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Red Oak Wood Flooring — Plain-sawn
Grade: #2 Common
#2 Common Red Oak is produced by most flooring companies in the U.S. and is very popular.
Other Grades of Plain-sawn Red Oak Wood Flooring:
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#2 Common Red Oak Flooring Dimension Specifications:
#2 Common grade Red Oak will have shorter lengths in comparison to higher grades. This grade can be found pre-milled in 7-foot bundles but can be custom-made to order. The lengths and widths can be made specifically to each project’s specifications. The longest lengths can be from 10 to 14 feet, and the widths can be from 2¼″ up to 12″ or more. Moisture content is between 6% and 8% for quick acclimation. #2 Common Red Oak is found in solid unfinished and prefinished or engineered with a veneer top layer.
Flooring Availability:
#2 Common Red Oak flooring is readily available. Custom long plank orders usually demand 2–3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability. Pre-milled standard 7-foot bundles are a stock item for most manufacturers.
Finished Floor Appearance:
#2 Common Red Oak will have a light pink appearance with extreme color variation, large knots, surface defects, worm holes, and mineral streaks. The lengths produced are somewhat shorter than those of higher grades. Many contractors use this grade, which is why it is also called “builder grade.” Red Oak is not sensitive to sunlight and will not darken considerably with an oil-based finish. Water-based finishes will have a pale appearance in comparison to oil finishes.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
#2 Common Red Oak is very durable but resists denting and traffic wear much better than pine. Red Oak is relatively stable in comparison to other species like Yellow Pine.
Workability of #2 Common Red Oak Flooring:
Although a hardwood, #2 Common Red Oak flooring works with little difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers work well. Installation is quicker with higher-grade flooring because the lengths of the boards are typically longer. Special attention is needed by installers to remove boards with large splits, as they can cause splinters and sharp edges. Red Oak holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It is relatively easy to sand with flooring equipment, but professional sanding and finishing is recommended.
Principal Uses of #2 Common Red Oak Flooring:
Because of its reasonable price, #2 Common Red Oak flooring is used in low-, medium-, and high-end residential applications for an elegant floor. It is especially popular in rustic camps and log homes.
