Out of white oak and red oak, red oak is the more traditional choice. Popular for its light golden to reddish pink tones and its more unique "wider" strong graining patterns, red oak is a sound long-lasting wood product. It is the most prevalent species used for hardwood flooring. Its popularity lies in its durability and pleasing grain and color. It works very well in numerous areas of the home as furniture, flooring and woodwork. Because red oak is more common, it is less popular than white for very fine furniture, however.
Oak is the most popular wood species used in Colorado for hardwood flooring. There are more than 60 species of oak growing in the United States but only 2 are predominately used for hardwood flooring. A very traditional hardwood, oak has beautiful natural graining, color, and character.
White oak is the harder wood of the two, having less pronounced finer graining and a warmer golden brown color. White oak is more stable, accepts stain colors more evenly than red, and may undergo a medium degree of color change developing a tawny patina over time. Used for hundreds of years in the building of boats, truck beds, wooden wagon wheels and wine barrels, it is more resistant to air and moisture. It also has a tighter, more uniform straight grain than red. This wood is very hard, durable, and resistant to problems like insects and fungi. Though it is a better choice for outdoor projects, it is also a great option for high traffic areas in the home, such as foyers and recreational areas.