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 insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a coarse, open texture and distinct growth rings displaying a flat-sawn pattern.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish brown, while the sapwood is a lighter whitish to pale brown color, with moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to wear but susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled or recently processed lumber, likely less than a few years old based on clean surfaces and minimal oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern conservation status; widely abundant and sustainably harvested with FSC certification readily available.
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 the open pores require grain filler for a smooth finish and it can tear out if not planed carefully.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well; grain filler is recommended prior to applying varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Open cellular structure with large visible pores on the end grain, high porosity, and significant tannin content.
