Steller Blog

How to Choose between Character White Oak or American Oak for your Hardwood Floor

Written by Britta @ Steller | Mar 14, 2025 10:58:49 AM

If you're knee-deep in a remodel or just daydreaming about your next renovation project, one thing is certain—wood floors make a statement. They add warmth, personality, and quantifiable value to your home.

But when it comes to picking the right hardwood, the battle of White Oak vs. American Oak is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as American home design).

At Steller Floors, our real, solid woods floors reimagine what it means to live with a wide plank wood floor. Non need to fear pet stains and water damage, our unique floating floor system is easy to install and repair, meaning you get the beauty of hardwood without the headaches of traditional flooring.

Why White Oak or American Oak?

These two powerhouse species are beloved for their strength, style, and adaptability. Both are excellent choices, but they each have their own distinct personalities—kind of like the difference between a casual Californian and a polished, East Coast city dweller.

Quick Highlights:

  • White Oak: Cool, muted tones with a rugged, natural charm—think cozy cabins or modern farmhouse vibes in American Western or Southern Interior Design Styles.

  • American Oak (Red Oak): Warm, ruddy hues with a tidy, classic look—perfect for mid-century modern and traditional homes in the suburbs.

  • Floating installation: Works over concrete or even subfloor heat, no glue or nails required. So easy you can install yourself or choose any contractor (no certifications required).

  • Durability: Our floating floor system makes repairs easy, so you can avoid refinishing with either variety. In our floors hardness ins't a major concern—just pick what looks best in your home!

White Oak: Casual, Natural, and Full of Character

White oak hardwood floors bring a raw, sandy beauty to your home. In character grades, white oak grain is wilder, the knots tell a story, and it looks just as good underfoot as it does in a whiskey barrel (which, fun fact, is one of White Oak’s many uses). 

Best for: Homeowners who want a relaxed, lived-in feel. Think rustic-chic in a natural, clear finish, or whitewashed for a minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired spaces with an emphasis on modern austerity.

American Oak: Timeless, Elegant, and Mid-Century Approved

American oak hardwood floors are the gold standard for classic home design. If you’ve ever walked into a mid-century modern home and admired the perfect, polished floors, chances are you were standing on American Oak. With its notable grain and rich, warm tones, American Oak floors offer a warm and welcoming foundation for both traditional and modern homes.

Best for: Homeowners who love ageless, preppy interiors love our clear face cuttings that avoid knots and variable grain. On the other hand, for folks prefer the look and feel of a remote cabin or have a maximalist style, Character Grade Oak flooring offers more knots and variable grain patterns where every plank is different.

Why Steller’s Floating Hardwood Floors Change the Game

Traditionally, real, solid wood floors are nailed or glued down, or both! Our innovative floating floor system allows you to install and even remove individual planks with ease. That means:

  • No glue, no nails, no stress. Install it easily over concrete or even subfloor heat.

  • Say goodbye to warping. The planks adapt naturally to humidity changes without buckling.

  • Effortless repairs. If a plank gets damaged, just pop it out and replace it—no need to tear up your entire floor.

The Warranty That Has Your Back

We know that investing in wood floors is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident in your choice. That’s why we offer:

  • A Standard Warranty: Covers material and manufacturing defects, so you can trust the quality of every plank.

  • A Limited Lifetime Warranty: Available for extra peace of mind, ensuring your floors stay as beautiful as the day they were installed. (Learn more)

Which One is Right for Your Home?

If you want an earthy, natural aesthetic that feels like it belongs in a mountain lodge or a breezy beach house, White Oak is your best bet. If you’re after something classic, polished, and timeless, American Oak will deliver that crisp, put-together look.

No matter which you choose, Steller Floors makes it easy to install, maintain, and enjoy for a lifetime. So go ahead—pick your perfect wood, and let’s make your renovation one to remember.

Explore Steller Floors today!