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The sapwood of red oak is white to light brown and the heartwood is a pinkish reddish brown. The wood is similar in general appearance to white oak, but with a slightly less pronounced figure due to the smaller rays. The wood is mostly straight grained, with a coarse texture. The red oak tree gets its name because of the color of the leaves in the fall.
Working Properties
Red oak machines, nails and screws well, although pre-boring is recommended. It can be stained and polished to a good finish. It dries slowly with a tendency to split and warp. It has high shrinkage and can be susceptible to movement in performance. Northwest Hardwoods’ state-of-the art dry kilns and drying technology help assure lumber that is straight and flat.
Physical Properties
The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness and high crushing strength. It is very good for steam bending. Southern red oak has a more rapid growth than Northern red oak and tends to be harder and heavier.
Main Uses
Construction, furniture, flooring, architectural interiors, internal joinery and mouldings, doors, kitchen cabinets, paneling, caskets. Red oak can vary in color, texture, characteristics and properties according to the growing region. It is therefore recommended that users and specifiers work closely with their suppliers to make sure the wood they order is suited to their specific needs.
Regional Differences
Glacial—The Glacial region's frigid winters produce slower growing trees with tight growth rings, creating Red Oak with outstanding color and texture. Northwest Hardwoods' manufacturing process takes these exceptional qualities to an even higher level by offering three color sorts in Red Oak. This allows manufacturers to create cabinets and furniture with beautiful, uniform color tones. Approximately 80 percent of the lengths from this region are 8-10'.
Appalachian—The balanced four-season climate in the Appalachian region produces Red Oak with beautiful color and texture. Northwest Hardwoods Appalachian Red Oak is available in two colors sorts—wheat and pink providing uniform, color-consistent lumber that maximizes yield and minimizes waste. All boards that do not meet tight color specs are sold as natural to customers with lower color requirements. The lengths from this region are 8-16'.
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Red Oak—Quercus spp
Red Oak Grades
Glacial Superior
Glacial Cabinet
Glacial Custom Shop
Appalachian Superior
Appalachian Cabinet
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