Red Oak (Rotary Cut Veneer)
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain patterns typical of rotary-peeled or flat-sawn veneer, featuring prominent, large, open pores and a coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with a reddish cast; sapwood is light brown to white. This sample has been given a medium-to-dark walnut or espresso stain, masking the natural pinkish hues.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; low resistance to rot and decay, though very wear-resistant for interior use.
Common Uses
Commercial doors, cabinetry, office furniture, flooring, millwork, and interior plywood skins.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot (standard grade), though as a finished door unit, the value is $300-$600.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (post-2010), based on the commercial flush-door hardware and the contemporary low-luster industrial finish.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainable; FSC certification commonly available for commercial projects.
Workability
Easy to machine and work with tools, though its open pores can cause splintering; takes stains very well due to its large tracheids.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'vinegary' scent when cut; contains high tannin levels which can react with iron to cause black staining; open-grained texture is felt through thin finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain conditioner is recommended for dark stains; typically finished with industrial-grade clear lacquer or water-based polyurethane in commercial settings.
Identification Confidence
High; the repeating cathedral arch patterns and coarse pore structure are diagnostic of commercial rotary-cut Red Oak veneer used in institutional doors.