Is maple harder than oak?

Yes, hard maple has a Janka rating of 1450 vs red oak's 1290, making it about 12% harder and more resistant to dents from furniture and foot traffic.

Can I stain maple to look like oak?

Maple does not take stain as evenly as oak due to its tight, closed grain. Staining maple dark often results in blotchy, uneven coloring.

Which is better for kitchens?

Both work well. Maple's lighter color hides dust better, while oak's grain pattern hides scratches and dents more effectively.

Does maple flooring yellow over time?

Yes, maple can develop a yellowish or amber tone with UV exposure over the years, especially in natural or light finishes.

flooring

Oak vs Maple Flooring: Which Hardwood Is Right for Your Home? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 27, 2026|Sources & methodology

Oak and maple are the two most installed domestic hardwood flooring species. Oak offers bold grain character and warm tones, while maple delivers a clean, contemporary look with a harder surface. Both are excellent flooring choices with distinct aesthetic personalities.

Oak

Maple

Key Takeaways

Oak and maple are the two most installed domestic hardwood flooring species.
Oak offers bold grain character and warm tones, while maple delivers a clean, contemporary look with a harder surface.
Both are excellent flooring choices with distinct aesthetic personalities.
Oak is the more versatile choice thanks to its superior stain acceptance and warm character.
Maple is ideal for modern, minimalist spaces that benefit from its clean, light appearance.

Property	Oak	Maple
Hardness Janka	1290	1450
Density Lbft3	44	44
Price Range	$3.50-$7.00/sqft	$4.00-$7.50/sqft
Durability Class	Both excellent for flooring	-
Color	Warm brown with prominent grain	Creamy white to light tan, subtle grain

Oak

Pros

Bold grain adds visual character and warmth
Takes stain extremely well in a wide range of colors
Most available and familiar hardwood flooring
Works with traditional, transitional, and rustic styles

Cons

Slightly softer than maple
Grain can compete with busy room decor
Red oak has a pinkish undertone that limits stain options

Maple

Pros

Harder surface — better dent resistance
Clean, uniform appearance suits modern design
Light color brightens rooms
Subtle grain does not compete with decor

Cons

Does not accept stain evenly — prone to blotching
Can yellow over time with UV exposure
Less character and warmth than oak

Best Use Cases

Choose oak for character-rich floors that take stain beautifully in any color — ideal for traditional, rustic, and transitional interiors. Choose maple for clean, contemporary spaces where a light, uniform floor is the design goal.

Verdict

Oak is the more versatile choice thanks to its superior stain acceptance and warm character. Maple is ideal for modern, minimalist spaces that benefit from its clean, light appearance.