Red Oak

Appearance: Heartwood and sapwood are similar, with sapwood lighter in color; most pieces have a reddish tone. Slightly redder than white oak.
Grain: Open, slightly coarser (more porous) than white oak. Plain sawn boards have a plumed or flared grain appearance; rift sawn has a tighter grain pattern, low figuring; quarter sawn has a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butterflies. 
Hardness: Janka:1290 Northern (benchmark). Southern: 1060; 18% softer than Northern red oak.
Finish: Takes most finish well. Accepts stain well.