Lumber prices / Red Oak
Red Oak Price per Board Foot
Red oak is the workhorse American hardwood: widely available, affordable, and easy to work. Its open grain stains readily but is less water-resistant than white oak, so keep it indoors.
Typical price per board foot$4 – $7
TypeHardwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)44 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot3.7 lb
Janka hardness1,290 lbf
Common usesFlooring, cabinets, furniture, moldings, plywood
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $4 to $7 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $16 – $28 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $37 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $37 |
To price a full order, put $6 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Hardwoods with similar hardness
Red Oak rates 1,290 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| American Beech | 1,300 lbf | $4 – $7 |
| White Ash | 1,320 lbf | $4 – $7 |
| Yellow Birch | 1,260 lbf | $5 – $8 |
| White Oak | 1,360 lbf | $6 – $10 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does red oak cost per board foot?
- Red Oak commonly runs about $4 to $7 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does red oak weigh?
- About 3.7 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 44 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is red oak a hardwood or a softwood?
- Red Oak is a hardwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 1,290 lbf.