SPECIES

Red Oak 

Quercus Rubra

American Red Oak is widespread across the Eastern United States and is the most plentiful species group within the Eastern hardwood forests. Among the oak species, red oaks are more abundant than white oaks. There are several species within the red oak group, with around eight being commercially significant.

REQUEST A QUOTE
4/4 S&B Red Oak
4/4 S&B Red Oak
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The sapwood of red oak ranges from white to light brown, while the heartwood typically has a distinctive pinkish-reddish brown hue.

 

Although it resembles white oak in appearance, red oak features a less prominent grain figure due to its smaller rays. The wood generally has a straight grain and a coarse texture.

WORKABILITY

Red oak is well-regarded for its machinability. Pre-boring is advised when nailing or screwing. Red Oak takes stain well, allowing for a variety of finish tones, including a golden finish.

COMMON USES
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Millwork
  • Doors
  • Cabinets
  • Paneling
  • Caskets
GRADE OPTIONS

Clarity for all applications

Our Red Oak comes in a variety of different grades. See below for images of our average pack of Red Oak in the core three NHLA grades we offer. 

Select & Better
ROSB499-02
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 1 Top Face
ROSB499-01
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 1 Back Face
ROSB499-03
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 2 Top Face
ROSB499-04
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 2 Back Face
ROSB499-05
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 3 Top Face
ROSB499-06
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 3 Back Face
ROSB499-07
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 4 Top Face
ROSB499-08
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 4 Back Face
ROSB499-09
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 5 Top Face
ROSB499-10
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 5 Back Face
ROSB499-11
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 6 Top Face
ROSB499-12
4/4 SB Red Oak 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 4 in

Min. Length: 6 ft

Min. Clarity: 83.33% 

1 Common
RO1C499-02
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 1 Top Face
RO1C499-01
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 1 Back Face
RO1C499-03
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 2 Top Face
RO1C499-04
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 2 Back Face
RO1C499-05
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 3 Top Face
RO1C499-06
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 3 Back Face
RO1C499-07
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 4 Top Face
RO1C499-08
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 4 Back Face
RO1C499-09
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 5 Top Face
RO1C499-10
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 5 Back Face
RO1C499-11
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 6 Top Face
RO1C499-12
4/4 1C Red Oak 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 3 in

Min. Length: 4 ft

Min. Clarity: 66.66% 

2 Common
RO2C499-02
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 1 Top Face
RO2C499-01
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 1 Back Face
RO2C499-03
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 2 Top Face
RO2C499-04
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 2 Back Face
RO2C499-05
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 3 Top Face
RO2C499-06
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 3 Back Face
RO2C499-07
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 4 Top Face
RO2C499-08
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 4 Back Face
RO2C499-09
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 5 Top Face
RO2C499-10
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 5 Back Face
RO2C499-11
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 6 Top Face
RO2C499-12
4/4 2C Red Oak 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 3 in

Min. Length: 4 ft

Min. Clarity: 50% 

All Red Oak Products We Offer

Grades Lengths (ft) Thicknesses  Color or Characteristic Sorts
Select & Better (S&B) 8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16*

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4*, 12/4*

 UNS, 12" & Wider, Rustic*, Rift & Qtrd*
1 Common (1C) 4-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16*

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4*, 12/4*

 UNS, 12" & Wider, Rustic*, Rift & Qtrd*
2 Common (2C) 4-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-16*

4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4*, 12/4*

 UNS, 12" & Wider, Rustic*, Rift & Qtrd*

*Available upon request only

regional map - w names

Sourcing Regions

Red Oak typically grows throughout the eastern side of the United States. 

We source our Red Oak from the Northern, Appalachian, and Northeastern regions of the US.

The American Hardwood Export Council has an excellent interactive map that can show you where different species grow in the US.

Click the link below and select the species "American Red Oak" to see a map of how much of the US forest volume is Red Oak. 

CHECK OUT THE MAP

Request a Quote

Additional Resources

EBOOK

Guide to Sustainable American Hardwoods

This publication combines AHEC’s guide to species and the guide to lumber grades in to a single illustrated and comprehensive guide to sustainable American hardwoods. The front half of the publication gives a full break down of the properties, applications, environmental credentials of the commercially available U.S. hardwood species. The back gives a simplified explanation of the NHLA grading system, which is the national standard for the U.S. hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading.

VIEW EBOOK
Guide to Sustainable American Hardwoods
GUIDE

American Red Oak - AHEC Species Guide

Discover detailed info on material availability, mechanical properties, and more on the American Hardwood Export Council website. 

Visit AHEC Website
EVENT

See what events we'll be attending this year and plan your visit.

VISIT EVENTS PAGE