red or white oak?

[3G]

How is it possible to determine if an existing floor is "red oak" or "white oak" without removing or sanding any boards?

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You just look at it. If you know the differences, you can easily spot it. Most floors are red.

Take a look here

[Lawrence]

If you cannot see the difference then you may have a friend who can.

[Cindy Hamilton]

If you have any registers set into the floor (e.g., for forced-air heat and/or cold-air returns) you might lift one and see if you can spot some unfinished wood. Or if there's a transition to another type of flooring, poke around there and see what you can. Or if your flooring goes into a closet, try there, around the edges.

Cindy Hamilton

[3G]

I have found that white oak boards are more striped (blonde lines). whereas red oak boards are more solid tone.

[nospambob]