- 1). Check the color of the wood flooring. Contrary to popular belief, red oak is not always red; white oak can sometimes have its own reddish hue. This is the exception, however. In general, red oak will have a rich red hue. White oak will usually be darker in color and may range from tan or light brown.
- 2). Examine the growth rings. These will appear as deep grain patterns in both red and white oak floors. Because red oak typically grows quickly, the growth rings tend to be far apart. Floors made from red oak will have relatively loose or wide grain patterns. White oak grows slowly and will have growth rings spaced closely together. On a wood floor, this appears as a tight or compressed grain pattern.
- 3). Measure the length of the rays in the wood. When in comes to hardwood, the word "rays" is the term used to describe the short, dark lines in the wood. The rays are not the same as the growth rings or grain but are a different feature entirely. Red oak will usually have very short rays while white oak tends to have longer rays that are slightly paler in color. If the rays are less than 1 inch long, the floor is probably made from red oak. If the rays measure more than 1 inch, the floor is likely made from white oak.
- 4). Compare the natural flaws in the wood. White oak typically has more natural flaws, including knots, burls, swirls and flecks. It may also have a pattern of flaws known as "fletching." While technically a flaw, this pattern of marks going against the grain is actually considered attractive by many buyers and is often found in quarter-sawn wood.
- 5). Check the end of the floorboards to examine the pores. You may need to cut a small sliver off the end to expose fresh wood. Red oak is porous while white oak has closed pores. The pores of a piece of red oak are dark and pronounced; those on white oak are much smaller and less visible.
- 6). Test the wood using a small drop of sodium nitrite. Make sure it is sodium nitrite you are using and not the more common sodium nitrate. This chemical can be purchased at some pharmacies and drug stores, but some states may restrict this product. Apply a few drops to an out-of-the way spot on your floor and wait a few minutes. On a white oak floor, the sodium nitrite will react with the wood and turn dark. On a red oak floor, the sodium nitrite will not react at all and will eventually dry up like water.
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