Common Names: red oak, gray oak, northern red oak, Canadian red oak, American oak
Short Description: The distinctive feature of red oak that separates it from white oak is its pinkish salmon streaks throughout its wood. It can grow from 80 to 155 ft tall and has a trunk diameter of 3 to 6 ft.
Country of Origin: Southeastern Canada and Northeastern United States
Color: light to medium brown heartwood with pinkish to reddish hues; pale color sapwood that is sometimes difficult to distinguish from heartwood
Janka Hardness Scale: 1220 lbf (5430 N)
Dried Average Weight: 43.8 lbs/ft3 (700 kg/m3)
Common Uses: furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, interior trim, accessories, millwork, molding, utility projects
What Is Red Oak Wood?
Red oak encompasses several oak species. While Quercus rubra should technically be called red oak, lumber stores may sell other species in the red group. Red oak has a few reddish streaks as opposed to white oak’s olive-colored cast. Distinguishing red oak from white oak can be difficult, especially if the woods are stained.
Red oak, just like any other oak species, has an appealing oak smell. The wood is not resistant to insects and may get damaged when in contact with water.
One of the best things about having red oak wood slabs is their workability. It is easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. It responds well to glues, stains, and finishes. It is also a good choice of wood for steam bending. However, red oak has large pores. Thus, oil finishes may sometimes bleed from them. It takes several days for an oil finish to be properly absorbed and dried.
Where Is Red Oak Sourced?
North America, especially the eastern half that includes the United States and Canada, is one of the leading sources of red oak. Red oak grows abundantly in the eastern and central United States and in southeast and south-central Canada. While native to North America, the tree species are also found in Western Europe and other parts of the world.
Is Red Oak a Hardwood or Softwood?
Red oak is a hardwood. It is one of the most popular hardwoods in the United States, given its many applications, easy workability, and affordable price. As a hardwood, red oak is rated medium on the Janka Hardness scale. It is not as hard as white oak and dents more easily than other hardwood. However, red oak does not scratch easily and is a low-maintenance wood to have at home.
Can Red Oak Furniture Go Outside?
Red oak furniture should not be placed outside – or anywhere where water and moisture are present. Due to its open pores, red oak absorbs a lot of water and moisture. It causes the wood to decay and rot quickly. Hence, it should never be left outside where rain, snow, and other elements lead to faster deterioration. Moreover, red oak may turn black after coming in contact with water, soil, and dirt due to its significant level of tannins.
What to Look for When Purchasing Red Oak Slabs
A good supply of this wood assures you that red oak live edge slabs are readily available in local sawmills and lumber stores. However, an abundant supply does not guarantee quality wood slabs. Thus, you need to know what to look for when buying red oak.
The first consideration is its authenticity. Is it real red oak or simply stained to look like one? You must also ask how the slabs have been dried. Red oak has a high moisture content of about 60 to 80%. That said, the wood should be dried slowly for a long time before you can use it for any projects and applications.
FAQs
How to identify red oak live edge slabs?
The best way to identify live edge red oak slabs is to check the end grain of freshly cut slabs. It must contain open and porous growth rings. Red oak also reacts to sodium nitrite. Spray or brush a small amount of 10% sodium nitrite on the wood. The red oak’s color will change and turn slightly darker. However, white oak will change from dark indigo to a blackish hue.
Is red oak rot-resistant?
Unfortunately, it is not. Live edge red oak slabs are prone to insect attacks and aren’t as durable as white oak.
Is red oak easy to stain?
Red oak stains well. You can stain red oak with almost any color you want to achieve the desired outcome. When staining red oak live edge slabs, layer them with dye, gel stain, and a protective top coat. This gives the wood an even coloring and a magnificent finish.
Does red oak cause allergies?
Sawdust particles of wood can cause allergic reactions in some people. Severe reactions are rare in red oak. However, it is still considered a sensitizer. A sensitizer means that the more the person is exposed to wood particles, the more sensitive the person becomes. Severe reactions may occur. Thus, practice caution when working with red oak, especially for those who already know of allergies. Common and less severe reactions include symptoms similar to asthma and eye and skin irritations.
Where to Buy Red Oak
Buying red oak is easy because it has abundant availability. Red oak live edge slabs are available in various thicknesses and widths. Thus, you can choose a good fit for any woodworking project.
Alderfer Lumber Company Inc is a trusted supplier of wood slabs. Our woods are sustainably sourced from reputable suppliers. The woods are kiln-dried to prevent warps, cracks, and other problems for long-lasting furniture and specialty items.
Give us a call or email us so we can assist you in finding the right wood slab for your needs!
