Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with soil, though moderately resistant above ground.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced coarse texture and prominent growth rings; quarter-sawn or rift-sawn orientation showing straight parallel lines on the face.
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown with a distinct reddish tint in the heartwood, pale yellowish-brown sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkening slightly to a deeper amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with soil, though moderately resistant above ground.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled commercial lumber, estimated less than 1 year since harvesting and processing.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Widely available, sustainable, and frequently certified by forest management standards like FSC.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, millwork, architectural joinery, and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to gluing, screwing, and nailing, though pre-boring is recommended to prevent splitting. Can present challenges with tearout on planer surfaces if grain direction is irregular.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, dyes, oils, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well. Use of a paste wood grain filler is recommended prior to topcoating if a completely smooth, glass-like finish is desired.
Notable Features
Open, porous grain structure requiring grain filler for a smooth finish; contains moderate amounts of tannin but significantly more porous than white oak, making it permeable.
