This is for James and "Unknown" Who say Wood planks, or more specifically Oak planks are Minecrafts best block. Similar to the hopper this is a very good point to prove.

Below is a picture of what Oak Wood Planks look like in todays version (1.15.2)

Oak planks are one of Minecrafts oldest blocks, they were the first of the now 8 types of wood we have. They may be the oldest, but they will always be the best. With oak wood alone you can make some amazing builds, most players first houses in Minecraft will be made from a collection of Dirt, Cobblestone and Wood/Wood planks. If you're really determined however, you will aim to make it entirely of wood.

  Below is a picture of Minecraft 0.1.0 made in 2011, as you can see Oak Trees and planks are visible.

Whats better about it is its so easy to obtain. All you have to do is punch a tree, or use the right tool. And you get a piece of wood, sure you're always guaranteed to get only 1 piece of wood from each wood block you break no matter what but each Wood block gives you 4 planks. Making it easy to mass produce them.

                             Below is a picture of the main source of Oak Wood, and Oak Tree

While there are 6 Crafting recipes that use ONLY Planks, there's 27 recipes that use Planks of any kind. Oak wood alone can be found in 5 of 22 Naturally generated structures, making it also the most common.
                        Below is a picture of Oak wood that can be found in a mineshaft

Overall I give Oak Planks:

Affordability 4.5/5 While it is free, you have to go through the effort of chopping down a tree to get the wood and craft the wood to planks.

Usefulness 5/5 Along with all other types of wood, its the starting point of the game, and while it is possible to beat the game without it, It's impossible to have fun without it.

Looks 4/5 Maybe an update to make it look more like Oak wood planks IRL. Maybe make it look different on each side?

Is it Minecrafts best block? No but still really good.