Also AR, regarding the "select" grade that you were inquiring about ... the Mirage R&Q White Oak in the Natural Collection is what they call "exclusive" grade. Go to THIS page and scroll down to "technical specs" on the right, select "collection natural" and scroll to page to for the info on R&Q white oak. My flooring is also this "exclusive" grade. The vast majority of the boards are completely free of any knots. There is an occasional little knot on a board, but they are tiny (maybe 1/8 to 3/16 inch?) and there are very few of them. There are no cracks or splits. There is some color variation, very similar to the pics Ann posted above. The variation in the grain between boards is really pretty. It's a very clean looking floor.

Mirage has several R&Q White Oak. We are going with Carousel 6-1/2":

https://www.miragefloors.com/ENG/hardwood-flooring-handcrafted-white-oak-r-q-carousel/

Yes, thank you, strategery. I should have made my post more clear. I was referring only to the Natural Collection R&Q white oak that lacked "character" because that was the one that AR seemed interested in. They do have other grades of R&Q White Oak in other collections and also a character grade (Old White Oak R&Q) in the Natural Collection.

HERE is an interesting animation from Frank Miller Lumber that shows how R&Q boards are cut.

Thanks for all the great info, jellytoast. I have the sample of the Mirage White Oak R&Q in Natural in my house right now, and it looks lovely. We're going to the other flooring dealer tomorrow to get the sample of the Lauzon White Oak R&Q to compare them side-by-side. I like the cashmere finish on the Mirage (the Lauzon we want only comes in semi-gloss), but I think I kind of like the color of the Lauzon better. It's soooo hard to make a decision, but we'll have to figure it out in the next day or two. Any advice you, Ann Danen, or anyone else wants to share regarding installation is appreciated. I think the price is pretty much the same for Mirage or Lauzon, and I'm assuming the quality is comparable as well. Thanks again, everyone, for all the help.

Are you doing a glue down on slab?

Actually, I'm assuming we'll be installing ours over a wood sub-floor, as these rooms are on our main floor which is over our finished basement. We're ripping up some existing solid hardwood in the kitchen/dining room and tearing out the carpet that's in the living room so we'll have the new white oak flooring in all three rooms. I haven't talked to an installer yet, but I'm pretty sure our general contractor is planning to lay the floor himself. Do you think it's a mistake not to have someone who specializes strictly in laying engineered hardwood? We're in Colorado, by the way.

AR it sounds like you got some great info from Jelly Toast. I do have the Mirage White Oak R&Q (cashmere finish) referenced by your link in your post. We are very happy with them. We did opt for the floating floor — not the glue down. We are on a concrete slab, however, no sub floor.

As you can see from the photo, there are no knots and it is a clean and soft look. The wood is warm looking and soft. There are natural gradations in the color, so a good installer is essential. Our contractor took his time and really worked with the colors of each plank. I do agree with everything Jelly Toast said, and especially the advice about looking at plank sizes of Lauzon. Both Lauzon and Mirage make excellent products, but it’s personal preference that will help you decide. My planks are 6 inches in wideth and quite long. Let me know if you have any more questions, I will take more photos for you.

One more

Thank you for posting those photos, Ann, and for your advice about getting a good installer. Your floors look absolutely gorgeous! It's nice to see a "real" photo instead of just the staged, professionally lit photos of multi-million dollar homes on the flooring websites. I love how your Mirage floors look, and I think they would look wonderful in our house. Decisions, decisions... :-)

I wouldn't want someone installing my floors who didn't specialize in that. I spent a bunch of money on my flooring and I didn't want "amateur hour" when it came to the install. I wanted someone with a lot of experience who just did wood floors. There are things about other installations I've seen often that I don't like, such as H-joints and joints too close to each other. I made sure my installer was willing to install as per Mirage's specs and pay attention to details. Like Ann's, my installer opened a bunch of boxes before he began and sorted through them so I have a nice mix of lengths and colors throughout. He spend days on the prep work. He had the right equipment, took his time, was thorough, left my house and floor spotless.

My floor was glued over slab so I don't think I can offer you any advice on your particular install. I would advise that you read through the Mirage installation instructions for your installation method. That way you will at least have an idea of what should be going on. And then pay attention to what's going on (that doesn't mean stand over someone while they work, lol).

JellyToast, you and I are kindred spirits! Reading the instructions is key to understanding anything that goes on during the install! It really helped put my mind at ease, as well, in that I knew I was making the right decision (float, or glue down). We did a floating floor over our slab and the installer glued each individual piece and then laid the floor down on top of the water-barrier layer.

AR, please feel free to ask any questions as you get further into your remodel!

Haha, Ann! I am curious by nature so I want to know the hows and whys of everything. It's a curse.

BTW, AR, I saw on Ann's reveal thread that there was mention of the Mirage rebate. I believe that they may have a springtime rebate program, too. They had one in April last year, so they may be doing the same thing again this year.

Mirage rebate?!? Ooohh, I have to hear more. This could be great timing for my build.

It was 50 cents per foot when I ordered in the fall. I haven't received it yet, but they say to allow 12 weeks. Last year they had a rebate in the spring as well, so you might call them to see if they are planning to do it again this year.

I haven't received my rebate yet, either. It was .50/ft which really added up quickly! I wonder if it's still going on or if you'll have to wait until the spring? I just checked their website and didn't see the notice. April will be here before you know it.

Strategy, keep us posted on your build! I'd love to see photos!

Hi Ann, I have many photos. This build is so stressful because we are not on site, but the builder is awesome and we continue to work though all issues wonderfully. We are trying hard to keep the cost under control. Change Orders, Allowances, Builders Fees, ugghhh, but some things can only be done properly at this phase of construction.

I feel for all my custom build sisters and brothers...

I can tell it will be beautiful when its done! your home looks like a french provincial style? I hope all goes well--please keep us posted!

Has anybody installed the Mirage White Oak R&Q Isla flooring (https://www.miragefloors.com/ENG/hardwood-flooring-white-oak-r-q-isla/) that can share after photos please?

I just ordered the Mirage White Oak Select and Better - their natural line.

I went with the semi-gloss finish versus the Cashmere on the advice of my designer but I think both are lovely.

I wanted a more traditional look so I opted for the most classic 3" wood.

When I researched and went to some floor stores, Mirage seemed to be very well reviewed. I was also pleased that I didn't have to worry about toxic substances and that it - at least from the website - had green policies and had sustainable forestry practices.

There was some difference in pricing - ranged from $8.25 to $7.29 per square foot in Los Angeles.

Wow that’s a huge difference in pricing. What’s the difference between cashmere and semi-gloss? Is the semi-gloss a little shiny?

Semi gloss is a satin finish but not high glass. Cashmere is matte. From their website, matte is good for high wear and if ou have pets or children. However matte can show foot prints if you walk barefoot because of oil on soles.

The difference was subtle and I opted for the semi gloss as I wanted a more classic look.

i had considered white oak but it read a bit brown and I am having a lot of quarter sawn white oak cabinets so I wanted a warmer light floor to contrast. My inspiration photos of my cabinets looked well with natural red oak and I opted for Select and Better because I wanted a less busy grain.

The white oak isla is lighter than the normal white oak. But it sounds like you found something perfect for your setup. Plus it’s several dollars cheaper than the white oak r&q isla!

I am getting Mirage nordic (white) in maple-solid wood for my living room and dining room. I like the semi-gloss but does anyone think I should get the cashmere (matte) finish because it will be easier to upkeep? Does it make much difference in white? If anyone has experience with either-let me know. The house is really big and even with a housekeeper don't think we can mop every day. 5 teenage kids, one old dog who will not be replaced. We have a hallway so dining room/living room will not be the general walk through the house path. Dining room will probably be used twice a week for eating. We have a separate eat-in kitchen area. I am not too strict so it is possible I will one day have grandchildren riding tricycles through the house.

I have Mirage with the cashmere (matte) finish and LOVE it. Super easy to care for ... clean with a damp microfiber about once a week, that's it. It does not show footprints if walked on barefoot.

jellytoast, do you use any sort of cleaning product (like Bona) on your microfiber, or just water? I agree that the matte doesn't show footprints. I walk around barefoot all the time, and we haven't had an issue with it. I think the cashmere/matte finish is the bomb!

AR, I just plain water, wrung out well so the microfiber is just damp. Wood floor cleaners are mostly water anyway and I haven't seen a need for added cleansing agents. I've read so many complaints about wood floor "cleaners" leaving a film or residue; that's not something I want to deal with. The Mirage finish cleans up easily.

Thanks so much AR and jellytoast--going to go with the cashmere finish! Thanks for helping me make that decision. I am on the Jersey shore if anyone wants to stop in and see them when the house is done.

To those who have used Mirage Engineered Wood in your kitchens, have you had any problems with it? I am concerned about water damage from everyday kitchen activities. Would you recommend it in the kitchen?

I loved my Mirage floor with the semi-gloss finish and used the Bona cleaner. It by far is the best floor. I recently installed the Appalachian Engineered Wood throughout our first floor, sincecwe wanted to go with the 4” planks. Still miss my Mirage. Here’s a photo of the Appalachian.

We installed Mirage white oak in cashmere finish about a year ago and we love it! 2 kids and an avid (messy) cook and it looks brand new. Like Jellytoast mentioned above, all you need is water and mcrofiber mop. We picked up a cheap on at home depot. Very nice floor — we are so happy with it!

Ssousy, your floors are beautiful!!

Thank you Ann are so are yours. Mirage makes a beautiful floor too!

Hi All. I saw a mirage floor I loved for our new house at the Jersey Shore. The thing is, several reviews said the finish is terrible and dents easily. We had a mirage floor in our last house, (built 24 years ago) and I didn't like them because they did dent and showed the dogs nail marks (not scratches, dents). The supplier we went to recommended Mirage. I was hopeful, (until I read the reviews) that after 24 years they would have made significant improvement. I would love to hear from some of you who have had mirage floors down for a while.

I am looking at the Sweet Memories, Gingerbread maple in Duramatte.

"Does anyone have any experience with which finish is stronger/harder?"

If there is one, it's highly likely it can only be detected under laboratory settings. The sales guy may be misinterpreting things. All higher quality finishes will ding, dent and scratch to similar extent.

Ken Fisher

3/4" engineered hardwoods

Mirage totally uses SOFT wood. Dropping anything from a plate to a cell phone leaves a PERMANENT and UNFIXABLE DENT. Never encountered this living with with hardwood flooring in my 67 years. Deplorable product.

I think it depends on the wood you chose. Also, I wonder if folks who have not had engineered wood before might expect it to be as durable as solid hardwood. It just is not, but it is good. It will ding or dent, etc but that is living.

Very late to this thread, but hoping someone who has installed Mirage White Oak Isla in their home wouldn't mind sharing a pic? I am almost sold on this one, but would love to see some real pictures of this color in your home if you have it.

Any new reviews of how the mirage engineered R&Q floors have been holding up over the years? I am looking at the Natural White Oak Character Brushed. TIA!

Any updates on mirage solid hardwood white oak natural character brushed? I’m about to pull the trigger on it v raw wood and site finishing but I would love to know if the solid wood has the same “soft” issues.

@ jellytoast Did you go with Mirage Engineered hardwood? Are you still happy with the quality?

Thanks!!