Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1290 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay when not in direct ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced open grain with straight to cathedral patterns, typical of flat-sawn and quarter-sawn flooring planks.
Color & Appearance
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with lighter undertones and a semi-gloss factory finish. Displays moderate color variation and darkens slightly over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1290 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with fair resistance to decay when not in direct ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for standard lumber, higher for finished flooring.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years based on modern pre-finished flooring wear patterns and bevel edges.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Readily available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, and stairs.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though open pores require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish. Glues, nails, and screws well.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-finished with a UV-cured polyurethane or similar durable topcoat. For site finishing, polyurethane, water-based clears, or conversion varnish work exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Open-pored porous structure, prominent growth rings, and moderate natural tannin content.
