Red Oak or Red Oak Lumber is classified as a Domestic wood and sometimes referred to as, Northern Red Oak, Spanish Oak, American Red Oak and Gray Oak. The heartwood of Red Oak is similar to other oaks however, the coloration runs from a light tan to pink with a reddish tinge. The wood is mostly straight grained and coarse textured. Since densities can vary pre-drilling may need to be done and its gluing properties can also vary, but it does stain and be finished to an excellent finish. Red Oak is mostly used for furniture making, interior joinery, flooring, plywood and veneer but it is not a good choice for exterior work. Red Oak has a Janka hardness rating of: 1290