Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated or exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, open texture and distinct ring-porous cathedral pattern on the face
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish-brown color, while sapwood is a lighter white to pale brown; exhibits moderate natural luster and darkens slightly over time with light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated or exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20-50 years old based on surface wear, oxidation, and remnant adhesive tape residue
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the coarse texture can cause tearout during planing if grain direction is ignored; glues, stains, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, polyurethane, lacquer, and oil finishes exceptionally well; pore filler may be desired for a perfectly smooth surface finish
Notable Features
High porosity with open pores visible on the surface, distinct growth rings, and moderate weight with good bending strength
