APPEARANCE

Color: Light brown to dark reddish brown.
Grain: High in character, with ingrown bark and mineral streaks.  Most commonly used in flooring as end-grain block, which has small irregular cracks radiating across the grain.
Species & Grade Variations: One grade, moderate color variations.

PROPERTIES

Hardness (Janka): 2345; 82% harder than Northern Red Oak.
Dimensional Stability: Excellent (change coefficient .00129; 65% more stable than Red Oak).
Durability: Dense and very strong.  End-grain cut has excellent resistance to abrasion and shock.

WORKABILITY

Sawing / Machining: Very good machining qualities.
Sanding: Plainsawn can be sanded to a smooth surface; end-grain requires #16 grit sandpaper to flatten.
Nailing: Good holding ability, but splits easily.
Finishing: No known problems.
Comments: End-grain block usage results in a hard, high-wear surface.  Produces only small size boards.

COST

(Relative to plainsawn select Red Oak)
Multiplier: 2.50

AVAILABILITY

Moderately available.