Best Mill To Source 5" Unfinished Select Grade Red Oak Flooring?

9 years ago

GW,

I'm looking to source about 2000sq. ft of 5" select grade Red Oak for our Traditional Style new-build and after going to all the local suppliers (local flooring stores/lumber liquidators, etc.) I turn to this community as you have been invaluable with your advice.

Open concept floor-plan, and the wood will be for the entire flooring of the first 2 stories of the house (minus mudroom, laundry,bathrooms, etc.).

Any advice on mills that you guys have had success with a quality and uniform product from? (i.e. consistent grading, longer length boards, etc.)

Is rift & quarter sawn necessary?

Planning on a site finished dark stain and we do have animals hence the choice of red over white oak for the stronger grain pattern and quite honestly after looking at all of the different wood species grains we liked the traditional oak best.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Featured Answer

ksc36

9 years ago

I wouldn't stain your oak floors. Pick a wood that you like and put a clear finish on it. It will be much easier to maintain over the years. If you can't source it locally there are many mills that will sell to you direct.

I put a custom milled Brazillian walnut floor down for a customer that was looking for a dark finish. It was 5" planking in 7'-14' lengths. The shipping wasn't much more than the sales tax would've been. Canterbury Flooring was the supplier.

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Comments (11)

Andrew K.
Original Author
9 years ago
Open to suggestions for White Oak as well. Thanks!
live_wire_oak
9 years ago
Most mills do not sell direct to the consumer. They sell wholesale only. Costs and availability are also regionalized, and also need to factor in shipping, which can be costly. Your best bet is to find a local professional installer and talk to them about what can be locally sourced and it's quality. You'll need the installer's skills for the install phase, so get them involved now during the product selection. Installers also have access to wholesale sources not on your radar, like ProSource and other trade only suppliers. If they purchase from a ''liquidator'' or seconds type warehouse, you need to move on up the food chain.
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Alan_at_WeShipFloors
9 years ago
AndrewDK,

Where are you located? I can give you some names of mills close to you.

I do not agree with what was said above about flooring mills not selling to individuals. All the NOFMA mills I deal with will sell to anyone with a pulse.
Andrew K.
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm located in Metro Detroit, Michigan.

KSC1 - thanks for the suggestion - we will look into that as well.
Alan_at_WeShipFloors
9 years ago
I have 4" very close to you. I would have to ship in the 5"

Alan
lancergolf1
8 years ago
Andrew, metro Detroit here as well, and almost exact same situation 2300 sq ft and looking at clear or select, but having a hell of a time finding a product I trust (local shops selling Bruce etc.) Need unfinished, but looking for 3 1/4 width. Where did you end up going? Price? Quality?
Andrew K.
Original Author
8 years ago
www.QualityHardwood.com

Call and ask for Dave Solomich, he's the owner and tell them Andrew Kuhn sent you. Very nice guy and has great products - he's a wholesaler (doesn't finish/install) but can give your referrals of guys he recommends. Great prices and beat all the other places I could find. Good luck!
PRO
Uptown Floors
8 years ago
Good referral in Motown. Al Havner. He's been in the bus. for 40 years. Knows the better sources for product.

http://alhavner.com/
lancergolf1
8 years ago
Andrew, thanks. Popped in there today and talked to Dave. Good spot, definitely going with them.
Andrew K.
Original Author
8 years ago
Glad I could help! Make sure to post some pics once you have your finished product!