Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. The sample shows a prominent cathedral figure due to flat-sawing, with large open pores typical of the ring-porous structure.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with a reddish cast or hue. Sapwood is light-colored, white to light brown. Finishes can darken significantly over time into a deeper amber or wheat color.
Hardness Rating
1290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable; poorly resistant to decay and prone to insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, furniture, veneers, and tool handles.
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 region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent, likely less than 5 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying and the clean, machine-planed surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably throughout its range.
Workability
Easy to work with machine and hand tools; has high shrinkage and may experience movement. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive acrid scent when being worked; high tannin content can cause staining when in contact with iron and water; highly porous end grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane is recommended for high-wear areas like flooring; oil finishes highlight the cathedral grain nicely.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish hue, coarse open-grain texture, and classic cathedral figure on a flat-sawn board are diagnostic of Red Oak.
Notes
Light red