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
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Red Oak
Red Oak