Red Oak

Red Oak

• Quercus spp.

Other names: Northern red oak, Southern red oak


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. The red oak tree gets its name because of the colour of the leaves in the ‘fall’ (Autumn).

Availability:
Distribution : Eastern USA
Comparar
Category: Tag:

Red oak machines well, nailing and screwing is good although pre-boring is recommended, and it can be stained and polished to a good finish. It dries slowly with a tendency to split and warp.

It has a high shrinkage and can be susceptible to movement in performance.


The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness and high crushing strength. It is very good for steam bending. Southern red oak has a more rapid growth than Northern red oak and tends to be harder and heavier.
• Specific Gravity: a) 0.63 (12% M.C.) b) 0.68
• Average Weight: a) 705 kg/m3 (12% M.C.) b) 753 kg/m3
• Average Volumetric Shrinkage: a) 10.8 (Green to 6% M.C.) b) N/A
• Modulus of Elasticity: a) 12,549 MPa b) 15,721 MPa
• Hardness: a) 5738 N b) 6583 N

a) Quercus rubra (Northern red oak)
b) Quercus falcata (Southern red oak)


Rated slightly to non-resistant to heartwood decay, moderately easy to treat with preservatives.


• USA: Abundant. Most widely used species.
• Export: Good availability as lumber and veneer, but less than white oak.
• Red oak is often classified according to growing regions and marketed as Northern red oak, and Southern red oak.


• Construction
• furniture
• flooring
• architectural interiors
• internal joinery and mouldings
• doors
• kitchen cabinets
• panelling
• coffins
• caskets


Not suitable for tight cooperage


Red oak can vary in colour, texture, characteristics and properties according to the growing region. It is therefore recommended that users and specifiers work closely with their suppliers to make sure the wood they order is suited to their specific needs.

Top
X