Red Oak vs. White Oak

Synopsis: Delve into the details of oak wood, which boasts more than 500 different species across the world. For woodworking purposes, red oak and white oak are the main categories, and there are significant differences between them. Red oak is less expensive, has a warmer tone and coarser grain, and is often used for flooring and cabinetry. White oak is pricier, has prominent ray fleck, darkens well with fuming, and is often used for fine furniture, particularly Arts and Crafts. There are more subtle differences, too, explored in the article.

Civilization wouldn’t be where it is without oak trees. Ships wouldn’t have been as strong or seaworthy, nor buildings and bridges as large and durable, so trade, travel, and industry wouldn’t have thrived as they did. Wine and bourbon certainly wouldn’t be as tasty. And woodworkers wouldn’t have one of their strongest and most abundant…