Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately durable (resistant to rot when treated, but vulnerable to insect attack and moisture outdoors)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a pronounced ring-porous cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Pinkish to reddish brown heartwood with a lighter brownish sapwood; darkens slightly with age and ambering finishes
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable (resistant to rot when treated, but vulnerable to insect attack and moisture outdoors)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- 20 to 50 years based on the vintage of the furniture piece and finish wear
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly abundant and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, interior trim, cabinetry, framing
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Good workability; planes and saws well, but open pores require grain filler for a smooth finish and can cause tear-out on planer blades if not fed properly
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil finish; typically requires a grain filler if a completely flat, glass-like surface is desired
Notable Features
Open, porous grain structure with large pores visible to the naked eye; high tannin content
