About the wood
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Arguably the most popular hardwood in the United States and the value pick among OCC's oaks. Its 3 to 6 ft trunks give OCC its widest slabs.
- Janka
- 1290 lbf
- Density
- 44.0 lb/ft³
- Origin
- Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
Working & finishing
Machines well with hand and power tools and scores near the top in machinability. The very large open pores drink oil and telegraph through thin film finishes unless filled, so plan the finish before sanding. Like white oak it blackens on wet iron; use coated or stainless fasteners. Oil and hardwax warm the pink toward amber; a filled film finish gives a flat smooth top.
Care
Indoor use only; rated non-durable with poor insect resistance. Wipe spills quickly because the open pores wick water, and seal both faces of a finished top. Expect the most across-the-width seasonal movement of the Tier 1 oaks; the base must allow it.