For many people, oak is the indisputable hardwood of choice for flooring. It is durable, beautiful, and plentiful in supply. With the right installers, a good selection, and minimal maintenance, a good slab can last you a lifetime. 

Oak has two main types: white and red oak, both of which are excellent choices for your hardwood flooring. Choosing between them is a matter of preference, but we chose to highlight some important facts about both types of wood to help you make informed decisions. 

In this article, we will share five points you need to know about white and red oak:  

• Where they are found

Red oak is very common in southeastern Canada and the northeastern part of the United States. White oak, on the other hand, is usually found in the Eastern US, though its populations are eclipsed by its counterpart. Due to its resistance to moisture, white oak is the hardwood of choice for making boats and wine barrels. 

• White oak is darker than red oak

Despite the name, red oaks are actually lighter than white slabs. The former’s colour has pinkish tones and red hues that dominate its surface, and the hardwood’s colour ranges from almost white to soft amber. Meanwhile, white oaks often mix brown and tans, ranging from dark brown to beige. However, these differences eventually get less noticeable over time, because they accept stain readily. Red oak can achieve the darker tones of the white wood through the use of darkening stains. 

• White oak is harder than red oak 

Using the Janka hardness scale, white oak was found to be denser with a score of 1360, while its counterpart got 1290. Some claim that because of this, White hardwood will have better stability and less seasonal movement due to changes in moisture than red oak. The Janka hardness scale also measures the force needed to embed an 11.28 mm steel ball halfway into a wood’s surface. This effectively tests the wood’s resistance to wear and denting. 

• Red oak is the traditional choice for flooring 

Red oak has been the traditional choice for hardwood floors, owing to its “wilder” grain patterns. Its patterns often run anywhere between wild zigzag patterns or understated wavy lines. However, white oak has also been gaining popularity because of its simplicity. It is often the choice for homeowners favouring minimalist designs because of its smoother grain, while red oak harkens back to lavish Victorian-style homes and Spanish style mansions because of their expressive grain that tends to draw attention. Even though white oaks can be slightly more resistant to dents and scratches, red wood may hide them better. 

• Both are affordable 

Oaks are an excellent choice not only for their time-honoured hardiness and quality but also because of their affordability. They are regularly planted and harvested and are much less expensive than exotic woods. Depending on the season, width, and grade of the boards, white oak is sometimes more expensive than red oak, and vice versa. 

Ultimately, you will need to choose the type of hardwood that will fit your style. Both red and white oak will serve you and your family members well through all seasons, and may even last long enough to see the next generation to enjoy them. 

We bring over 20 years of experience in home construction and renovation. Other than making the structure itself, we believe that your home is a place where you can find peace, comfort, and tranquillity. 

If you are looking to build a custom home in the Greater Toronto Area, get in touch with us, we will be more than happy to guide you through building your custom home.