American Red Oak is the highest-volume hardwood produced in the United States. Its bold, open-pore grain and warm pinkish-tan tone make it a popular choice for cabinetry, mouldings and value-engineered joinery.
Unlike White Oak, Red Oak's vessels are open - water flows freely along the grain - so it is not suitable for cooperage or sustained outdoor exposure. Indoors, however, the bold ring-porous grain accepts stain beautifully and machines cleanly.
Indicative values from The Wood Database, AHEC species data and USDA Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-190). Actual values vary by origin and growing conditions.
| Character | Dry | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1,290 | lbf |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 14,300 | psi |
| Stiffness (MOE) | 1,820 | 1,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity | 0.63 | - |
| Weight | 44 | lbs/ft³ |
| Radial Shrinkage | 4.0 | % |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 8.6 | % |
Other dimensions, grades and certifications available on request.
Most abundant US hardwood, excellent value for high-volume interior projects.
Hard enough for residential and commercial flooring.
Open grain accepts stain evenly, the workhorse of interior joinery.
Red Oak for interior only; White Oak for exterior and water-contact.
Red Oak's open pores make it unsuitable for outdoor or wet applications. For interior flooring, joinery and cabinetry at the best value, Red Oak is the right choice; for any exterior, marine or water-contact use, specify White Oak.
The questions buyers, architects and joiners ask us most often about American Red Oak.
Iconic chocolate-brown North American hardwood - NHLA graded, AHEC traceable.
Tannin-rich, water-tight hardwood - barrels, flooring and architectural joinery.
Warm reddish-brown hardwood - ages to a deep auburn patina.
Share thickness, grade, volume and destination port. We will revert with mill options, lead times and indicative pricing within one working day.
