Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with prominent large, open pores. Texture is coarse and uneven, which is a classic characteristic of the Quercus genus.
Color Description
Light to medium brown with a distinct reddish or pinkish cast. High luster. It tends to darken slightly over time, shifting toward a golden brown with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable. It has poor resistance to decay and insects compared to White Oak due to the lack of tyloses in the pores.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, furniture, and veneer. Not suitable for outdoor use or liquid-holding vessels.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot (depending on grade and local availability).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from finished furniture or millwork roughly 20 to 40 years old based on the oxidation and the style of the rounded edge.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It has moderate shrinkage, glues well, and takes stains exceptionally well because of its open pores.
Notable Features
Distinctive vinegary scent when freshly cut. Highly porous end-grain; if you blow into one end of a short piece, bubbles can often be seen on the other end if submerged in soapy water.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are preferred for durability. Often treated with a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired; takes stains very evenly.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the reddish-pink hue, the extremely prominent open-pore structure, and the cathedral grain pattern are diagnostic of Red Oak.