Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Also known as: Northern Red Oak, Eastern Red Oak
DomesticBeginner-FriendlyAffordable
Janka Hardness
1,220 lbf
5.4 kN
Density
700 kg/m³
2.93 lbs/bf
Grain
Straight, coarse and open-pored; prominent ray fleck when quartersawn
Texture: Coarse
Figure
Strong ray fleck quartersawn; occasional tiger/fiddleback figure
Drying
Moderate
Movement: Moderate
Origin
Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada
Fagaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Red Oak is the most widely used hardwood in North America for a reason — it's abundant, affordable, works easily, and looks great. The caveat everyone skips: it's not durable outdoors and will rot fast if you try to use it there. Keep it inside and it'll outperform its price tag every time.
Common Mistakes
- Using it outdoors — red oak has poor rot resistance and will fail quickly in exterior applications; use white oak instead
- Letting iron contact wet red oak — the tannins react with iron to produce near-permanent black staining
- Buying flatsawn boards without acclimatizing them first — red oak has significant movement and will shift after milling if not given time to settle
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Light to medium brown with a reddish cast — the 'red' in the name. Sapwood is pale and not sharply demarcated. Color warms and deepens with age and finish.
Workability
Hand Tools
Good
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Not typically used
Carving
Not typically used
Excellent all-around workability. Responds well to steam bending. Iron contact (including steel wool and wet iron clamps) causes black tannin staining — use stainless or plastic alternatives. High shrinkage values mean flatsawn boards need proper acclimatization. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Widely available |
| Europe | Regional / select dealers |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Low
CITES Status
None
Notes
Oak is a mild sensitizer. Most common reactions are eye and skin irritation. Severe reactions are uncommon. Tannins may cause skin irritation with prolonged contact
Common Uses
Cabinetry Furniture Flooring Interior trim Veneer Railroad ties
Sustainability: Abundant. IUCN Least Concern. Widely commercially available.