White oak is a slightly harder wood than red oak.

Red oak hardwood flooring vs white oak. Differences between red oak and white oak hardwood floors. White oak with dark walnut stain. According to the janka scale, white oak is slightly harder at 1360, compared to red oak’s score of 1290.

White oak is more popular than red oak for flooring as it is easier to match, and has long and linear graining. The difference is small, and even if white oak is harder, red oak may. One way to tell is by looking at the overall color of the wood.

Hardness based on the janka hardness scale, white oak is. Red oak has light golden wood with reddish or pink tones. This type of wood is great for boats or other areas where the conditions might.

On the janka hardness scale, white oak flooring scores a 1360 and red oak. White oak flooring is slightly harder (and oddly enough, darker) than red oak with a janka rating of about 1360. It is usually lighter weight than white.

Red oak has a janka hardness rating of approximately 1290. White oak rates 1,360 on the janka scale, so just a bit higher than its red. For a full explanation of the differences between red oak and white oak flooring read our red oak vs white oak post.

There are pink and salmon undertones in red oak. According to the janka hardness scale, white oak’s rating is 1360, while red oak has a 1290 hardness rating. However, because red oak has a more pronounced grain pattern, it tends to hide.