Red Oak Flooring Vs White Oak
As a result red oak can be seen as having more character and is perceived as more traditional while white oak has a more modern and contemporary look.
Red oak flooring vs white oak. On the janka hardness scale white oak flooring scores a 1360 and red oak flooring a 1290. Red oak has a shorter wider grain formation that often forms wavy patterns. The name white oak might make you think that this flooring is lighter in color but in fact the opposite is true.
The grains of white are finer and not as pronounced as red oak. White oak is a slightly harder wood than red oak. The grains of red oak are more prominent than white oak.
However because red oak has a more pronounced grain pattern it tends to hide scratches and dents better than white oak. On the janka hardness scale white oak is 1360 and red oak is 1290. Red oak has pinkish and red tones throughout.
White oak has a smoother and cleaner look. But as i mentioned above even though red oak is a bit less hard it tends to show the dents a bit less. On the janka scale red oak has a hardness of 1290 while white oak has a hardness of 1360.
White oak flooring is harder than red oak rating 1360 on the janka hardness scale while red oak is just 1290. Red oak tends to have a more distinctive grain than white oak which is smoother. Because of this white oak is denser.
White oak is actually a mix of browns and tans making it darker than red oak. Despite their initial difference in color as you apply stain to them that difference is diminished. White oak is also very dense which makes it more suitable for outdoor furniture and boat building.