Red Oak Hardwood Flooring Vs White Oak
On the janka hardness scale white oak is 1360 and red oak is 1290.
Red oak hardwood flooring vs white oak. White oak white oak flooring is slightly harder and oddly enough darker than red oak with a janka rating of about 1360. However because red oak has a more pronounced grain pattern it tends to hide scratches and dents better than white oak. Red oak tends to have a more distinctive grain than white oak which is smoother. On the janka hardness scale white oak flooring scores a 1360 and red oak flooring a 1290.
Because of this white oak is denser. Despite their initial difference in color as you apply stain to them that difference is diminished. 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. The grains of white are finer and not as pronounced as red oak.
Red oak has pinkish and red tones throughout. On the janka scale red oak has a hardness of 1290 while white oak has a hardness of 1360. Also the rays are a bit longer on white oak vs red oak. White oak has more mineral streaks and this gives it a bit more of a contemporary look.
White oak is a slightly harder wood than red oak. White oak flooring is harder than red oak rating 1360 on the janka hardness scale while red oak is just 1290. Hardness white oak flooring is a bit harder than red oak. When installing brand new hardwood throughout the house the option you choose really depends on aesthetics.
The grains in white oak are longer more straight and tightly packed with fewer swirly patterns. This type of wood is great for boats or other areas where the conditions might not be stable over time think wind and rain. White oak is also very dense which makes it more suitable for outdoor furniture and boat building. If you want a more unified less busy floor then white oak is the better option as there is less variation in the grain.