American
Red Oak

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

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.

Other Names

Northern Red Oak, Eastern Red Oak, Gray Oak, American Red Oak, Canadian Red Oak, and Mountain Red Oak.

Distribution

Widespread throughout Eastern U.S. The oaks are by far the most abundant species group growing in the Eastern hardwood forests. Red oaks grow more abundantly than the white oaks. The red oak group comprises many species, of which about eight are commercial. Average tree height is 60 to 80 feet.

Availability

Abundant. The most widely used species.

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Furniture, flooring, architectural millwork and mouldings, doors, kitchen cabinets, paneling and caskets.

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

The Latin name for oak, Quercus, means “a fine tree.” The oaks have been key in America’s industrial transformation: railroad ties, wheels, plows, looms, barrels and, of course, furniture and floors. The oak is the state tree of New Jersey and The District of Columbia (DC).

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

The bark from oak trees is rich in tannin. Although potentially toxic, tannic acid experimentally has been shown to have antiviral, antiseptic and cancer fighting properties.

The inner bark tea is used as an astringent and as a gargle for sore throats and as a wash for skin rashes and burns. It is also considered a hemostatic (stops bleeding).

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness and high crushing strength. Red Oak works very well with steam bending and offers great wear-resistance; it machines well, nailing and screwing are good although pre-boring is recommended, and it can be stained to a good finish. It can be stained with a wide range of finish tones. It dries slowly.

Janka Rating: 1290