Two oaks, one choice. Whether you’re chasing warmth or elegance, durability or value, Red Oak and White Oak are classic contenders in the world of hardwood flooring. Here’s how they stack up and standout with some colour inspiration from Superior Flooring.
DURABILITY VS. STABILITY:
THE REAL HARDWOOD SHOWDOWN
RED OAK
- More stable and less likely to warp in changing humidity
- Janka hardness rating of 1,290
- A smart pick for Canadian climates.
WHITE OAK
- Wins on durability, with a tougher Janka rating of 1,360
- Perfect for pets, busy households, parties, and life on the move.
THE LOOK:
GRAIN, HUE AND VISUAL VIBES
RED OAK
- Bold grain with a natural reddish-pink undertone.
- Warm and inviting—ideal for traditional or transitional interiors.
Try these from Superior Flooring:
WHITE OAK
- Subtle, tight grain with light to medium brown undertones.
- Cooler, more modern look, loved by designers.
Popular picks from Superior Flooring:
THE STAIN GAME:
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FLOOR
RED OAK
- Takes stains well
- Red Oak naturally has a pinkish to reddish hue or undertone
- Superior has developed unique stains to mimic the look of White Oak
WHITE OAK
- Takes stains well
- Red Oak naturally has a pinkish to reddish hue or undertone
- Superior has developed unique stains to mimic the look of White Oak
PRICE &
PRACTICALITY
Red Oak
- MVP of budget-friendly
- More abundant and readily available
White Oak
- Currently trending so in high demand
- Higher priced but offers plenty of polish
SUSTAINABILITY
SNAPSHOT
Red Oak
- Grow and reforests faster
- Abundance available
White Oak
- Grows slower, takes longer to reforest
- High demand putting strain on supply
DECISION TIME.
WHO’S YOUR WINNER?
IF YOU WANT
THEN GO WITH
A Timeless Traditional Feel
Red Oak
Cool Tones and a Modern Edge
White Oak
Lower Cost and Higher Availability
Red Oak
Higher Durability at Higher Pricepoint
White Oak
Bold Expressive Grain
Red Oak
Sleek Minimalist Finish
White Oak
THE FINAL WORD
Red or white, both oaks are champions at Superior Flooring. It all comes down to the look you love, the lifestyle you lead, and the atmosphere you want underfoot.
Need help visualizing it? Explore swatches, order samples or use our visualizer tool here to imagine your space with your own photos.
