Family: Fagaceae
Latin Name: Quercus rubra.
Origin: Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Common Names: Red Oak.
The Tree (characteristics): The Red Oak tree can grow to heights ranging from 80 to 115 feet tall with a trunk that can be 3 to 6 feet in diameter. It is considered one of the largest trees and one of the fastest growing trees in the oak family. The leaves are single and lobed with anywhere from 7 to 11 pointed or bristly lobes. The bark of the Red Oak tree is super hard and gray in color.
Appearance of Wood: The sapwood can range from white to a light brown color. The heartwood is a pinkish-reddish brown color. The wood has a coarse texture with straight grain.
Density: Red Oak is hard and strong. Average reported specific gravity ranges from .56 to .70 with an average dried weight of 44 pounds per cubic foot. Janka Hardness is 1,220 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Due to the high density of red oak it does tend to have a high shrinkage rate. Average reported shrinkage values are 4.0% radial, 8.6% tangential, 13.7% volumetric. When using the air-dry method, Red Oak may take 6 to 24 months to fully cure.
Working Properties: Red Oak works easily with both hand and machine tools. The wood will respond well to steam-bending and will glue, stain, and finish well.
Durability: Red Oak is a durable choice for interior projects. It has poor insect resistance making it non-durable for exterior projects.
Uses: Red oak can be used for furniture, veneer, interior finishing, cabinets, paneling, and flooring. Red Oak is exceptionally valuable to woodworkers.
Availability: Red Oak is abundantly available in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and figures.