Red Oak (with black stain/ebonized finish)
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong open-pore structure with prominent cathedral grain figure on the right side and long, straight grain lines throughout. The grain is coarse and uneven, typical of ring-porous woods.
Color Description
Artificially colored with a translucent black stain or ebonizing treatment. The natural reddish-brown heartwood is obscured, but the porous grain structure allows the black pigment to settle deeply, creating high contrast between the pores and the denser latewood.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable regarding decay resistance; the large open pores are susceptible to moisture and fungal attack if not properly sealed.
Common Uses
Residential and commercial furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, and architectural millwork.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $7.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade raw lumber, though processed/finished furniture components carry a significantly higher value.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (0-15 years) based on the crispness of the factory-applied finish and current interior design trends for ebonized oak furniture.
Sustainability Status
Wide availability; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; frequently available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines, though the coarse texture can cause tearout during planing. Steam bends well. The open pores require a wood filler if a smooth, glass-like finish is desired.
Notable Features
Tannic acid in the wood reacts with iron to naturally ebonize; distinct acrid scent when being cut; highly visible and large vessel elements (pores).
Finish Recommendations
Low-sheen lacquer or polyurethane is likely applied here. For refinishing, water-based or oil-based black stains followed by a clear topcoat are recommended to maintain the high-contrast grain look.
Identification Confidence
High; the unmistakable large-pore cathedral grain and vascular ray structure visible through the black stain are definitive characteristic of the Quercus genus, specifically Red Oak.