Pine is generally softer than oak.

In terms of hardness, pine falls into the softer wood category, while oak is considered a hardwood. The Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to indentation, provides a quantitative measure of wood hardness. On the Janka scale, pine typically ranges from 300 to 400 pounds-force (lb-f), whereas oak, particularly red oak, can range from 1,290 to 1,360 lb-f. This significant difference in hardness makes oak much harder than pine. The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood is, and thus, oak is harder than pine. This hardness difference is due to oak's denser grain structure and higher wood density compared to pine. Oak's hardness also contributes to its durability and resistance to wear, making it a preferred choice for furniture, flooring, and construction applications.