Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with the ground.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a pronounced coarse texture and distinct ring-porous growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown to pinkish-tan heartwood with a lighter sapwood, exhibiting a moderate natural luster that deepens gracefully with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with the ground.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years old based on surface wear, finish oxidation, and stable patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; abundant, widely available, and sustainably managed in North American forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and general millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its coarse texture and open pores require proper sanding and pore-filling for a completely smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well; a grain filler is often recommended for a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface.
Notable Features
Open, porous end grain and prominent growth ring patterns; high porosity means it is not naturally water-tight.
