Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1290 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable (susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture)
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Grain Pattern
Prominent open-grained texture with a mix of flat-sawn cathedral patterns and straight rift-sawn boards
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with distinct pinkish or reddish undertones, moderate natural variation between boards, and low to medium luster
Hardness (Janka)
1290 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable (susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 6.00 USD per board foot (standard domestic lumber grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on typical residential flooring installation patterns and moderate wear
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, not CITES listed, and generally considered sustainable with FSC-certified options common
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though open pores require grain filling for a perfectly smooth surface
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils; water-based or oil-based polyurethanes are standard for flooring applications to provide high wear resistance
Notable Features
Distinctive open pores (large enough to see without magnification), heavy ray fleck on quartered surfaces, and natural porosity that absorbs stains evenly
