White Oak

Akin to a giant tortoise, white oak is a slow-growing and long-lived species—specimens have been documented at over 400 years old. It even takes its sweet time reproducing. Acorns are not produced in large quantities until the tree reaches at least 50. And those same acorns can spend an equal number of years resting dormant beneath fallen leaves on the forest floor, waiting patiently for sunlight to hit them. Unless a squirrel gets there first.

We’re equally patient at Vermont Plank Flooring where we persistently seek out only the healthiest fully mature white oaks. The result is boards up to fifteen inches in width, and up to fourteen feet long. You’d be hard-pressed to find similar dimensions elsewhere. Wide planks provide a spaciousness that will transform a room. And because white oak is highly stable dimensionally, the seams between those wide boards remain tight.

White oak is one of the more durable domestic hardwoods available. On the Janka scale, which measures the relative hardness of woods, white oak is rated behind only hickory and maple. But durability is more than just hardness. White oak accepts finishes and stains quite well, which further protect it. And its tight, patterned grain hides wear and tear without appearing worn, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

At Vermont Plank Flooring, we mill our white oak wide plank flooring for a variety of customer preferences. You can choose from three different styles of white oak boards, plain/flat sawn (on which we’ll focus here), and rift sawn and quarter sawn.

White oak’s durability makes it ideally suited for high-traffic areas, including living rooms, family rooms, stairways, and hallways. Its rot resistance also makes it a great candidate for rooms that might attract occasional water or moisture, such as spills in a kitchen, or wet boots in the mud room (also known as foyers outside of Vermont). For bathrooms, basements, and areas with more severe moisture potential, we recommend our moisture-resistant engineered flooring.

Both White Oak and Red Oak are popular choices for their distinct character and performance. While White Oak often steals the show, Red Oak is also one of our most popular flooring options. Both offer stunning aesthetics and lasting durability. Which one is right for you? Let's break down the key differences to help you decide:

Color:

• Red Oak: Has a warmer tone with a subtle pinkish hue, which can be more noticeable with lighter stains.
• White Oak: Leans cooler with a light brown or yellow undertone. Stains tend to take more evenly on white oak.

Grain Pattern:

• Red Oak: Features a bolder, more prominent grain pattern with longer, sweeping rays. Great for hiding minor scratches and dents.
• White Oak: Showcases a smoother, more subtle grain with mineral streaks. Offers a modern, clean aesthetic.

Durability:

• Red Oak: Very strong and hard-wearing, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
• White Oak: Exceptionally strong and dimensionally stable. Ideal for areas with potential moisture concerns, like basements (when properly acclimated).

Style:

• Red Oak: The classic choice, offering a warm and traditional look.
• White Oak: Provides a more contemporary feel with its clean lines and minimal grain.

Cost:

• Red Oak: Almost always more affordable than White Oak. The raw material cost is significantly less for Red Oak, which means it tends to be the most cost-effective in a solid plank structure and costs more in an engineered plank structure.
• Often priced higher due to its greater demand and superior stability. The raw material cost is higher, especially in Select Grade White Oak, which means an engineered plank structure tends to be the most affordable route.

If your flooring will be laid on concrete, below grade, or in a location where more than occasional moisture is likely, our engineered wide plank flooring is your answer.