Red Oak
Quick Facts:
Common Name’s: Red Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus Rubra
Tree size in length: 80-115 feet/ 25-35 meter
Tree size in diameter: 3-6 feet/100-200 cm
Average dried weight: 44 lbs per cubic ft/700 kg per cubic meter
Shrinkage radial: 4%
Shrinkage tangential: 8.6%
Shrinkage volumetric: 13.7%
Odor: Has a tell-tale smell that is common to most oaks. Most find it appealing.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern.
General Info:
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, commonly with a reddish cast. Paler sapwood is not always sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Quartersawn sections display prominent ray fleck patterns
Grain/Texture:
Grain is straight, with a coarse, uneven texture. The pores are so large and open that it is said that a person can blow into one end of the wood, and air will come out the other end: provided that the grain runs straight enough.
Workability:
Produces good results with hand and machine tools. Has moderately high shrinkage values, resulting in mediocre dimensional stability, especially in flatsawn boards. Can react with iron (particularly when wet) and cause staining and discoloration. Responds well to steam-bending. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notes/Comments:
Red oak is one of the most popular hardwood Worldwide, red oak is a ubiquitous sight in many homes. Even many vinyl/imitation wood surfaces are printed to look like red oak. Handsome, strong, and moderately priced, Red Oak presents an exceptional value to woodworkers, which explains why it is so widely used in cabinet and furniture making.