Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, resistant to wear but susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Prominent open-grained texture with distinct medullary rays visible on quarter-sawn surfaces and cathedral grain patterns on flat-sawn surfaces
Color & Appearance
Pinkish to reddish brown heartwood with lighter grayish-brown sapwood, exhibiting warm golden-brown tones from aging and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, resistant to wear but susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 40 years old based on the bookcase's construction style and patina
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, and not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; highly sustainable forestry practices apply
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, and architectural millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability; planes, saws, and glues well, though open pores require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, polyurethane, lacquer, and oil finishes exceptionally well
Notable Features
Distinct coarse texture, prominent growth rings, and acidic nature which can react with iron-based fasteners
