the main differences they do have is to do with their aesthetic and how they contribute to the overall look you are trying to achieve in your home.  Oak offers a more natural look and is well suited to interior styles like rustic and country. If you are a fan of exposed woods and spaces that are minimal with lots of natural elements, then Oak skirting boards could work really well within your home. MDF offers a lot more versatility when it comes to interior design and you are free to play around with different colours and finishes and achieve a wide range of different styles including minimalist and Scandinavian.

Overall the decision on whether you should choose Solid Oak Wood or MDF for your home is ultimately down to you and your preferences. Another factor that could influence your choice is price. Solid Oak is much more expensive than MDF due to it being a premium, long lasting material that is both dense and strong. It’s journey from tree to material you can use is also a lengthy process, that involves specialist tooling and diligent craftsmanship to ensure the quality of the oak isn’t ruined. All of which contributes to the higher price. By investing in Oak for your home whether it be for mouldings or furniture you can trust that it will be of high quality and long lasting.

Discover a wide range of Hardwood skirting and architrave online to try and find the right design for your next project.