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Classic, strong, and beautifully grained, Red Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods for interior woodworking projects. We offer top-quality Red Oak lumber, plywood, and mouldings ideal for cabinetry, flooring, furniture, doors, and trim that call for a traditional yet timeless look. Red Oak features a distinctive open grain and a warm, reddish-tan hue that stains and finishes exceptionally well—perfect for showcasing the natural beauty of the wood. Known for its strength, workability, and durability, Red Oak is a favourite among woodworkers, builders, and DIYers alike. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood specializes in high-quality, hard-to-find wood species and provides expert, personalized service. Whether you're building custom furniture or updating interior details, Red Oak delivers reliable performance and classic appeal that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What red oak products does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries red oak hardwood lumber in select and common grades, red oak hardwood plywood, and red oak flooring. Red oak is the most widely used hardwood in North American furniture and flooring manufacturing, and is stocked in the broadest range of dimensions compared to most other hardwood species.
What are the main characteristics of red oak?
Red oak has an open grain with a warm pinkish-red tone, a Janka hardness of approximately 1290, and good workability with both hand and power tools. Its open pore structure accepts stain evenly and produces consistent colour across the surface. The visible grain ray figure is less pronounced in red oak than in white oak, giving red oak a more straightforward, consistent appearance.
How does red oak compare to white oak?
Red oak is softer and more porous than white oak, which makes it slightly less durable for flooring and makes it unsuitable for tight cooperage like wine barrels. White oak contains tyloses that fill the pores, making it waterproof and more durable outdoors. For indoor furniture and flooring, both species perform similarly. Red oak is generally more available and slightly less expensive than white oak.
Is red oak a good choice for kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Red oak has been the dominant kitchen cabinetry wood in North America for decades. Its durability, wide availability, consistent staining, and broad range of available door profiles make it a practical, long-lasting cabinetry choice. Contemporary kitchen design has moved toward maple and painted cabinetry, but red oak remains a solid and widely respected choice.
What dimensions of red oak lumber does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries red oak in common thicknesses from 4/4 (approximately 25mm rough) through 8/4, with widths varying by current stock. Red oak hardwood plywood is available in standard 4x8 panels. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current red oak availability and discuss your project requirements.