WHITE OAK VS. RED OAK

Color

The most obvious difference between the two types of oak flooring is their color. The name White Oak might make you think that this flooring is lighter in color, but in fact the opposite is true. White Oak is actually a mix of browns and tans, making it darker than Red Oak. Red Oak has pinkish and red tones throughout.

Despite their initial difference in color, as you apply stain to them that difference is diminished. In fact, with any stain darker than medium brown the difference is almost indistinguishable. This can be an important factor when you consider overall pricing, as it may not be necessary to pay the extra amount for White Oak when you can easily get the same effect with Red Oak for less money.

Grain Pattern

The other factor that can visibly distinguish one flooring from another is the grain pattern of the wood. While both are obviously oak, there is a definite difference between the look of White Oak and Red Oak based on the grain.

Red Oak has a more varied or “wild” grain, with many swirls and deviations. It also has wider grain lines that are sometimes wavy or zigzag in appearance. White Oak, on the other hand, has smaller and tighter grain lines, making it look much straighter and more uniform. Also, it’s worth remembering that because it is a lighter wood than White Oak, the natural pattern of the grain in Red Oak tends to be more visible. With its more uniform grain, White Oak may look like a more solid and substantial floor, but don’t let all those swirls fool you. Red Oak is just as durable and sturdy.

Hardness

The durability of any flooring is dependent on the overall hardness of the wood. According to the Janka scale, White Oak is slightly harder at 1360, compared to Red Oak’s score of 1290.

Because of this difference, White Oak is more often used for outdoor applications as it can stand up to seasonal changes slightly better, but Red Oak is still considered quite durable and actually has very similar seasonal movement as White Oak.

Matching Existing Wood

If you’re adding wood flooring to a home that already has wood touches, including stair treads and banisters, you’ll want to find something that is a good match so that all of your wood has a unified look.

It’s worth remembering that Red Oak is much more frequently used for surfaces like stair treads and handrails so if you’re trying to match existing wood, you’ll probably want to go with Red Oak. Also, if you’re adding new wood stair treads to your home, you’re better off choosing Red Oak as it is less costly.

Water Resistance

When installing hardwood floor in your home, the potential for water damage is always a concern. As a closed grain wood, White Oak tends to be more resistant to water damage, which is why it is often used for boat building. It may also be a better choice for areas of your home that may be more exposed to the elements.

Cost

Of course, cost can be a major factor whenever you are considering hardwood flooring. Though flooring prices can fluctuate depending on width and grade, in general for any planks 5” or larger, White Oak is usually a bit more expensive. As Red Oak trees tend to be more abundant, the price of Red Oak flooring can actually be more affordable, so it may be well worth your while to consider choosing Red Oak.