Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with prominent, open pores; displays a coarse, porous texture with dark grain lines typical of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown with a reddish cast, though this specific sample shows a dark amber/brown stain. Sapwood is typically white to light brown. Darkens slightly with age to a more golden tone.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; poor decay resistance. Heartwood is susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, paneling, and moldings.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot (standard grade/not figured).
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 50 years; based on the darkened oxidation of the finish, surface abrasions, and the specific style of dark stain common in mid-to-late 20th-century cabinetry.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; widely available, not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Often FSC certified.
Workability
Relatively easy to work with machines and hand tools. Pores can cause splintering or tearout if tools are dull. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well due to the open grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'vinegary' scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause dark stains if it comes into contact with iron and moisture; highly porous end grain.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are best for durability. Grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired; takes stains very evenly.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored 'cathedral' grain pattern, pore arrangement, and the specific way the dark stain has settled into the latewood vessels are diagnostic for the Quercus genus, specifically Red Oak.