Red Oak
Color Range
The heartwood ranges from light to medium brown with a distinct pinkish or reddish cast. Sapwood is typically white to very light brown.
Grain
It features a bold, coarse, and uneven grain. The wood is typically straight-grained, often displaying "cathedral" arches when flatsawn.
Texture
Red oak is "ring-porous," meaning it has large, open pores that are visible to the naked eye. Unlike white oak, these pores are not plugged with tyloses, which allows air (and liquids) to pass through the grain easily
Other Names
Northern red oak, Red oak, Gray oak, American red oak, Canadian red oak.
Typical Uses
Due to its strength and aesthetic appeal, red oak is a standard material for: hardwood flooring and stairs, interior cabinetry and furniture, architectural millwork and moldings, and veneers and plywood.
Weight
3.58
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lbs /Bd. Ft. | Same as red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness
1290
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Janka Rating | 0.00% softer than red oak (1290 psi)
Density
0.64
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Specific Gravity | Same as red oak (.64)
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Strength: It is heavy, hard, and strong, with high crushing strength and medium bending strength. Durability: It is rated as non-durable to perishable regarding rot and insect resistance. Because of its open pores, it is not suitable for exterior use or tight cooperage (liquid- holding barrels). Stability: It has high shrinkage values during drying, which can lead to mediocre dimensional stability if not seasoned properly.
Workability / Finishing
Machining: Red oak is considered one of the best domestic hardwoods for machining, including planing, boring, and turning. Bending: It responds exceptionally well to steam-bending. Finishing: It takes stains and polishes very well. However, its large pores may require a wood filler if a completely smooth, glass-like finish is desired. Reactivity: The wood contains high levels of tannic acid, which can react with iron (especially in the presence of moisture) to cause black or bluish stains. Finishing: It takes stains and polishes very well. However, its large pores may require a wood filler if a completely smooth, glass-like finish is desired.