Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, open texture and prominent porous rays typical of red oak.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish-brown with pinkish undertones, while the adjacent wood is a pale, creamy white; moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern to recently manufactured (less than 10 years old), showing clean cut surfaces with minimal patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, sustainable, and widely available with no CITES restrictions.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and general millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though open pores require grain filler for a smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, and polyurethane well; grain filler recommended if a perfectly flat finish is desired.
Notable Features
Open, porous end grain and distinctive ray fleck patterns when quarter-sawn.
