If you’re looking for a new type of wood to use for your next project, you may be wondering what the difference is between white oak and red oak. Both types of oak are popular choices, but they have some key differences.
In this blog post, we will discuss the characteristics of both White oak vs Red Oak, as well as their pros and cons. We will also give you a few tips on how to choose the right type of oak for your project.
Table of Contents
What Is White Oak Wood?
White Oak wood is a type of hardwood that is very popular for furniture and flooring and comes from the Quercus alba tree.
It is a strong and durable wood that is also very beautiful. White Oak wood is usually a light brown color with a slight tinge of red or pink. It has a very straight grain pattern and is easy to work with.
It is native to North America and is one of the most common types of hardwood trees.
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What Is Red Oak Wood?
Red oak is a type of hardwood that comes from the Quercus rubra tree. This tree is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to wetlands. The red oak tree can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters).
Red Oak wood is one of the most popular types of wood used in construction and furniture making. It is strong and durable, yet still has a beautiful grain that makes it perfect for a variety of applications.
The wood of the red oak tree is strong and dense, making it perfect for a number of different uses.
WHITE OAK VS RED OAK
| CATEGORY | WHITE OAK WOOD | RED OAK WOOD |
| PRICE | The price of White Oak wood varies depending on the quality of the lumber and can range from $11.99-$14.99/board foot. You can order natural, high character and premium walnut boards. If you order in bulk you can get cheaper pricing. | The price of Red Oak wood varies depending on the quality of the lumber and can range from $4.39-$5.59/board foot. You can order natural, high character and premium walnut boards. If you order in bulk you can get cheaper pricing. |
| JANKA HARDNESS | White Oak Janka Hardness is 1335 | Red Oak Janka Hardness is 1220 |
| DURABILITY | White Oak is a little more durable than Red Oak . It’s not as susceptible to dents and scratches, and it doesn’t show wear as easily. | Red Oak is more likely to dent and scratch, and it shows wear more easily. If you’re looking for a more durable hardwood floor, White Oak is the better choice. |
| SPECIES | White Oak species is Quercus alba. | Red Oak species is Quercus rubra. |
| TREE SIZE | White Oak trees average between 65-85 feet tall and 3-4 feet in diameter. | Red Oak trees average between 80-115 feet tall and 3-6 feet in diameter. In terms of sheer size, the red oak is the clear winner. |
| LOCATION | White Oak trees are located in the eastern half of the US. | Red Oaks are found in the central and eastern US. |
| COLOR | White Oak wood is usually a light tan to gray color. You can find some boards with a slight pink or green hue, but generally, it is a pale wood. | Red Oak is reddish with light to medium brown heartwood and white to pale yellow sapwood. |
| GRAIN | White oak wood grain is straight with a very slight wave to it. This grain is what gives white oak wood its strength and stability. | Red oak wood grain is also straight with a slightly more pronounced wave to it. This grain is what gives red oak wood its unique character and beauty. |
| END GRAIN | White Oak end grain is ring porous, meaning the pores are arranged in circles around the growth rings. The rays that make up the growth rings are large and visible, giving White Oak a course texture. | Red Oak is also ring porous, but the pores are not as uniformly distributed and the rays are smaller, resulting in a smoother grain. |
| ROT RESISTANCE | White Oak has strong rot resistance due to its high tannin content. This means that it will last longer in wet or humid environments than Red Oak. | Red Oak has weak rot resistance due to its low tannin content. This means that it will not last as long in wet or humid environments as White Oak and is prone to insect attacks. |
| SUSTAINABILITY | White Oak is very sustainable because it is very rot resistant. It can last up to 100 years in the right environment. Not listed on any protected species lists. | Red Oak is not as sustainable because it is not as rot resistant. It only lasts for about 30-40 years in the right environment. Not listed on any protected species lists. |
| USES | White Oak is commonly used for furniture, flooring, boatbuilding, veneer and construction due to its durability and strength. It is also used for cooperage, or barrels. | Red Oak is used mostly for furniture, cabinetry, veneer and flooring as well. |
| RELATED SPECIES | White oak has many related species such as the bur oak, post oak, and live oak. | Red oak also has many related species such as the black oak, scarlet oak, and shumard oak. |
Red vs White Oak
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WHITE OAK VS RED OAK: PROS & CONS
| WHITE OAK WOOD | RED OAK WOOD | |
| PROS | The pros of White Oak wood are that it is very strong and durable. It is also resistant to rot, decay, and insects. | The pros of Red Oak wood are that it is very popular and easy to find. It is also cheaper than White Oak wood. |
| CONSThe cons of White Oak wood are that it is expensive. | The cons of Red Oak wood are that it is not as strong and durable as White Oak wood. |
White Oak wood is best for:
-Flooring
-Furniture
-Cabinetry
White Oak is one of the most popular woods used in home construction and renovations. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. White Oak has a light colored wood grain that can range from pale white to cream or tan.
It is a versatile wood that can be stained or painted to match any decor. White Oak is a hardwood, so it is more resistant to scratches and dents than softer woods. It is also less likely to warp or cup over time. If you are looking for a beautiful, long lasting wood for your home, White Oak is the perfect choice.
Red Oak wood is best for:
-Furniture
-Flooring
-Veneer
Red Oak is one of the most popular woods used in America for good reason. It’s strong, durable, and beautiful. If you’re looking for wood to use for furniture, flooring, or firewood, Red Oak is a great option.
White Oak Vs Red Oak Floors
If you’re stuck between white oak vs red oak floors, there are a few things you should know.
For starters, white oak is harder and more durable than red oak. White oak is also more resistant to moisture and rot, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas or rooms with lots of natural light. Red oak, on the other hand, is more affordable and easier to refinish.
If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance floor, white oak is the way to go. But if you’re on a budget or you want a floor that’s easy to refinish, red oak may be the better choice.
White Oak Vs Red Oak Staining
When it comes to staining white oak vs red oak, there are a few things to keep in mind.
White oak is more porous than red oak. This means that it will absorb the stain more quickly. Red oak is less porous and will take longer to absorb the stain.
Another difference to consider is the grain pattern. White oak has a tighter grain pattern than red oak. This means that the stain will not penetrate as deeply into the wood. Red oak has a more open grain pattern and the stain will penetrate deeper into the wood.
The final difference to consider is the color of the wood. White oak is typically lighter in color than red oak. This means that the stain will be more visible on white oak. Red oak is typically darker in color and the stain will be less visible.
White Oak Vs Red Oak Bark
When it comes to White Oak Bark vs Red Oak Bark, there are a few things to know.
The main difference is the color. White Oak Bark is typically a lighter color, while Red Oak Bark is darker. The other thing to know is that White Oak Bark is typically softer and easier to work with. Red Oak Bark is harder and more difficult to work with.
When it comes to projects like mulching or making garden beds, white oak bark is the better choice. It’s easier to spread and looks more aesthetically pleasing. For projects like walkways or driveways, red oak bark is the better choice because it’s more durable.
White Oak Vs Red Oak Logs
When it comes to Whit Oak vs Red Oak logs, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The most important factor is the tree species. Both White and Red Oaks are members of the Beech (Fagaceae) family, but they have different characteristics.
White Oak is a hardwood with a tight grain that makes it very strong and durable. It’s often used in construction because it doesn’t warp or shrink when it dries out. Red Oak is also a hardwood, but it has a more open grain that makes it less stable. It’s often used for furniture and flooring because it’s easier to work with.
The next thing to consider is the tree’s age. White Oaks can live to be over 200 years old, while Red Oaks only live to be around 100 years old. This means that White Oak logs will be more dense and have a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. Red Oak logs will be less dense and have a lower BTU rating.
The last thing to keep in mind is the price. White Oak logs are going to be more expensive than Red Oak logs. This is because they’re more rare and they have a higher BTU rating. If you’re looking for the best value, Red Oak is the way to go. But if you want the best quality, White Oak is worth the investment.
White Oak Vs Red Oak Cabinets
When it comes to White Oak vs Red Oak cabinets, keep this in mind.
White Oak is the more traditional choice for kitchen cabinets. It has a light, creamy color with a slightly grainy texture. Red Oak is a bit more modern and trendy. It has a richer, deeper color with a straighter grain.
So, which one is right for you? Well, that depends on your personal style and taste. If you want something classic and timeless, go with White Oak. If you want something a bit more updated and trendy, choose Red Oak.
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