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American red oak (Quercus spp.)
Other names: Northern red oak, Southern red oak
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Distribution
Widespread throughout Eastern USA. The oaks are by far the largest
species group growing in the Eastern hardwood forests. Red oaks
grow more abundantly than the white oaks. The red oak group comprises
many species, of which about eight are commercial.
General description
The sapwood of red oak is white to light brown and the heartwood
is a pinkish reddish brown. The wood is similar in general appearance
to white oak, but with a slightly less pronounced figure due to
the smaller rays. The wood is mostly straight grained, with a coarse
texture. The red oak tree gets its name because of the colour of
the leaves in the “fall” (Autumn).
Working properties
Red oak machines well, nailing and screwing is good although pre-boring
is recommended, and it can be stained and polished to a good finish.
It dries slowly with a tendency to split and warp. It has a high
shrinkage and can be susceptible to movement in performance. For
additional information, please see the structural
applications page and the pre-treatment
properties page.
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Machining |
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Nailing |
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Screwing |
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Gluing |
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Finishing |
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Physical properties
The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness
and high crushing strength. It is very good for steam bending. Southern
red oak has a more rapid growth than Northern red oak and tends
to be harder and heavier.
Specific Gravity: a) 0.63 (12% M.C.) b) 0.68
Average Weight: a) 705 kg/m3 (12% M.C.) b) 753 kg/m3
Average Volumetric Shrinkage: a) 10.8 (Green to 6% M.C.) b)
N/A
Modulus of Elasticity: a) 12,549 MPa b) 15,721 MPa
Hardness: a) 5738 N b) 6583 N
a) Quercus rubra (Northern red oak)
b) Quercus falcata (Southern red oak)
Durability
Rated slightly to non-resistant to heartwood decay, moderately
easy to treat with preservatives.
Availability
USA: Abundant. Most widely used species.
Export: Good availability as lumber and veneer, but less than white
oak. Red oak is often classified according to growing regions and
marketed as Northern red oak, and Southern red oak.
Main uses
Construction, furniture, flooring, architectural interiors, internal
joinery and mouldings, doors, kitchen cabinets, panelling, coffins
and caskets. Not suitable for tight cooperage. Red oak can vary
in colour, texture, characteristics and properties according to
the growing region. It is therefore recommended that users and specifiers
work closely with their suppliers to make sure the wood they order
is suited to their specific needs.
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