Difference of European and Russian Oak Floors
If you buy Oak Plank from China, some supplier will offer you European Oak and some will offer you Russian Oak. what’s the difference between them? To be frankly, this is a very professional question, and not easy to describe by several single words.
If you are in the wood production front line everyday, you will learn very quick what is russian oak and what is european oak, the grain feature of the raw material has some difference. but roughly we can get summary as below:
European Oak vs. Russian Oak
Take-away
1. Grade Variation
Russian Oak in AB grade or ABC grade (clear surface, less knots, and less color variation)
European Oak in ABCD grade or CDE (with defects, e.g. knots, cracks)
2.Tannin Acid Volume
If you want “natural color” or stained color, we would recommend Russian Oak.(Less Tannin Acid volume)
If you want “chemical treated” color, we would recommend European Oak.(Rich Tannin Acid volume)
3.Different Specification
Regular length and width for Russian Oak floor: 1860x148mm / 1900x190mm
Nomarl length and width for European Oak flooring: 1900x190mm / 2200x220mm / 2200x260mm / 2200x300mm
European Oak
1.With more color variation.
2.Chaotic grains distribution (sometimes)
3.Large knots in star-like shape. Better work for rustic look.
4.European Oak veneers are normally made by “Band saw”, and lamellas are dried after cut.
Even AB European Oak do not have big knots, the color variation still obvious, and almost not able to select uniform pcs.
Russian Oak
1. Cleaner and clearer color and grain.
2. Sapwood for lower grade and obvious color differences
3. Easier to get higher grade without knots.
4. Russian Oak normally comes from “Frame saw” on the Kiln dried timber material.
Specification:
The diameter of Russian Oak Tree is normally little bit smaller than European Oak,
For Russian Oak Floor, the regular length x width is like below:
1860x148mm
1860x189mm
2200x220mm
For European Oak Floor, the regular length is like below:
1900x190mm
2200x220mm
2200x260mm
2200x300mm
Tannic Acid
Russian oak has less tannic acid inside, European oak has more, this will only influence if your floor needs fumigation, after fumigation, the appearance will be different. normally European oak looks darker & better. And Because of the tannic acid, For european oak we can do many different style “chemical treatment”, With russian oak can not.
European Oak, Light Fumed
I read your article on the difference of european oak and Russian oak. I have been told by several factories and they have said there is a shortage of AB grade. I was wondering if your factory is able to supply European oak AB 190/4×1900 one container per month
We are one of the biggest importers in India for Leminate, Engineered Wood, artificial grass, Vinyl flooring rolls, wallpaper from Europe.
We buy about 10 to 12 containers every month from Union, Alsapan, Tarkett, Rach, Gerfloor and quick step.
We are interestedin your products, Please send us the contact name and number of the person dealing in export.