- White oak is neutral, hard enough, and takes stain well. That's why it's everywhere.
- Cut changes the look: plain sawn has cathedral grain, rift and quarter sawn are straight and calm.
- Grade changes the knots: clear/select is calm, character grades are rustic.
- "Natural" finishes vary a lot. See a big sample in your own light.
Why white oak
- A neutral, slightly warm base that goes with most cabinets. Colour matching
- Harder than red oak, with tighter-closed pores.
- It takes stains and reactive finishes well, from pale Scandinavian to smoky brown.
Cut
| Cut | Look |
|---|---|
| Plain sawn | Arches and "cathedral" patterns. Most common |
| Rift sawn | Straight, linear grain. Very calm |
| Quarter sawn | Straight with flecks (ray fleck) |
| Live sawn | A mix of all three in each board |
Grade
Names vary by brand, but roughly: clear/select has few knots and even colour, character/rustic has knots, colour swings and filled checks. Character is often better at hiding wear.
Buying tips
- Check the wear layer on engineered if you want to refinish later. Wear layers
- Pale "raw" looks are popular and show less dust, but some use finishes that need more upkeep.
- Open several boxes at install so colour is blended across the room.
Common questions
Is white oak better than red oak for floors?
White oak is slightly harder, has more neutral tones and tighter pores. Red oak has pinker tones and more open grain. Both are durable. White oak is currently more popular.
What is the difference between rift and plain sawn white oak?
Plain sawn shows arched cathedral grain. Rift sawn shows straight, linear grain for a calmer, more modern look and usually costs more.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.