Scientific Name
Quercus rubra
Other Names
Northern red oak, eastern red oak, gray oak, mountain red oak, chene rouge
Family
Fagaceae, the beech family
Geography
Red oak has an expansive range extending from southern Quebec to central Alabama and from eastern Nebraska to the Atlantic Ocean.
Properties
The heartwood of red oak is light reddish-tan and has a 2 inch wide sapwood which is almost white in color. It has prominent rays but are generally shorter and darker than those of white oak. As a result, the quartersawn red oak is less showy. It is also somewhat softer than white oak. Red oak is somewhat more elastic than white oak but is weaker with respect to shear parallel to the grain and hardness. Both are strong timbers and appropriate for applications where strength is important.
Workability
Red oak is hard but it machines reasonably well. Because of the prominent rays, care should be taken to segregate quartersawn and flatsawn stock, using one or the other consistently in a given project. Otherwise, once stained, edge glued seams will become glaringly obvious. The plentiful rays of red oak tend to inhibit excessive checking but it is always wise to coat the end grain. Like other oaks, it has a high tannin content and can irritate the skin. These same features offer the great flexibility with respect to the types of finishes which can be achieved. Due to the open grain, use of a light colored filler followed by a darker stain produces the once popular limed look. The high tannin content allows it to be ammonia fumed to an almost black “Jacobean” finish. Also, careful selection of quartersawn stock yields a ray-dominated look that is truly unique.
Uses
The wood of northern red oak is indistinguishable from that of southern red oak and these two species are marketed as red oak and used for mine timbers, cabinetry, flooring, millwork, plywood, railroad ties, and many other purposes.
Price Level
Widely available, lower price range
