Quercus spp
The Latin name for oak, Quercus, means "a fine tree." The oaks have been key in America's industrial transformation: Railroad ties, wheels, plows, looms, barrels and, of course, furniture and floors. The oak is the state tree of New Jersey.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread throughout Eastern U.S. The oaks are by far the most abundant 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.
WORKING PROPERTIES
Red oak machines well, nailing and screwing are good although pre-boring is recommended, and it can be stained to a good finish. Can be stained with a wide range of finish tones. It dries slowly.
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. Great wear-resistance.
AVAILABILITY
Abundant. Most widely used species.
MAIN USES
Furniture, flooring, architectural millwork and mouldings, doors, kitchen cabinets, paneling, and caskets.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
36.6 percent of total U.S. hardwoods commercially available.
