Comments Anatomical differences which correspond to important botanical differences in the trees allow oaks to be separated into two main classes, red and white. Red oaks are found mainly in eastern Canada and the United States. Red oak is regarded as one of the most beautiful woods to work with because of its grain pattern and character. Smaller rays give the timber a plainer figure than white oak, and its open pores make it less water-tight. Red oak is reported to be comparable to white oak in strength, and both are used in steam bending applications.
Red oak is, however, less decay resistant than white oak or European oak.
Also, red oak acorns are reported to be more bitter in taste than white oak acorns. Agriculture Handbook No. 72. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Madison, Wisconsin. Descriptive Data Source HMSO, 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition.