Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable (heartwood is rated as moderately durable to non-durable regarding decay; susceptible to insect attack if untreated)
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn (plain-sawn) showing a prominent cathedral grain pattern with wide, open pores and distinct growth ring boundaries.
Color & Appearance
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with lighter, pale brown to whitish sapwood. Luster is medium. Tends to darken slightly to a warm amber hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable (heartwood is rated as moderately durable to non-durable regarding decay; susceptible to insect attack if untreated)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively modern stock (kiln-dried commercial lumber, likely less than 10 years old)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, widely available with sustainable harvesting practices in North America)
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes, glues, and finishes well, but requires care when nailing or screwing near edges to prevent splitting. Open pores benefit from grain filling for a perfectly smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, varnishes, and polyurethane very well. A grain filler may be used prior to finishing if a perfectly smooth, glass-like surface is desired.
Notable Features
Open, porous end grain and face grain structure with distinctive ray fleck when quartered. Contains moderate levels of tannins, which can react with iron and cause dark staining.
