Wood Information - Red Oak
Oak, Red; (genus: Quercus)  
Oak has two main classes, red and white. Red oaks are found mainly in eastern
Canada and the United States. They are made up of several very similar species
which include American red oak or Northern red oak (Quercus rubra); Southern red
oak (Quercus falcata); Spanish oak, Swamp red oak, or Cherrybark oak (also
Quercus falcata); Shumard oak or Pin oak (Quercus palustris); Nuttal oak (Quercus
nuttallii); Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea); Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis); and
sometimes Black oak (Quercus velutina). Red oak is regarded as one of the most
beautiful woods to work with because of its grain pattern and character. Smaller
grain rays give the timber a plainer figure than white oak, and its open pores make it
less water-tight.
Grain: The grain is usually straight and open. Grain and color variation is usually
pronounced and is dependent upon the origin of the wood and the growing season
in that locality. Upland red oaks, which tend to grow more slowly, generally have a
more uniform grain pattern than lowland red oaks.
The sapwood is whitish to grayish or pale reddish brown. The heartwood is pinkish
to light reddish brown or light brown. The wood may also show a pronounced cast of
flesh color.
Wood Sources: Northern red oak (Quercus rubra ) and southern red oak (Quercus
falcata ) are reported to be the primary sources of commercial North American red
oak, but their timber is often mixed and marketed together with that produced by other
members in the red oak group without distinction. Supplies of red oak are reported to
be plentiful, and the species is considered to be one of the most commonly available
domestic hardwoods in the US. Oak in general, and particularly red oak, is reported
to be the most popular timber for furniture.
Tree Data: Northern red oak trees are reported to be typically smaller than White
oaks (Quercus alba ). They reach a height of about 60 to 90 feet (18 to 27 m), with a
trunk diameter of 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
Harding Pens and Woodturnings
Wood Information