Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Prominent cathedral grain pattern with open, coarse texture and straight face grain, typical of flat-sawn hardwood flooring.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown to pinkish-tan heartwood with lighter sapwood, moderate natural luster, and a golden amber patina developed through light exposure and aging.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber, or roughly 5.00 to 10.00 USD per square foot for finished flooring.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 15 to 30 years old based on typical residential flooring wear patterns and warm amber oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and sustainable, of least concern on the IUCN Red List, widely available with no CITES restrictions.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, millwork, and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though open pores require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, water-based floor finishes, or traditional oil-based finishes; requires no special preparation beyond standard sanding and optional grain filler.
Notable Features
Open and porous grain structure with distinct growth rings, high tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining, and moderate natural weight and strength.
