Red Oak

Specs

Common Names

Red Oak

Scientific Name

Quercus rubra

Origin

North America

Appearance

Red Oak heartwood ranges from light to medium brown with a reddish tone. It has a straight grain pattern with a coarse texture. The wood has a moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

45-52 lbs/ft3 (720-830 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

1290 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

14,400 lbf/in2 (99.3 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,790,000 lbf/in2 (12.34 GPa)

Crushing Strength

7,410 lbf/in2 (51.0 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.4%, Tangential: 8.6%, Volumetric: 12.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Durability

Rated as perishable, susceptible to decay and insect attacks.

Workability

Red Oak wood is relatively easy to work with. It machines well and has good dimensional stability. It holds nails and screws well and glues satisfactorily. Staining and finishing can be done with excellent results. Care should be taken when sanding to avoid over-sanding the softer earlywood, which can result in a wavy surface appearance.