Janka Hardness Rating 1360 - The most common hardwood flooring choice in U.S. homes is the white oak. This may have to do with the combination of beauty and durability it offers. white oak is a lighter flooring option than other oak varieties. Its straight lines and close spacing is due to the slow rate of growth of the tree. While the beauty of white oak is subjective, its durability is not. Its strength makes it a great choice for busy areas such as entryways, kitchens or anywhere people tend to pass through frequently.