Pine is generally softer than oak.

In terms of hardness, pine is softer than oak. This is due to the differences in their wood composition and cellular structure. Oak, particularly red oak, is known for its hardness and is often used in furniture making and construction. The Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to indentation, places red oak at around 1290, while pine typically ranges from 300 to 500. This significant difference in hardness makes oak more durable and suitable for applications requiring greater strength and wear resistance. For instance, oak flooring is more resistant to dents and scratches compared to pine flooring. The hardness of pine also makes it more susceptible to warping and twisting, which can be a concern in humid environments. In summary, oak is harder than pine, making it a more robust and long-lasting material.