The species is often planted as ornamental or shade trees. Grown on a wide variety of soils, best on silt or sandy looms. Wood of the red oak is used for flooring, slack cooperage, furniture, millwork, boxes, crates, caskets, timber, handles, coffins, pallets, agricultural implements, boats and woodenware. The hardness and resistance to wear of red oak, plus its beauty, make it preferred for flooring for residences. When preservative-treated, red oak is used extensively for crossties, mine timbers and fence posts.
Growth is good on all but the driest shallow soils, but is best on deep, well- drained loamy soils.
Most red oak is made into lumber for flooring, furniture, tight cooperage, millwork, timbers, handles, boxes and crates. Perhaps the largest amounts go into high-quality flooring, barrels, kegs and casks. It is prized for use in construction of ships and boats. Similar aesthetic and lumber values as other white oaks. Not a replacement for native oaks, but an enhancement.