Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in direct contact with the ground, though heartwood offers decent resistance.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a prominent open, coarse texture and a distinct cathedral pattern on flat-sawn sections.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish brown, while the sapwood is a paler whitish to light brown. Exhibits moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a richer amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in direct contact with the ground, though heartwood offers decent resistance.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recent, likely harvested and milled within the last 5 to 15 years based on the clean surface and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Readily 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 works well with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to gluing, screwing, and nailing, though pre-boring is recommended to prevent splitting. Can be prone to tearout on figured or interlocked grain if cutting angles are not optimized.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Grain filler may be desired for a perfectly smooth, glassy finish due to the open pores.
Notable Features
Open-pore structure that readily absorbs stains and finishes; distinct porous end grain and visible rays on quarter-sawn surfaces; high tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining.
