Northern Red Oak

Northern Red Oak (quercus rubra) is often confused with southern so called “red oak” (quercus falcate), a species that is inferior to it in every way but price. Northern Red Oak similarly distinct from “black oak” (quercus velutina), “scarlet oak” (quercus coccinea) and other inferior woods that are marketed by our competitors as if they were true northern red oaks. Northern Red Oak is strong, easy to work with and more consistent in color and grain pattern.

We produce Northern Red Oak lumber in standard thicknesses from 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4. Packages are sorted according to National Hardwood Lumber Association rules as F&B or FAS&FAS1F (Face and better) grade, #1 common grade, #2 common grade, and #3 common grade. Narrow selects and short selects often are available in 4/4 and 5/4. Green lumber spoils easily in warm weather, and shrinks considerably in kiln drying, which causes splits and deformities, so proper quality controls are essential throughout the lumber manufacturing process.