Red Oak
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with prominent cathedral grain and a coarse, open-porous texture. The grain is generally straight with a distinctive flaky pattern typical of the large vessel pores in the Red Oak group.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with a reddish cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown. Under light, it may yellow slightly over time or darken moderately. The high luster is enhanced by the existing topical finish.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable regarding decay resistance. Heartwood has poor resistance to moisture and rot compared to White Oak due to the lack of tyloses in the pores.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, paneling, and veneer. It is a staple in residential construction and traditional furniture making.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for select grade lumber
Wood Age Estimate
The wood is likely from a modern piece of furniture or flooring manufactured within the last 10–30 years. The oxidation of the finish suggests it is not new, but the lack of significant checking or wear indicates contemporary usage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Workability is excellent with both hand and machine tools. It responds well to steam bending. Due to its large open pores, it can cause some tear-out if blades are dull. Acids in the wood can react with iron-based fasteners when wet, causing black staining.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, slightly medicinal scent when being worked. Known for its 'open-pore' structure which can be felt through thin finishes. It has high tannin content, though less than White Oak.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Because of the open grain, a grain filler is often used if a smooth, glass-like surface is desired. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for the high-wear applications seen in the image.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive large, open earlywood pores combined with the 'wheat' coloring and reddish undertones are definitive characteristics of the Red Oak group, specifically Quercus rubra.