Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral grain and open, porous texture. Large, visible pores and a coarse grain pattern characteristic of ring-porous woods.
Color Description
Light to medium reddish-brown heartwood with thinner, light-colored sapwood. Under the current finish, it shows golden-wheat tones but typically has a pinkish cast. Darkens slightly over time to a more amber hue.
Hardness Rating
1290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable regarding decay resistance; poor resistance to insects and rot when exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim, flooring, paneling, and veneer. Very common in residential kitchen cabinets.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the assembly style of the raised panel door and the ambering of the semi-gloss topcoat.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested in North America; widely FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands well, though the open pores can catch finishes. Has a high shrinkage rate and can react with iron fasteners to cause blue/black staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive vinegary scent when freshly cut. High tannin content. Very porous structure (unlike white oak, Red Oak pores are not plugged with tyloses, making it unsuitable for liquid-tight containers).
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains very well due to open grain. Recommended finishes include polyurethane, lacquer, or oil. A grain filler can be used if a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, open-pored earlywood rings and the characteristic 'wheat' color with visible reddish-brown rays are definitive for North American Red Oak.