Most likely red oak; alternatives include southern red oak or another plain-sawn oak. — Quercus rubra (tentative)

Most likely red oak; alternatives include southern red oak or another plain-sawn oak.

Quercus rubra (tentative) · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America; widely grown and milled in the eastern United States.
Hardness
1,290 lbf Janka — Hard
Durability
Slightly durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is not ideal for prolonged exterior exposure.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Predominantly straight, open-grained, with subtle cathedral figure; appears flat-sawn. End grain is not visible, limiting certainty.

Color & Appearance

Pale pinkish-tan to salmon heartwood with lighter sapwood and modest natural luster; typically darkens slightly amber-brown with age and light.

Hardness (Janka)

1,290 lbf Janka — Hard

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is not ideal for prolonged exterior exposure.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $4–$9 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried retail stock; premium clear grades cost more.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Appears freshly milled or lightly weathered; no reliable indication of tree age or board age is visible.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, trim, veneer, boxes, and general interior construction.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America; widely grown and milled in the eastern United States.

Workability

Machines and sands well, though open pores and occasional grain reversal can cause tear-out. Glues, stains, and fastens readily; predrilling is useful.

Finish Recommendations

Sand through 180–220 grit, use a conditioner or washcoat for more even staining, then apply oil, lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane.

Notable Features

Characteristic open pores and prominent ray fleck when quarter-sawn; relatively heavy, stiff, and acoustically lively.

Learn more about Most likely red oak; alternatives include southern red oak or another plain-sawn oak. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 20, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Most Likely Red Oak; Alternatives Include Southern Red Oak Or Another Plain-sawn Oak. in the encyclopedia

View all →