The commercial domestic species of red and white oak are widely distributed throughout the United States. Higher quality woods come from the Northern portion of the Unites States and into Canada, also referred to as "Northern Growth." Softer and less expensive Oak used by many manufacturers comes from Southern regions because of its longer growing seasons. These woods are less dense and do not wear as well as Northern Growth oaks.

The heartwood and sapwood of red oak are similar in appearance, which is light-colored with a reddish tone. It is slightly redder in color than white oak, which can have a white cream to light brown color. The grain of red oak is open, and also somewhat coarser, and so more porous, than that of white oak, which tends to have longer rays. These distinctive rays are what make white oak so prized for construction of "Mission" style furniture and woodwork.

Depending on whether the wood is plainsawn, riftsawn, or quartersawn, the wood can take on a dramatically different look. The grain of both plainsawn red and white oak can have a plumed or flared appearance, also referred to as chapels. While rift and quartersawn are straight grained with a "flake" pattern that is referred to as "tiger rays" or "flecks." Whited oak boards can show a pronounced variation in appearance depending region in which it is grown and other factors; red oak, however, shows much less variation. White oak is slightly harder than red oak. Both woods have commonly been used for flooring for centuries and remain the most popular choice for homeowners. Generally used in homes seeking a warm, rich feeling, both woods are an excellent choice for flooring because of their hardness and ability to hide life's little "oops." Rift and quarter sawn white oak is common in historic settings such as homes built in the 1800's and early 1900's.

See additional hardwood flooring types.