Replies

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Oct 19, 2009 04:17am | #1

   Red birch

2. 
   arcticcat | Oct 19, 2009 04:28am | #2

   Around here, most of the older homes with fir trim have oak floors, even done that combo a few times myself - and they do look good together.

   That said,  I like to have more contrast between floor and the millwork.  To me, a darker wood would look great, like walnut or cherry, tho they are on the softer side.  Maybe brazillian cherry?  Very hard & nice dark brown/red would look great with the trim.

   Mike

   ETA - Redfordhenrys suggestion of red birch would be pretty cool too.

   
   

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   Edited 10/18/2009 9:30 pm by arcticcat

1. 
   maguire | Oct 19, 2009 04:48am | #3

   White oak or Red oak? Thanks for you response artic cat

1. 
   arcticcat | Oct 19, 2009 06:23am | #4

   Talking older homes, it's probably 60 % red, 40% white.  Using #1 common gives a neat look with more color variation in the wood.

   Or you could go for a little different look and use quartersawn or riftsawn oak, either red or white.   Quartersawn white is one of my favorites.

   Mike

2. 
   hipaul | Oct 19, 2009 06:27am | #5

   I second the darker wood for the floor, looks really nice with fir.I also totally second the red birch. It's not common around here (NW) but it's very beautiful and could work really well with the fir.For dark I agree with the brazilian cherry or walnut. Here's a few shots of ipe and fir together, one on a floor, one on a counter, and one a small bookcase. (you can tell I really like the combo of ipe and fir!) There's also a shot of some reclaimed red oak (character grade) and fir trim, kinda green tinge to the picture so it's hard to see it perfectly.Paul
   http://www.pauljohnsoncarpentry.com

3. 
   Dinosaur | Oct 19, 2009 08:06am | #6

   Red pine roof decking. Available in 2x4 or 2x6; red pine is the hardest of the softwoods and wears much better than the softer pines.

   You can sand it with a big RO plate sander; start with 36 grit. It's a bit gummy so get extra sheets.

   Stain it with a penetrating oil stain and finish with Varathane Diamond Coat.

   View Image

   The trim in this room is white pine, stained with one coat of hand-rubbed Minwax golden oak and oiled with teak oil. The floor has four coats of Varathane over two coats of machine-buffed Minwax golden oak.

   Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
   low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
   foolish men call Justice....
   

   

4. 
   frenchy | Oct 19, 2009 03:45pm | #7

   Depends more on your personal tastes.  I love contrast (but not too much contrast.. trim and molding should be one wood or color while floor can be another..   Please don't add a third with furniture etc..

      Then too you also need to consider what the room is to be used for.  Dark trim, dark wood and no matter what you do the room will be on the darkish side..  That's fine for bedrooms but not so good for a family room..  In your case I would use white oak.. While 1/4 sawn has some benefits and certainly can be good looking it is horribly expensive.. Go for the higher grades to keep the wood as light as possible.

    Then depending on natural lighting and window placement etc.. you can either go with bolder colored walls or lighter colored walls..  Bold is the currant fashion but will quickly grow old and a change will be sought quickly. Lighter walls/wallpaper will enhance the richness  of the wood.. 

   It depends too on she-who-must-be-obeyed.  Doing something she doesn't approve of is a sure way to a miserable life..   Not only ask her what her preferance is  but listen and follow it..

    1/4 sawn red oak doesn't have the same showyness that white oak does and just isn't worth an additional premium.