Thickness: 3/4 – 16/4

 

Grades: FAS/1F, Select & Better, Selects, 1 Common, 2 Common

 

Other Common Names: Northern Red Oak, Southern Red Oak

 

General Description: The sapwood of red oak is white to light brown and the

heartwood is often 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 and a more porous end grain structure. The wood is mostly straight grained with a coarse texture.

 

Distribution: Widespread throughout Eastern USA. The oaks are by far the largest species group growing in the Eastern hardwood forests. Red oaks grow more abundantly than the white oaks. The red oak group comprises many species, of which about eight are commercial. Red oak is often classified according to growing regions and marketed as Northern red oak and Southern red oak.

 

Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, architectural interiors, internal joinery, stairs and moldings, doors, kitchen cabinets, paneling and coffins. Not suitable for tight cooperage. Red oak can vary in color, 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.