How tough is white oak?

White oak receives a Janka hardness score of 1360, which makes it harder than red oak, white ash, American cherry and American walnut. This means that it will withstand daily use well, without a lot of denting or dinging.

Does white oak flooring scratch easily?

White oak is a bit harder and more durable White oak is bit harder then red oak on the janka hardness scale (white oak is 1360 vs red oak is 1290). This makes it a bit more resilient when it comes to denting. Note that this does not have an impact on scratching…that is determined by the type of polyurethane or finish.

Is white oak a hard wood?

White oak is one of the more durable domestic hardwoods available. On the Janka scale, which measures the relative hardness of woods, white oak is rated behind only hickory and maple. But durability is more than just hardness. White oak accepts finishes and stains quite well, which further protect it.

Is white oak harder than hard maple?

Maple is among the harder wood species, with a 1450 rating on the Janka wood hardness chart. As one of the densest wood species, Maple is ideal for high-traffic areas. Oak is slightly less hard – White Oak has a 1360 rating and Red Oak a 1290 rating.

Is white oak a good wood?

The white oaks are one of the strongest native hardwoods. Bending strength (MOR) averages 13,000 psi. Hardness averages 1360 pounds.

Is white oak a hardwood or softwood?

hardwoods
White oak has lighter tones than red oak, which can show some red or pink tint. Both are considered hardwoods, although white oak is a little harder than red oak. Both types of oak have open graining, but red oak has a slightly coarser and more porous grain than white oak.

Why do people want white oak floors?

This reason right here is one of the main reasons people use it so much! It is also one of the more durable hardwoods; it’s harder than other kinds of hardwood like pine (harder meaning more resilient to dents). It’s become very popular in new builds in recent years because of this.

Should you stain white oak?

For a light and fresh look, stain your white oak hardwood flooring a lighter color. This also smooths and blends the contrast in the grain for a very clean look. For more traditional, rustic, or just darker floors, a dark stain absorbs beautifully and lets the grain really stand out.

Why is white oak so expensive?

The inventory is low, the demand is at an all-time high and so are the prices. Many are surprised to learn that the availability of white oak is not the issue— as many as 5.2 billion white oak trees cover 235,000 square miles in the United States.

Is white oak flooring a trend?

If you’re looking into the flooring market, a trend you may be clued in on is the growth in popularity of white oak hardwood flooring. While red oak hardwood is still more commonly used, white oak hardwood flooring is trending for a number of reasons.

What wood is similar to white oak?

Available in both sustainably sourced fresh-sawn, or storied reclaimed, Ash is a great alternative to white oak in nearly every application. “When folks are looking for a change from Oak, I often steer them to Ash,” said Rob D’Alessandro of New Energy Works fine woodworking group.

Is White Oak more expensive than Red Oak?

Both hardwood types are affordable, but red oak tends to be less expensive than white oak. Prices, however, do fluctuate, and red oak might become more expensive than white oak depending on lumber availability. Prices vary, and brands, retailers, wood grade, and even plank dimensions can influence pricing.