Are you considering oak wood floating shelves for your home or office but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? You're not alone! Each type of wood has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, making it challenging to choose the best one for your needs.
Fortunately, we're here to help. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth analysis of oak floating shelves, one of the most popular choices for floating shelves. We'll break down the pros and cons of oak wood, offer helpful tips to help you make an informed decision, and differentiate oak wood from other popular wood choices for shelves.
By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of whether oak floating shelves are the right fit for your home or office. So, let's dive in and explore the world of oak wood floating shelves!
What is Oak Wood?
Oak wood is a type of hardwood that comes from deciduous oak trees, primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere. With a lifespan of hundreds, even thousands, of years, oak trees are renowned for their longevity and strength. When you purchase a solid oak floating wood shelf from Nook Woodworking, you're not only investing in a high-quality and stunning shelf to showcase your belongings but also a piece of history.
There are several varieties of oak hardwood, including white oak, red oak, and black oak, each with its unique characteristics. Despite their differences, all oak hardwood is considered a premium choice for furniture and flooring due to its durability, strength, and natural beauty. So whether you're looking for a traditional or contemporary look, oak wood floating shelves are an excellent option that will stand the test of time.
What are the Pros of Choosing Oak Wood Floating Shelves?
Oak hardwood is one of the most popular wood species for furniture, flooring, and shelves - and for good reason.
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Oak Floating Shelves Are Sturdy
Oak wood has a density of 0.63kg/m^3 and a stiffness of 1.82 Mpsi (millions of pounds per square inch). Compared with other common types of solid wood for shelves like elm and cedar, oak is much more dense and stiff. As a result, it's less likely to warp or split over time making it an ideal choice for a floating shelf that often needs to support heavy items such as books, decor, or kitchenware.
In addition to its strength, oak wood is also highly resistant to moisture and rot, making it an excellent choice for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to humidity. When you choose oak wood, you can rest easy knowing that your floating shelf will stand up to the test of time.
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Oak Floating Shelves Are Versatile
Another great reason to consider oak for your shelving needs is thanks to oak woods' fantastic versatility. Its natural beauty effortlessly adds warmth, light and character to any wall space and it can easily be stained or painted to match various color schemes and design aesthetics.
NookWoodworking offers every one of our premium oak wood shelves in finished or unfinished styles. If you appreciate the natural grain and warm hue of the oak wood then the finished option is perfect for you. We hand-finish every floating shelf with a sumptuous Danish oil resulting in a deep, rich finish that will only grow more beautiful over time.
Have a specific color you want your shelves or walls to be or prefer the raw look of oak? An unfinished floating shelf is the perfect choice for you. Our unfinished oak shelves are ready to be stained, painted, or simply left alone.
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Oak Floating Shelves Will Never Go Out of Style
Both floating shelves and oak wood are design elements that will never go out of style. Floating style shelves have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their minimalistic and modern look, as well as their ability to save space and provide an open and airy feel to any room. They are versatile options that can be used in different areas of the home, from the living room to the bathroom, and can be customized to fit different design styles and needs.
Likewise choosing oak for your floating shelf is a smart choice thanks to its everlasting appeal and ability to be stained or painted to match different color schemes and aesthetics.
Shelves made of oak wood offer a timeless and durable option that can elevate any space and provide both functionality and style. They are a classic choice that will never go out of fashion and can add value and beauty to any home or office for years to come.
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Oak Is More Affordable Than Other Types of Wood for Floating Shelves
In addition to these benefits, the production of oak wood is also a cost-effective option when compared to many other types of wood. This is because oak is a relatively abundant wood that is readily available in many different regions around the world. As a result, the cost of shipping oak wood is often lower than other types of wood that are less abundant or more difficult to source.
Plus, thanks to its resistance to mold and high durability, oak wood is known for its longevity. This means that it can last for many years without needing to be replaced which makes it a cost-effective option in the long term as it can save you money on repairs and replacements over time.
What are the Cons of Choosing Oak Wood for Your Floating Shelf
Of course, there are some things that you should consider before adding an oak floating shelf to your cart. So be sure to review the reviews and keep the following in mind when shopping!
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Oak Shelves Are Heavy
Oak wood is a dense and heavy type of wood, as we've mentioned above, this really works in favor of the wood's natural durability. However, heavier woods are...well...heavy.
This can make them difficult to work with, especially if you need to move the shelves around on a regular basis. Fortunately, installation of any quantity of our oak wood floating shelves with our included mounting hardware is a breeze despite the heavy nature of the wood and each floating shelf is able to be easily wall-mounted in drywall or studs that you've identified with a stud finder. Just make sure to maintain an awareness of the weight capacity of each shelf, as you wouldn't want to overload the shelf and then come home to find it on the floor.
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An Oak Floating Shelf Isn't as Classic as a Mahogany Wood Floating Shelf
Oak is a popular wood, but it's not as classic as mahogany or walnut which have both been in style for far longer than oak furniture. The main reason for this is that oak is a lighter color, which makes it more casual and less formal than mahogany or walnut.
However, if you are looking to make a statement with your home décor, or you are trying to create a more modern look, then an oak floating shelf is the way to go.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Oak Shelf
Sold on the benefits of oak wood for your shelving needs? Be sure to consider the following when browsing shelving retailers.
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Determine your storage needs: Consider what items you will be storing on the shelf and how much weight it needs to support. This will help you choose the appropriate size and thickness for your oak shelf. For example, if you have many heavy books or other items to store on your shelf, consider a thicker piece of oak. It will be able to handle more weight without breaking, which can save you money in the long run.
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Look for high-quality materials: Make sure the oak shelf is made from solid wood, not veneer, for durability and longevity. Check for any defects, such as cracks or warping that can affect the shelf's strength and stability. Only buy from reputable woodworkers, like NookWoodworking, that will provide a custom handcrafted item to be appreciated for years to come.
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Choose the right finish: Oak wood can be finished in a variety of ways, including natural, stained, or painted. NookWoodworking offers stained and unstained shelves so be sure to consider whether or not you are looking to eventually paint the shelves before choosing to stain them.
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Consider the style: Oak shelves come in various styles, from rustic to modern. Choose a style that matches the décor of your room and fits your personal taste. For example, if you are looking for something more rustic, consider our Live-Edge Floating Shelf with a natural rough edge. Is minimalism more your style? Go for our clean-cut Standard Shelves.
Trust NookWoodworking For All of Your Shelving Needs
NookWoodworking is a trusted source for all of your oak shelving needs. Our shelves are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail by our team of master woodworkers, ensuring that you receive a high-quality product that will last for years to come. We offer a wide variety of oak wood shelves in various sizes and styles, from functional cord management shelves to stylish geometric designs. Our shelves are easy to install, so you can have them up and running in no time.
At NookWoodworking, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service, and we are committed to ensuring that our customers are completely satisfied with their purchases. Whether you are looking for a single shelf or a complete shelving system, you can trust NookWoodworking to provide you with the perfect solution for your home or office space.
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