The Five Key Differences Between Red Oak and White Oak Flooring
The Five Key Differences Between Red Oak and White Oak Flooring
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If you are looking for new hardwood floors, red oak and white oak flooring are two of the most popular wide plank choices to choose from.
Both are extremely stylish and complement any type of home.
However, many customers trying to decide between these two oak floor options wonder what the difference is between red oak and white oak and which is better for their home.
The answer to which is better comes down to your style preferences and the color scheme of your home.
But red oak and white oak flooring each have distinct advantages and benefits that set them apart from one another.
This post will lay out five key differences between red oak and white oak flooring to help you decide which option is best for your home.
What to Know About White Oak and Red Oak Floors
Before we look at the differences between white oak and red oak floors, let’s look at where the wood is sourced from.
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White oak most commonly grows throughout the Eastern United States and Canada. White oak harvested from colder regions make for slower growth, resulting in a wood grain that is tighter and more consistent than those trees harvested from warmer climates.
Red oak is most commonly found in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada. Just like with white oak, wood harvested from colder climates makes for a tighter grain and a more consistent design.
How to Decide Between Red Oak and White Oak Flooring
Red oak and white oak are both popular choices for fans of hardwood floors. Their stylish natural beauty and rugged allure make them a great choice for any type of home.
But how do you decide between these two classic options? Let’s look at some of the key differences between these woods.
White oak has a smoother grain.
Are you a grain aficionado? Do the patterns in your wood floors have to be just so?
White oak has a much smoother, moderate grain than red oak (which tends to be stronger and more striking).
Even though white oak is slightly harder than red oak, red oak can more easily hide scratches due to its bold grain.
For smooth grain lovers, white oak is your best choice. If you want something a little more dramatic, red oak is the choice for you.
Red oak is softer than white oak.
To determine a wood's hardness, we use something called the JANKA hardness scale, which gives the wood a rating to measure its resistance to scratching and denting. The higher the number, the harder the wood.
Red oak has a hardness rating of 1290, while white oak rates at 1360, meaning white oak will stand up better to dents and scratches.
However, these wood’s hardness ratings are so close that you will likely not notice much of a difference after they have been finished and sealed.
While both kinds of wood are affordable, red oak is less expensive.
Red and white oak floors remain ever-popular as both are affordable flooring types.
The price of wood is constantly fluctuating, but from year to year, red oak tends to be less expensive.
White oak looks better with lighter stains.
Both oak types stain easily, which means you can choose many different hues for your flooring. However, white oaks tend to look better with lighter stains, while both red and white oak are virtually identical under darker stains.
If you want your floors to be stained white or grey, white oak is the better option for you.
Red oak is lighter than white oak.
It may surprise you, but red oak is lighter in color than white oak.
White oak tends to have more brown and beige hues, while red oak is pinker or salmon-colored.
Better Hardwood Flooring from a Step Above Floors
It is not always easy to choose the best flooring option for you. It is especially hard when choosing hardwood floors.
Red oak and white oak floors are very similar choices, but there are a few key differences that will help you make your decision between these two beautiful oak species.
Looking for a hardwood upgrade for your home? Trust the experts at A Step Above Flooring to help guide you through the decision-making process.
At A Step Above, we know that your home is an extension of yourself, and because of that, not just any flooring will do.
If you are ready for floors that are the perfect fit for your home, reach out to a Step Above Flooring.