Prunus serotina
Appearance
Color: Heartwood is light to dark reddish brown, lustrous; sapwood is light
brown to pale with a light pinkish tone. Some flooring manufacturers steam
lumber to bleed the darker heartwood color into the sapwood, resulting in a more
uniform color.
Grain: Fine, frequently wavy, uniform texture. Distinctive flake pattern on true
quartersawn surfaces. Texture is satiny, with some gum pockets.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Significant color variation between boards
Properties
Hardness/Janka: (Janka): 950; 26% softer than Northern red oak
Dimensional Stability: Above average (change coefficient .00248; 33% more stable
than red oak).
Durability: Strong, moderately hard; excellent shock resistance. Usually
considered too soft for an entire floor - mostly used for borders and accents.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Good machining qualities
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily
Nailing: Good holding ability
Finishing: No known problems
Comments: High in bending strength. Light-sensitive; strong color change upon
exposure to light
Cost
(plainsawn select red oak)
Multiplier: 1.70
Availability
Limited
Source: National Wood Flooring Association