Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay when in direct contact with soil or moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse, uneven texture and prominent open pores (vessel lines visible as small dark dashes and streaks across the face)
Color & Appearance
Light to medium reddish-brown heartwood with a paler, whitish to light-brown sapwood. Moderate natural luster that darkens slightly to a rich amber tone over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and decay when in direct contact with soil or moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled sample, estimated less than 5 years old based on clean edges and lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN; widely available and sustainably managed in North American forests
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, architectural millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; responds well to gluing, screwing, and nailing, though pre-boring is recommended to prevent splitting; open pores require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of finishes including polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, and oil; grain filler is recommended if a completely flat, glass-like surface is desired
Notable Features
High tannin content which can react with iron and steel to cause dark blue-black stains in the presence of moisture; coarse texture with distinctly open pores visible on all surfaces
