Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture, as red oak is porous.
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Grain Pattern
Open, coarse grain with distinct growth rings and a prominent cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn face, accompanied by a small knot feature.
Color & Appearance
Light pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with a paler sapwood, moderate natural luster, and prone to darkening slightly to a deeper amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture, as red oak is porous.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or harvested within the last 1-3 years, showing minimal oxidation on the freshly worked face.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely abundant and sustainably harvested.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, and general construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its open pores can cause tear-out on flat-sawn surfaces if planes are not sharp; glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, varnishes, lacquers, and oils exceptionally well; grain filler may be needed if a completely smooth, glass-like finish is desired due to the open pores.
Notable Features
Open cellular structure allowing air to pass completely through short end-grain sections; high tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining.
