Scarlet Oak
Scientific name: Quercus coccinea
Overview
Scarlet Oak is a North American hardwood species within the red oak group, recognized for its strong lumber, open grain structure, and vibrant red fall foliage. It is used in flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and interior woodworking applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Scarlet Oak
- Scientific Name: Quercus coccinea
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–80 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 46 lbs/ft³ (735 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,295 lbf
- Color: Light brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Scarlet Oak has a classic red oak appearance with a coarse texture, visible growth rings, and open pores. The wood is visually similar to other red oak species.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to reddish-brown coloration
- Open pore structure
- Straight grain pattern
- Medium to coarse texture
Working Properties
Scarlet Oak works similarly to other red oak species and is valued for its strength and finishing qualities.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Good strength and hardness
- Accepts stain and finish well
- Good wear resistance
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Scarlet Oak is widely used in traditional interior woodworking applications.
- Flooring
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Interior trim and millwork
Sustainability & Notes
This species is common throughout eastern North America and is widely available in mixed red oak lumber.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Oak – A closely related oak species with nearly identical woodworking characteristics.
Pin Oak – Another red oak species commonly used in lumber and ornamental plantings.
White Oak – A more decay-resistant oak species with closed pores and different moisture behavior.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain – Explains how grain structure influences machining and appearance.
Red Oak vs. White Oak – Explore the key differences between red and white oak, including appearance, durability, moisture resistance, workability, and which species is best for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and outdoor projects.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Covers how dense hardwoods respond to changing humidity conditions.
Maple vs. Oak
Explore Maple vs. Oak for a practical comparison of these major hardwood groups and their performance in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and general woodworking.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Scarlet Oak is not typically considered a collector species, but it is an important representative of the North American red oak group and traditional hardwood lumber market.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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