Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
- Hardness
- 1,290 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable regarding outdoor rot/decay and insects due to open, unblocked tyloses in large vessels.
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn (plain-sawn) grain showing prominent cathedral patterns with open, porous earlywood vessels creating long, dark grain streaks along the face.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium golden brown with reddish-pink undertones in the latewood and darker reddish-brown pore lines. Finished with a satin/semi-gloss clear protective clear coat.
Hardness (Janka)
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable regarding outdoor rot/decay and insects due to open, unblocked tyloses in large vessels.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.50 - $7.00 per board foot for select/better grade standard dimensional lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 10 to 30 years old based on typical residential door millwork, standard stain application, and mild yellowing/ambering of the polyurethane clear coat.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List), non-CITES listed, widely abundant and sustainably harvested across North American forests.
Common Uses
Interior doors, cabinetry, interior trim, furniture, and hardwood flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Workability
Good workability with hand and power tools; responds well to machine cutting and gluing, though open pores require grain filler if an ultra-smooth finish is desired.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain pore filler for a glass-smooth finish, followed by oil-based or water-based polyurethane, lacquer, or wiping varnish.
Notable Features
Distinct coarse texture with prominent open earlywood pores, characteristic oak smell when cut, and high tannin content that can react with iron.
