Red Oak Hardwood Technical Species Information
Detailed scientific and mechanical properties for Red Oak wood
Red Oak
The red-tinged brown heartwood and white tones of Red Oak creates a subtle but resonant contrast that makes this wood uniquely enjoyable. A consistent grain adds to the grace of the overall presentation of the wood. All of these elements make Red Oak a colorfully multifaceted yet understated beauty that, much like White Oak, is aesthetically complimentary to any style of home.
Red Oak Wood Properties
- Janka Hardness
- 1,290 lbf
- Modulus of Rupture (MOR)
- 14,300 psi
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
- 1,850 ×1000 psi
- Density
- 780 kg/m³
- Tangential Shrinkage
- 8.6%
- Radial Shrinkage
- 4%
- Botanical Family
- Fagaceae
- Tree
- Red Oak can reach a height of 125 feet with a large diameter.
- Distribution
- Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iran, Slovakia, United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Other Names
- Quercus spp, American red oak, Black oak, Canadian red oak, Gray oak, Northern red oak, Southern red oak, Scarlet oak, Spanish oak
Red Oak Characteristics
Color
Reddish-brown with light brown sapwood.
Texture
Medium to fine
Grain
Straight grained
Luster
Low luster
Durability
Rated as slightly resistant to heartwood decay.
Drying
Moderate movement
Workability
Rated as easy to work, gluing and holding fasteners exceptionally well. It can split when nailed unless predrilled. It is rated as finishing well, but shrinks considerably.
Applications
Ships, railroad crossties, timber bridges, tannin dyes, fuel wood, hardwood dimensions and flooring, furniture, veneer, plywood, barrels, kegs, casks, truck and trailer beds, mining timbers, containers, pallets, caskets, boxes, paneling, flooring.
Photosensitivity
Red Oak will darken slightly upon exposure to light.
Our Red Oak is available exclusively in the engineered format. The boards are 1/2" thick with 3-5" widths available with 1-4' random lengths. Many of our engineered products are FSC certified.