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Hardwood · Eastern North America

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Light brown with a reddish cast; bold, open grain.

Janka hardness1,220 lbf
Density (12% MC)44.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot3.7 lb
Rot resistanceLow
Workability4/5
Price$$

Hardness compared

White pine Yellow Poplar Black Cherry Red Oak Hard Maple Shagbark Hickory Jatoba

Working with Red Oak

Open pores wick water — not for outdoor use. Takes stain very well; fill the grain for a glassy finish.

Typical uses: Furniture, cabinets, flooring, trim.

Seasonal movement

Tangential coefficient (flatsawn)0.00369 per 1% MC
Radial coefficient (quartersawn)0.00158 per 1% MC
T/R ratio2.34 (prone to cupping when flatsawn)
12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC0.221" (≈ 5.6 mm)

Calculate for your panel

Similar hardness

Yellow Birch

1,260 lbf · $$

American Beech

1,300 lbf · $$

White Ash

1,320 lbf · $$

White Oak

1,350 lbf · $$
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