Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture, making it best for interior use.
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Grain Pattern
Pronounced open grain with a mix of cathedral patterns (flat-sawn) and straight lines (quarter-sawn), showing characteristic coarse texture and visible pores.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with reddish undertones, moderate natural luster, and a warm amber patina developed from age and finish exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture, making it best for interior use.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for lumber, or standard installed residential flooring rates.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Mid to late 20th century (approximately 30 to 60 years old), indicated by the surface wear, ambered finish, and standard residential strip flooring format.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, not CITES listed, and generally considered a highly sustainable domestic North American hardwood.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, interior trim, cabinetry, and millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, planes and glues well, takes stains exceptionally well due to open pores, though nailing can sometimes cause splitting.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, varnish, or penetrating oils work very well. Surface preparation typically requires thorough sanding to remove old finish and smoothing of the open pores.
Notable Features
Open, porous end-grain structure; prominent growth rings; contains natural tannins that react with certain chemicals; distinct reddish cast compared to white oak.
