Red Oak Production

Red oak is the most prolific American hardwood species both in terms of the growing resource and lumber and veneer production. As a result it is the most widely available species and is a very important element of overall hardwood production. In 2005, American red oak accounted for around 23% of all sawn hardwood lumber produced, representing 30-35% of total species mix in American sawmills.

Red oak has been the species of choice for the American furniture, flooring and joinery industries for nearly a century. Red oak is found growing in commercial volumes in Most Eastern states, which is why many thousands of sawmills offer red oak lumber in a full range of thicknesses and grade qualities. Hardwood production in the United States is based on achieving the best possible yields from the log and seeking markets for the full range of grades and specifications produced. At least a third of all red oak lumber production is sold for pallets and crating, which helps to absorb much of the low grade material, with the middle and upper grades going for flooring, furniture and joinery applications.

Historically the bulk of red oak production both for veneer and lumber has been consumed domestically in the USA and this is still the case today. However, demand for red oak is changing due principally to a decline in US furniture production. As a result, more emphasis is now placed on international markets where demand is growing, particular in China. Exports of red oak to Europe are relatively small mainly as a result of Europe’s historical orientation towards its own native oak. But European oak supplies are coming under increased pressure as global demand for oak swells, whereas American red oak is readily available and can offer an affordable “new oak” option for European markets. In addition, many American saw mills are adjusting their production so they can offer red oak lumber sorted to width and length or selected for colour. This development should render red oak even more attractive to European end-users, many of whom now have a preference for sorted lumber. Special cuts are also available such as quarter and rift sawn lumber.

Red oak is also the principal species of the American veneer industry, which also offers a very wide range of grade qualities that allow colour and grain patterns to be sorted, selected and matched to suit specific applications.

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