Red Oak (alternatively White Oak)
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,290 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture without protection
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral grain arches and open pores typical of ring-porous hardwoods
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with reddish undertones in the heartwood and paler sapwood; moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture without protection
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh milled or modern lumber, likely less than 5 to 10 years since harvest
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good overall workability; machines and glues well, though open pores require grain filler for a smooth finish and prone to splitting if nailed without pre-boring
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane well; grain filler recommended if a smooth, glassy finish is desired
Notable Features
Coarse texture with large open pores, high porosity, and characteristic ring-porous growth rings
