(Quercus spp.)
Appearance
Color: Heartwood and sapwood are similar, with sapwood lighter in color; most pieces have a reddish tone. Slightly redder than white oak.
Grain: Open, slightly coarser (more porous) than white oak. Plainsawn boards have a plumed or flared grain appearance; riftsawn has a tighter grain pattern, low figuring; quartersawn has a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butterflies.
Variations Within Species and Grades: More than 200 species in North America; great variation in color and grain, depending on the origin of the wood and corresponding differences in growing seasons.
Properties
Hardness/Janka: Northern 1290 (benchmark)
Dimensional Stability: Average (change coefficient .00369).
Durability: Stiff and dense; resists wear, with high shock resistance, tough less durable than white oak.
