Replies

1. 
   ms | Nov 25, 2009 01:08am | #1

   sd58,
   I think I would get a sample first if it has to be a dead on match. If the flooring is in a different part of the house customers can usually live with a slight variation.
   To answer your question about north & south oaks: no clue.
   Good luck,
   Mark

2. 
   frenchy | Nov 25, 2009 02:48am | #2

   In a word.Yes!   Flooring varies from tree to tree and from one part of the tree to another.. In fact I'm willing to bet no two boards are exactly the same.  We aren't speaking about machining steel rather wood with all it's unique character and traits..  

    Red oak generally has the same slightly pinkish hue to it regardless of where it grows.  Do be carefull that it's shaped the same way watch for things like micro groves etc.. I'll assume that the floor is unfinished and that you are doing the finish work. Prefinished wood can vary great deal even with the same wood..

    You mentioned the grade was with character.. Well that's another word for with lots of knots and flaws  so the differance shouldn't be noteable..

3. 
   arcticcat | Nov 25, 2009 03:37am | #3

   Yes, they do vary from area, and red oak does not have the same hue regardless of where it grows.

   We can specify northern or southern red oak when we order flooring.  I do not know where the line is that differentiates the two, but they are definately different shades.

   If you aren't patching or stitching new with old, it may not make a difference.  But if they are next to each other, the difference will stick out like a sore thumb.

   We've ran across this doing wood floors many times.  I once salvaged all the raised panels(southern) out of a kitchen I demo'd to sand & remill, but they don't match at all with the northern red oak available here that I was going to make the frames out of.

   As was mentioned, I'd definately get some samples & see for yourself.

   Mike

4. 
   Virginbuild | Nov 25, 2009 07:29am | #4

   Try this company to locate on of their dealers http://www.zickgraf.com/about/ 

   Virginbuild

5. 
   maverick | Nov 25, 2009 05:38pm | #5

   here in Ct I know of 2 local mills that would churn out your order. I'm sure you could find the same in your area

   if the color is too light you could stain it to match the old floor but if the color is too dark then you might have to strip the entire floor and tone up the old to match the new

   if the transition is at a doorway, I would not even worry about it. just cull some matching pieces from the lot to start off with or feather it together with stain.

   lighting differences from room to room could have a dramatic effect regardless of how well the floor matches up.