What Are the Differences Between Red Oak and White Oak?

If you've been browsing cabinetry recently, you may have seen some labeled as red oak while others are labeled as white oak. You might think the main difference is the color, but that's not the case. They're actually from different species of oak trees, which means they have different characteristics and purposes. The rundown on red oak vs. white oak can be broken down into four main topics:

Choosing the right oak depends on how you intend to use the wood, your budget, and the desired outcome for your cabinetry.

Red oak is commonly used for hardwood flooring, furniture, fencing, cabinetry, and paneling. White oak can be used similarly for flooring, paneling, and cabinetry. However, white oak has a slight advantage in the durability department compared to its red counterpart. If you're worried about water or steam damage or dents and dings in your cabinetry, white oak may be the right choice.

Since both types of wood are well suited for kitchen cabinetry, the right choice primarily comes down to personal preference. Red oak lends a more traditional, warm look to your kitchen while white oak is incredibly versatile thanks to its light color. It can be easily stained or painted, and rift-cut white oak complements contemporary designs beautifully.

Red and white oak have distinct looks. Red oak wood boasts a warm, rich, reddish tint with a more dramatic grain pattern. White oak is much paler and may have pinkish or purplish hues with more subdued grain.

One noticeable difference is the prevalence of rift-sawn wood between the two colors. Rift-sawing creates a straight grain pattern that reduces flakes in the grain. Rift white oak cabinets are more common than their red counterparts, primarily due to aesthetic preference. While both types of wood can be easily stained, white oak tends to be paired with lighter, gentler colors to show off its natural beauty.

The right choice partly depends on your preference and desired appearance. However, the colors and grain patterns of red oak cabinets can help hide scratches, dents, and other imperfections.

Both red and white oak are durable enough to withstand use in your kitchen. They rank similarly on the Janka Hardness Scale, which indicates how resistant a certain wood species is to becoming dented or worn. The scale measures the pounds of force (lbf) needed to force a small steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. Woods with higher numbers are more resistant to denting or scratching. White oak is slightly more durable than red oak, with a rating of 1,360 lbf, compared to red oak's 1,290 lbf.

Beyond that, white oak tends to be more rot-resistant, often making it a better choice for outdoor use. However, regarding kitchen cabinets, you can't go wrong with either species.

Red oak is the more cost-effective option compared to white oak. This is primarily because white oak trees are less common than red oak trees and, therefore, tend to be more expensive. However, the cost also depends on other factors, such as the grade of the wood, where you're sourcing it from, and current market conditions.

The type of finish you choose for your cabinets can also influence the final cost. As mentioned previously, both types of wood stain easily. This means you can apply the stain yourself or opt for pre-painted cabinets, but the latter option will increase the price.