AMERICAN RED OAK
Family: Fagaceae

Other Names:
Northern red oak (Canada & USA); Southern red oak, Spanish oak, Swamp red oak, Cherrybark oak and Shumard red oak (USA).

Distribution:
Eastern Canada and USA.

General Description:
Mostly straight grained and coarse textured, with a less attractive figure than white oak due to smaller rays.

Color:
The heartwood resembles other oaks with a biscuit to pink color, but has a reddish tinge.

Weight:
Average 770 kg/m3 (48 lb/ft3).

Specific Gravity:
.77.

Mechanical Properties:
•  Bending strength – Medium
•  Crushing strength – High
•  Stiffness – Medium
•  Steam Bending – Very good

Seasoning:
Natural tendency to dry slowly, with liability to split, check or honeycomb, and needs care in both air drying and kilning. There is medium movement in service.

Working properties:
Varies according to the density of the wood and growth conditions. There is a moderate blunting effect on cutters which should be kept sharp. Nailing may require pre-boring and gluing properties are variable. Can be stained and polished to a good finish.

Durability:
The heartwood is non-durable and liable to insect attack but is moderately resistant to preservative treatment; the sapwood is permeable.

Uses:
•  Vehicle construction
•  Interior joinery
•  Flooring
•  Furniture