Facts About Red Oak Wood

Red oak wood is used to make barrels

Wood from the the red oak tree (Quercus rubra), abundant in North America, remains popular among builders and craftsmen. Because of the open pores in its grain, red oak wood is used primarily for interior projects.

Uses

Because of its strength and beauty, red oak wood commonly goes into furniture, floorboards and cabinets. Other commercial uses include railroad ties, barrels and farm equipment.

Features

The sapwood (wood just below the bark) of red oak is white or tan, and its heartwood (wood at the tree's core) is a rosy reddish brown. Red oak is also straight-grained, coarse, heavy and strong.

Geography

In North America, red oak wood grows as far south as Louisiana, as far west as Nebraska and as far north as Quebec.

Expert Insight

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (2003) notes that red oak works well as a firewood, providing it is debarked and covered during warm months.

Fun Fact

According to the American Hardwood Information Center, red oak accounts for more than a third of all commercial hardwoods in America.

References

• USDA Plant Guide: Northern Red Oak
• American Hardwood Information Center: Red Oak

Resources

• The Wood Database: Distinguishing Red Oak and White Oak
• Arbor Day Foundation: Oak