FDM
WOOD EXPLORER
fdmonline.com
Gene Wengert
wooddoc@uwalumni.com
Dense, heavy-grained:
Red oak
Of all the species in the eastern
U.S. hardwood forest, the red
oaks (Quercus species) are the
most plentiful. The name “red oak” is
actually the name given to a grouping
of 12 major oak species. All the red
oak trees are characterized by points at
the ends of the leaves and bitter acorns
that mature in two years and germinate in the spring after dropping the
previous fall.
most important properties making it
currently desirable and popular for
furniture and cabinet use.
We separate red oak into two
groups — upland or lowland. As a rule
of thumb, lowland oaks have annual
growth rings spaced more than 1/4-
inch apart; upland oaks have closer
rings (slower growth). Upland, in
general, processes easier than lowland.
However, lowland dries more slowly.
Red oak lumber’s widespread
availability, fairly low price, distinct
(heavy) grain, high strength and ease
of finishing are certainly several of the
Lowland also tends to check more
easily and machines more poorly at
times. It also tends to have more sapwood as well. ●
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3/5/2008 8:59:30 AM
