Red Oak (with dark cherry/mahogany stain)
Quercus rubra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain figure typical of flat-sawn lumber; porous, open-grained texture with prominent visible growth rings.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown with a reddish cast, but this sample has been stained to a deep reddish-brown (mahogany/cherry tone). It features low to medium luster with finish-filled pores.
Hardness Rating
1,290 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly durable to non-durable; poor insect resistance and prone to rot if exposed to moisture, though very stable for indoor furniture.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $6.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (approx. 10-30 years) based on the style of the raised panel door construction and the factory-applied lacquer/varnish finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It has high shrinkage and can react with iron to cause staining. Gluing and finishing are excellent, though open pores typically require filling for a smooth finish.
Notable Features
Tannic acid content is high; has a distinct, slightly acidic scent when being worked or cut. Large, open pores (vessels) are easily visible to the naked eye.
Finish Recommendations
Film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are ideal. Because of the open grain, a grain filler is often used if a glass-smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the large vessel pores and distinct cathedral arching of the flat-sawn grain are definitive diagnostic traits of the Red Oak family, despite the dark artificial stain.