Likely Red Oak; alternatives include White Oak or ash — Quercus rubra (likely)

Likely Red Oak; alternatives include White Oak or ash

Quercus rubra (likely) · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, Appalachians, and eastern United States.
Hardness
1,290 lbf Janka — Hard
Durability
Slightly Durable; moderate resistance when dry but comparatively poor resistance to decay and weathering, with ordinary insect resistance.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Mostly straight, open-grained, flat-sawn/rift-ish board with elongated cathedral-like bands and mild ray figure; no distinctive exotic figure visible.

Color & Appearance

Pale salmon-tan to medium reddish brown with lighter sapwood, moderate luster, and fairly uniform color. Red oak generally deepens slightly with age and light exposure.

Hardness (Janka)

1,290 lbf Janka — Hard

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly Durable; moderate resistance when dry but comparatively poor resistance to decay and weathering, with ordinary insect resistance.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $4–$8 per board foot for clear, kiln-dried retail stock; local grade and thickness can change this substantially.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Appears newly milled or lightly weathered; the photograph provides no reliable evidence of its tree age or years since milling.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, trim, interior joinery, veneer, and general construction.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, Appalachians, and eastern United States.

Workability

Machines and sands well, though open pores and occasional grain reversal can cause tear-out. Glues and fastens reliably; predrilling is advisable.

Finish Recommendations

Sand carefully, fill pores for a smooth finish, then use oil, lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane; water-based finishes may accentuate grain contrast.

Notable Features

Open pores, prominent earlywood/latewood contrast, and characteristic oak ray fleck when quarter-sawn. The pictured board has relatively mild figure.

Learn more about Likely Red Oak; alternatives include White Oak or ash in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 7, 2026