Which Is Better: Red Oak versus White Oak Hardwood Flooring?

Oak is the most famous preference for hardwood floors. Oak is a very realistic choice for hardwood flooring as it's completely a long-lasting wood that can last well for over one hundred years. In addition to being conveniently available – it's grown and milled within the USA and especially within the Northeast vicinity of the USA.

It could be very cheap compared to different species of wood which are used for hardwood flooring, and quite versatile as it is able to be stained with almost any coloration of the rainbow. So what is the distinction between Red Oak and White Oak, and what is better?

COLOR: In contrast to what the name suggests, White Oak is a darker wood than Red Oak.

The color of White Oak is a combination of browns and tans ranging from darkish brown to beige, while Red Oak is a lighter wood that levels from almost white to a gentle amber color. Red Oak has pinkish tones and pink colorations. Either can be stained by any color, and the seen variations between Red or White Oak diminish as you cross darker with the stain colour.

Lighter tints and white washes on Red Oak could have a reddish or pinkish undertone to the color. Because White Oak is a darker timber, the equal coloration stain carried out to both Red and White Oak flooring may be darker on the White Oak floor than it's far at the Red Oak ground.

HARDNESS: White Oak is a little bit tougher than Red Oak. On the hardness scale, White Oak flooring scores 1360 and Red Oak floors 1290. White Oak is also very dense, making it more appropriate for out of doors furnishings and boat building. Some declare that the density of White Oak makes it a more strong species (much less seasonal movement) than Red Oak; however, both kinds of hardwood floors could have a few seasonal movements. Both Red and White Oak flooring is remarkable alternatives for lengthy-time period durability for maximum houses.

GRAIN PATTERN: Red Oak grain designs tend to be extra specific or" wild" than the finer, less pronounced grain pattern is commonplace to White Oak. The grain of a White Oak runs straighter and tighter than in Red Oak, with fewer swirls, circles or deviations. Red oak also has wider grain lines which could run in zigzag styles or diffused, wavy traces that are absent from White Oak. Another purpose that Red Oak floors present a greater distinguished grain pattern than White Oak is due to the fact it's far a lighter wood than White Oak. And however, the smoother look of White Oak can also be attributed to the truth that the darkish grain is less great against the darker timber.

MATCHING EXISTING ACCESSORIES: Red Oak is a ways greater regularly utilized in stair treads, Newel posts, handrails and bannisters. If you have got Oak stair treads already in your home that you need to be in shape, possibilities are true that they're Red Oak. If you are adding new treads or railings in your house, White Oak may be slightly extra high priced since it's miles less typically used, but not significantly so.