Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and open-grained with distinct cathedral figures in flat-sawn sections. Features large, conspicuous pores and moderate rays.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown with a reddish cast; sapwood is white to light brown. This sample has been stained a dark walnut color, partially obscuring the natural pinkish undertones.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable. Low resistance to decay and prone to insect attack if left untreated; high tannin content but open pores allow moisture absorption.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, flooring, interior trim, veneer, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot (Select Grade)
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years. The oxidation of the finish and wear on the routed edges suggest late 20th-century construction, common in residential cabinetry.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available and not CITES listed.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Large pores may cause splintering; requires wood filler for a perfectly smooth finish due to open grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive acidic scent when freshly cut. Highly porous (ring-porous), allowing smoke or liquids to pass through the end grain of thin slices.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains very well (as seen in sample). Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to seal the open grain. Grain filler is necessary if a high-gloss, glass-like surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent, coarse open pores and characteristic cathedral grain pattern visible through the stain are definitive hallmarks of the Quercus genus, specifically Red Oak.