Technical species information for Red Oak Hardwood

Detailed scientific and mechanical properties for Red Oak Hardwood

Scientific Name, Other Names

Quercus spp, American red oak, Black oak, Canadian red oak, Gray oak, Northern red oak, Southern red oak, Scarlet oak, Spanish oak

Description

Oak is one the more popular woods for LTF or Laminated Truck Flooring. It is somewhat durable and reasonably hard, however it is not the most stable wood available.

Janka Hardness

1,290 lb

Strength (MOR)

14,300 psi

Stiffness (MOE)

1,850 ×1,000 psi

Density

780 kg/m³

Tangential Shrinkage

8.6%

Radial Shrinkage

4.0%

Family

Fagaceae

Tree Characteristics

Red Oak can reach a height of 125 feet with a large diameter.

Geographic Area

Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iran, Slovakia, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Color

Reddish-brown with light brown sapwood.

Photosensitivity

Red Oak is nearly unaffected by light exposure

Luster

Low luster

Grain

Straight grained

Texture

Medium to fine

Drying Characteristics

Moderate movement

Working Characteristics

Rated as easy to work, gluing and holding fasteners exceptionally well. It can split when nailed unless predrilled. It is rated as finishing well, but shrinks considerably.

Durability Rating

Rated as slightly resistant to heartwood decay.

Applications

Ships, railroad crossties, timber bridges, tannin dyes, fuel wood, hardwood dimensions and flooring, furniture, veneer, plywood, barrels, kegs, casks, truck and trailer beds, mining timbers, containers, pallets, caskets, boxes, paneling, flooring.