If you’re considering oak for your next flooring project, here’s what you need to know to choose between red and white oak floors with confidence. 

Grain and Appearance 

Red Oak Floors: Known for its warm, reddish undertones and more pronounced grain pattern. Its natural color ranges from light cream to rich pinkish-brown, which can add character and warmth to any space. 

White Oak Floors: Offers a more subtle, tighter grain with cooler undertones ranging from light beige to medium brown.

White oak often has a smoother look, making it ideal for modern and minimalist interiors. 

Durability and Hardness 

Red Oak Floors: With a Janka hardness rating of around 1,290, red oak is durable enough for most residential spaces while being slightly easier to cut and install. 

White Oak Floors: Slightly harder, with a Janka rating of about 1,360, white oak provides extra resistance to dents and wear — a great choice for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. 

Staining and Finishing 

Red Oak Floors: Naturally takes stain evenly, but its red undertones can subtly influence the final color—adding warmth to darker stains and occasionally giving cooler tones a soft blush. If you currently have red oak floors and want to reduce or remove the red/orange hue, Mattson Floor can help you achieve the look you’re after with Bona Red Out combined with expert staining and finishing techniques. 

White Oak Floors: Known for its neutral tones and fine grain, white oak is incredibly versatile when it comes to staining—making it an ideal choice for gray, whitewashed, or deep, contemporary finishes. 

Cost and Availability 

Both red oak and white oak floors are widely available in North America, especially from trusted northern mills like those we partner with at Mattson Floor. However, white oak flooring is generally higher in price due to its increased demand in both the flooring and furniture markets. Red oak remains a cost-effective option while still offering excellent performance and beauty.