Color is pinkish to light reddish brown or light brown, and is sometimes referred to as flesh color. The grain is usually straight and open. The texture depends upon the rate of growth of the tree. Red oaks grown in the north are less coarse textured than the faster-grown red oak from the southern states. The wood has good staining qualities.
Large pores tend to produce strong contrast in staining.
A darker colored stain preceded by a light colored filler is reported to produce the 'lime' look, and high tannin content allows the wood to be treated with ammonia to yield a nearly black or 'Jacobean' finish. Common uses include flooring, heavy construction, shipbuilding, cabinets, musical instruments, drum sticks and fine furniture. Good turning characteristics.