Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but vulnerable to rot and insect attack if left untreated outdoors
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a prominent open texture and coarse face grain typical of ring-porous hardwoods
Color & Appearance
Medium to reddish-brown heartwood with a lighter sapwood, exhibiting a warm golden-brown undertone and moderate natural luster that darkens slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with good resistance to wear but vulnerable to rot and insect attack if left untreated outdoors
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dried status
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately seasoned, roughly 5 to 15 years old based on surface oxidation and patina
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, widely available, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, and often sustainably harvested under FSC certification
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, and millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though open pores require grain filler for a smooth finish and care must be taken with nailing to avoid splitting
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well; grain filler is recommended prior to topcoating for a completely smooth glass-like finish
Notable Features
Open, porous cellular structure visible to the naked eye, high tannin content which can react with iron to cause staining, and distinct ring-porous growth rings
