Shop Red Oak

Red Oak plywood features the face veneer of northern red oak (Quercus rubra), one of the most popular and abundant domestic hardwoods. Prized for its durability, distinct open grain pattern, and excellent staining properties, it is a timeless choice for cabinetry, furniture, and architectural millwork. The properties below generally refer to Red Oak, the face veneer used in this plywood panel:

• Janka Rating: Red Oak averages 1,290 lbf (pounds-force). This places it firmly in the hard and durable range, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and tear.
  
  
• Color/Appearance: The heartwood is typically a light to medium reddish-brown, hence the name. The sapwood is nearly white to light brown. The reddish hue darkens slightly over time, especially when exposed to light.
  
  
• Grain/Texture: The grain is straight, with a coarse, uneven texture. It is known for its distinctive open grain and visible ray flakes, which create a bold and traditional figure.
  
  
• Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable to perishable. Red Oak is not resistant to decay and is susceptible to insect attack. It should only be used in interior, climate-controlled environments.
  
  
• Workability: Generally good to challenging. Due to its high hardness, sharp tools are necessary. It is important to note that the open grain requires grain filler for a perfectly smooth, closed finish. However, it stains exceptionally well, producing deep, rich colors.
  
  
• Odor: No characteristic odor when dry.
  
  
• Sustainability: Red Oak species are abundant and highly sustainable throughout the eastern United States. They are not listed on the CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List.
  
  
• Common Uses: Hardwood flooring, high-end cabinetry, furniture, millwork, interior trim, and veneer.
  
  

To help you confidently select the best panel for your project, here are specific details on Red Oak plywood's performance:

What is red oak plywood good for? Red Oak plywood is ideal for projects where a bold grain pattern and the ability to take a deep, rich stain are desired. It is the go-to material for:

• Traditional Cabinetry: Kitchen and office cabinets where a classic, durable look is required.
  
  
• Bookcases and Shelving: Its inherent strength and stability make it perfect for heavy-duty load-bearing surfaces.
  
  
• Paneling and Wainscoting: Used extensively in commercial and residential interiors for a warm, distinguished aesthetic.
  
  
• Matching Existing Floors/Trim: It often serves as a cost-effective alternative to solid Red Oak lumber for large panels that need to match existing Red Oak millwork or flooring.
  
  

Which is stronger, maple or red oak? Maple is typically stronger than Red Oak. When comparing the two most common species used for face veneers:

• Hard Maple has a Janka hardness rating of around 1,450 lbf.
  
  
• Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of around 1,290 lbf.
  
  

While both are considered excellent, durable hardwoods, Hard Maple offers superior surface resistance to denting and scratching. Red Oak's primary advantage lies in its open, porous grain structure, which allows it to absorb stains more deeply and consistently than the denser, closed-grain maple.

How durable is red oak? Red Oak plywood is considered highly durable for interior use.

• Wear Resistance: Its Janka rating of 1,290 lbf means the face veneer is tough and resists dings and scuffs better than softer woods like pine or poplar.
  
  
• Structural Stability: Like all quality plywood, Red Oak panels offer excellent dimensional stability, resisting warping and movement better than solid lumber panels.
  
  
• Environmental Durability: It has low natural resistance to moisture and insects, so it must be protected from wet conditions and is strictly for interior applications.
  
  

As your local marine and cabinet grade plywood supplier and specialty lumber and wood supplier, Edensaw Woods (Edensaw.com) provides top-tier Red Oak plywood, a hardwood panel sought after for its strength and ability to be beautifully stained. Located in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, we proudly serve the Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma area and the nearby Pacific Northwest region, offering a massive selection of top-quality wood panels and plywood for professional and enthusiast builders. Our extensive inventory includes Red Oak and a complete range of species: Alder, Ash, Beech, Birch, Birch (Prefin), Cherry, Cherry (Prefin), Fir, Hickory, Khaya, Maple, Poplar, Red Oak, Sapele, Shop, Tennessee Cedar, Walnut, White Oak, and assorted plywood and panels. Explore our full range of products and services, or contact us for expert assistance. We encourage you to tell us about your completed project!