Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to decay and insect attack if left unprotected or in ground contact.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced coarse texture and prominent open pores (vessels) visible on the surface, typical of ring-porous hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish-brown color with lighter sapwood, exhibiting moderate natural luster which tends to darken slightly to a richer amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to decay and insect attack if left unprotected or in ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a modern or recently milled small stock sample, likely less than 10 to 20 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), widely abundant, sustainable, and readily available.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and general millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though open pores may require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, polyurethane, lacquer, and stain very well. Grain filler is recommended if a completely smooth, glass-like finish is desired.
Notable Features
Open, porous end-grain structure and distinct growth rings; highly absorbent due to open vessels.
