Distribution: This
species is reported to occur in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec, all in Canada.
In the United States, it is reported to grow in the states
of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont,
Wisconsin, and West Virginia. The species usually forms pure
stands and prefers moist, loamy, sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
Northern red oak is reported to be a popular shade and street
tree because of its dense foliage and good form. It is one
of the most fast-growing oaks, is reported to regenerate
easily, can tolerate the climate in cities, and can endure
cold weather. Red oak is also reported to be planted as an
ornamental tree in Great Britain.
General Characteristics: Northern
red oak trees are reported to be typically smaller than
White oaks (Q. alba). They reach a height of about 60
to 90 feet (18 to 27 m), with a trunk diameter of 12 to
36 inches (30 to 90 cm). The heartwood is pinkish to light
reddish brown or light brown. The wood may also show a
pronounced cast of flesh color. The sapwood is whitish
to grayish or pale reddish brown. The texture depends upon
the rate of growth of the tree. Red oaks grown in the north
are less coarse textured than the faster-grown red oak
from the southern states. Red oak rays are generally shorter,
narrower and darker in color than White oak rays. The grain
is usually straight and open. Plainsawn lumber usually
exhibits a plumed or flared grain appearance, while riftsawn
members show a tighter grain pattern and low figuring.
Quartersawn red oak boards often have a flake pattern which
is sometimes referred to as tiger rays or butterflies.
Grain and color variation is usually pronounced and is
dependent upon the origin of the wood and the growing season
in that locality. Upland red oaks, which tend to grow more
slowly, generally have a more uniform grain pattern than
lowland red oaks. There is no distinctive taste or odor.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.64; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: Blunting
effect on cutters is reported to be moderate. Red oak is
hard, but it is reported to respond readily to sharp tools
in planing to yield clean, smooth surfaces. Turning qualities
are rated as good, and turned surfaces are generally clean.
Although it is ring porous, Red oak is reported to have
good boring properties. Moulding properties are reported
to be very poor. The material is reported to respond readily
to mortising, with very good results. The wood has satisfactory
gluing qualities. The wood is heavy, and must be pre-bored.
Screwing characteristics are reported to be good, and the
wood holds screws firmly. The wood is reported to sand
readily to produce clean surfaces. The timber is reported
to be often used for steam bending. The wood has good staining
qualities. Large pores tend to produce strong contrast
in staining. Consistent use of a batch of either quarter
sawn or flat sawn stock for a given project is recommended
since prominent rays can render seams in edge-glued stock
very obvious. A darker colored stain preceded by a light
colored filler is reported to produce the 'lime' look,
and high tannin content allows the wood to be treated with
ammonia to yield a nearly black or 'Jacobean' finish.
Durability: Red oak is reported
to have little resistance to attack by decay causing organisms
and other wood destroying insects.
Preservation: The wood is
reported to be resistant to preservative treatment.
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