Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
White OakRed Oak
| Property | White Oak Quercus alba | Red Oak Quercus rubra |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$$ · Premium | $$ · Moderate |
| Hardness | 1350 lbf | 1220 lbf |
| Workability | Good | Good |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Medium |
| Outdoor-friendly | Yes | No |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (North America) |
| Commonly built | Whiskey & wine barrels, Adirondack chairs, Mission-style furniture, Boat decks, Farmhouse tables | Shaker-style cabinets, Hardwood flooring, Dining tables, Bookcases, Interior trim |
| Overview | Red oak's tougher, water-resistant cousin. Closed cellular structure makes it the classic choice for anything that gets wet. | The workhorse American hardwood, strong, affordable, everywhere. Coarse open grain takes stain readily but reads busy. |