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Red Oak Hardwood Flooring: A Timeless Classic for Bay Area Homes

Photograph of red oak used in a living room.

Discover the strength, warmth, and versatility of Red Oak. From historic Victorian restorations to modern suburban upgrades, Whole Wood provides the best selection and wholesale pricing on Red Oak flooring in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Red Oak has been the gold standard of American hardwood flooring for over a century. Known for its distinct grain patterns and exceptional "stainability," Red Oak allows homeowners to achieve nearly any look—from a bright, contemporary natural finish to a deep, formal espresso. At Whole Wood, we stock Red Oak in a variety of widths and constructions to ensure your project stays on budget and on schedule.

Get Directions to our Warehouse/Showroom in San Carlos CALL FOR INVENTORY AND LATEST PRICES at 650.654.8880

Why Choose Red Oak?

Red Oak is one of the most popular species at our San Carlos warehouse for several key reasons:

Superior Durability: With a Janka hardness rating of 1290, Red Oak is tough enough to handle the foot traffic of busy households, kids, and pets.
Exceptional Stability: Red Oak is famously "well-behaved," meaning it resists shrinking and expanding better than many exotic species.
Customization: Because of its porous nature, Red Oak takes stain more evenly than almost any other wood. It is the perfect canvas for custom colors.
Sustainability: Sourced primarily from North American forests, Red Oak is a renewable and eco-friendly flooring choice.

White oak flooring on the left, red oak on the right.

Solid vs. Engineered Red Oak: Which is Right for You?

At Whole Wood, we carry Red Oak in both solid and engineered formats to suit the specific needs of your home's subfloor and location.

Solid Red Oak

The traditional choice for San Francisco and Alameda historic homes. Solid Red Oak can be sanded and refinished many times over its lifespan, making it a true 100-year floor. It is best installed over plywood subfloors at or above ground level.

Engineered Red Oak

The modern solution for the California climate. Engineered Red Oak features a real wood wear layer over a multi-ply core, providing extra stability against humidity. This is the ideal choice for installation over concrete slabs or in areas where moisture levels fluctuate.

Get Directions to our Warehouse/Showroom in San Carlos CALL FOR INVENTORY AND LATEST PRICES at 650.654.8880

Red Oak Styles Available at Whole Wood

We don't just carry "standard" oak; we offer a range of grades to match your design aesthetic:

Select & Better: A clean, uniform look with minimal color variation and few knots—perfect for modern, minimalist spaces.
#1 Common: Features more natural "character," including small knots and color variations that add warmth and history to a room.
Unfinished Red Oak: The ultimate choice for contractors and pros who want to sand and stain on-site for a perfectly seamless finish.

Is Red Oak actually red?

Despite the name, Red Oak is typically a light-colored wood ranging from creamy white to a warm, pinkish-amber. When finished "natural," it provides a classic warm glow. When stained, the reddish undertones are easily neutralized to achieve modern greys or browns.