Scarlet Oak

Scarlet Oak (Q. rubra pictured)

Common Name(s): Scarlet Oak Scientific Name: Quercus coccinea Distribution: Eastern United States Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 49 lbs/ft3 (790 kg/m3) Basic Specific Gravity: .60 Hardness: 1,400 lbf (6,230 N) Bending Strength: 17,400 lbf/in2 (120,000 kPa) Elasticity: 1,910,000 lbf/in2 (13,200 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 4.4%, Tangential: 10.8%, Volumetric: 14.7%, T/R Ratio: 2.5

Color/Appearance: Has a light to medium reddish-brown color, though there can be a fair amount of variation in color. White Oak tends to be slightly more olive-colored, but is by no means a reliable method of determining the type of oak.

Grain/Pore: Has medium-to-large pores and a fairly coarse grain.

Durability: Red oaks such as Scarlet Oak do not have the level of decay and rot resistance that White Oaks possess. Durability should be considered minimal.

Workability: Easy to glue, and takes stain and finishes very well.

Smell: Has a tell-tale smell that is common to most oaks. Most find it appealing.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, oak has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Slightly less expensive than White Oak, Red Oak is in good/sustainable supply and is moderately priced. Thicker 8/4 planks, or quartersawn boards are slightly more expensive per board foot.

Comments: Scarlet Oak falls into the red oak group, and shares many of the same traits as Red Oak (Quercus rubra). Red Oak, along with its brother White Oak, are commonly used domestic lumber species. Hard, strong, and moderately priced, Red Oak presents an exceptional value to woodworkers—which explains why it is so widely used in cabinet and furniture making.

Related Species:

• Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
• Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
• California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii)
• Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda)
• Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus)
• English Oak (Quercus robur)
• Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
• Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
• Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)
• Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
• Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
• Post Oak (Quercus stellata)
• Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
• Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
• Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)
• Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii)
• Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
• Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris)
• Water Oak (Quercus nigra)
• White Oak (Quercus alba)
• Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)

Scans/Pictures: There are currently no pictures of this exact wood species, but a similar species within the Red Oak grouping is being substituted (Q. rubra). If you’d like to contribute a wood sample of this specific species to be scanned, (even small pieces of veneer can be sent), please use the contact form.

Red Oak (sanded)

Red Oak (sealed)