Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with poor decay resistance when exposed to the elements and susceptible to insect attack in heartwood
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a pronounced flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish brown, while sapwood is a lighter whitish to pale brown color, with moderate natural luster and a tendency to darken slightly to a deeper amber hue with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with poor decay resistance when exposed to the elements and susceptible to insect attack in heartwood
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recently milled, likely less than 5 years old based on the clean, unaged surface and lack of heavy patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely abundant and sustainably harvested
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works very well with both hand and machine tools, planes easily, glues, stains, and finishes well, though open pores require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, polyurethane, lacquer, and oil finishes exceptionally well; grain filler is recommended if a smooth, filled finish is desired
Notable Features
Open, porous end-grain structure with large visible pores, high porosity, and distinct growth rings
