AMERICAN RED OAK: C This species is not as popular here in the UK compared to American White Oak. It is viewed as too uniform and fast grown, however as a species it is possibly the most popular in the U.S.A. Production: S/E, DIM. Quercus rubra/falcata Family: Fagaceae Other names: Northern Red Oak, (Canada and USA); Southern Red Oak (USA). Distribution: Eastern Canada and USA. General Description: The heartwood resembles other Oaks with a biscuit to pink colour, but has a reddish tinge. Mostly straight grained and coarse textured, with a less attractive figure than White Oak due to smaller rays. Southern Red Oak has a more rapid growth than Northern Red Oak and is harder, heavier and coarser textured. Weight about 770 kg/m3 (48 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.77. Mechanical Properties: This timber has medium bending strength and stiffness with high crushing strength and is classified as a very good steam bending wood. Seasoning: Natural tendency to dry slowly, with liability to split, check or honeycomb, and needs care in both air drying and kilning. There is medium movement in service. Working properties: Varies according to the density of the wood and growth conditions. There is a moderate blunting effect on cutters which should be kept sharp. Nailing may require pre-boring and gluing properties are variable. Can be stained and polished to a good finish. Durability: The heartwood is non-durable and liable to insect attack but is moderately resistant to preservative treatment; the sapwood is permeable. Uses: Flooring, furniture, vehicle construction, interior joinery. We do not recommend American Red Oak for exterior use. JBT Comments: American Red Oak is far more abundant timber and cheaper than American White Oak in the thicker thicknesses. Unfortunately here in the UK it is not specified as much as White Oak. Consideration should be given to this species where a similar and cheaper hardwood is required. Our stocks of American Red Oak originate in the Northern and Appalachian regions where slower grown trees are available giving a consistent colour and even grain. We avoid the Southern stock due to its very fast growth and abundance of sapwood. Please note that under N.H.L.A. rules sapwood is not classed as a defect. We specify that we will only accept minimum sapwood from our shippers. All our stock and the vast majority of Red Oak imported into the UK is plain sawn/crown cut. Rift and quarter sawn material is available to order in the thinner thicknesses. Certification: We have established a supply of American Red Oak which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A.C. All our Certified Timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification. Grade: Export grade 80% FAS, 20% FAS IF or better. Specification: Square edge: 8ft and longer 5ins and wider allowing up to 10% 6ft/7ft and/or 4ins. Stockholding: 1,000 cubic feet in kiln dried stock: 1in to 3ins thickness.