Solid Oak Flooring: Old or New—How Do You Choose the Right One?
A solid oak plank is cut from a single piece of oak, with no glued layers. At Provence Matériaux Anciens, you can choose between reclaimed planks—sourced from old homes and ready to install—or new planks, such as French tart oak. Widths range from approximately 10 to 25 cm.
What is a solid oak plank?
A solid oak plank is made of solid oak, from the visible surface all the way to the back. Unlike engineered flooring, which consists of multiple layers, it can be sanded and refinished just like any solid wood floor. This is what gives it its longevity and a beautiful patina when the wood is old.
At Provence Matériaux Anciens, these planks come in several varieties, all of which are listed in our category oak floors.
Old or new board: What's the difference?
Vintage planks are authentic floorboards salvaged from old houses, refinished in our woodworking shop, and then sold ready for installation. This is the case with the old oak floor and antique oak flooring. They retain the patina of wood that has weathered the years.
Visit French tart oak flooring This, on the other hand, is a new floor of French origin that can be used both on the floor and as a suspended ceiling, in both contemporary and classic settings. Choose the old for its history and patina; choose the new for wood with no past.
What are the dimensions of a solid oak board?
Antique planks measure, on average, 100 to 250 cm in length, 10 to 25 cm in width, and 2 to 2.5 cm in thickness. French tart oak is available in lengths ranging from 100 to 270 cm, widths from 10 to 25 cm, and thicknesses from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. These are average measurements; lengths vary from plank to plank. With widths of up to 25 cm, the floor takes on the distinct character of wide-plank flooring.
Which finish should you choose: brushed, sanded, or honey oak?
The old oak flooring is available in a brushed finish, the antique oak flooring in a sanded finish, and the antique oak floor in a honey oak finish. The brushed finish highlights the wood grain, the sanded finish provides a smoother surface, and the honey oak stain adds a warm color.
To compare oils, waxes, and varnishes, check out our article Antique parquet and floors: solid wood, installation and finishes.
Wide planks or narrow-plank hardwood flooring?
Hardwood flooring consists of wider and longer planks, while parquet is made of small strips, often arranged in a pattern. For a graphic design, check out our herringbone, chevron, and Hungarian-style parquet flooring and the category Parquet floors. For reclaimed wood planks with a distinctive character, be sure to check out our railcar floors.
From the Ground to the Deck: Outdoor Oak Decking
Oak can also be used outdoors. Our outdoor oak decking is a new oak product designed for decks, 27 mm thick, 8 to 14 cm wide, and 1.5 to 2.6 m long. The product sheet specifies a two-year drying period before installation.
Installation and Maintenance: The Basics
Solid oak planks are installed on a prepared subfloor, and maintaining them is simple: gentle cleaning with natural products is all that’s needed to preserve the wood. For details on the subfloor, moisture levels, and installation methods, see our article Antique Parquet Flooring and Antique Wood Floors.
Frequently asked questions
What is a solid oak plank?
This plank is made entirely of solid oak, with no glued layers. It can be sanded and refinished, which explains its durability.
Old or new oak planks: which should you choose?
The reclaimed wood is salvaged from old houses and refinished in our workshop; it adds patina and character. New wood, such as French tart oak, offers a clean, unblemished surface. Both are available in our category oak floors.
What are the dimensions of a solid oak board?
Our boards measure, on average, 100 to 270 cm in length, 10 to 25 cm in width, and 1.5 to 2.5 cm in thickness, depending on the model.
Can you install solid oak planks outdoors?
Yes, with flooring designed for the patio, like our outdoor oak decking 27 mm thick.
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