Can you stain red oak to look like white oak?

You can minimize the pinkish tone with certain stains, but red oak's open grain pattern and warm undertone will always differ from white oak's more neutral, closed-grain appearance.

Is white oak waterproof?

Not waterproof, but white oak's closed cell structure (tyloses) makes it significantly more water-resistant than red oak. This is why white oak is used for whiskey barrels.

White oak is slightly harder at 1360 Janka vs red oak's 1290. In practice, both perform similarly underfoot.

Why is white oak more popular now?

White oak's neutral brown tones work better with modern gray, cool, and natural stain trends. Red oak's pink undertone clashes with these popular palettes.

White Oak vs Red Oak wood grain comparison

flooring

White Oak vs Red Oak: The Definitive Flooring Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 28, 2026|Sources & methodology

White oak and red oak are the two most popular hardwood flooring species in North America, together accounting for the majority of domestic hardwood floor installations. While they share the oak family name, they differ meaningfully in color, grain pattern, water resistance, and trending popularity.

White Oak

Red Oak

Key Takeaways

White oak and red oak are the two most popular hardwood flooring species in North America, together accounting for the majority of domestic hardwood floor installations.
While they share the oak family name, they differ meaningfully in color, grain pattern, water resistance, and trending popularity.
White oak is the current design favorite with better water resistance and staining versatility.
Red oak remains an excellent choice for traditional aesthetics and budget-friendly projects.
Choose white oak for contemporary and modern designs, kitchens, or any area where water resistance matters.

Property	White Oak	Red Oak
Hardness Janka	1360	1290
Density Lbft3	47	44
Price Range	$4.00-$8.00/sqft	$3.50-$6.50/sqft
Durability Class	Both excellent for flooring	-
Color	Warm brown with golden undertones	Pinkish-red to salmon tones

White Oak

Pros

Currently the most on-trend flooring wood
Slightly harder than red oak
Water-resistant closed-grain structure
Takes stain more evenly

Cons

More expensive than red oak
Less available in some regions
Can look too uniform for rustic styles

Red Oak

Pros

Lower cost and wider availability
Distinctive bold grain pattern
Classic American hardwood look
Huge installed base for matching

Cons

Pinkish undertone limits stain options
Open grain absorbs moisture more readily
Currently less popular in design trends

Best Use Cases

Choose white oak for contemporary and modern designs, kitchens, or any area where water resistance matters. Choose red oak for traditional homes, budget-conscious renovations, or matching existing red oak floors.

Verdict

White oak is the current design favorite with better water resistance and staining versatility. Red oak remains an excellent choice for traditional aesthetics and budget-friendly projects.