Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Domestic Species
#2 Common Quarter Sawn Red Oak Flooring
#2 Common Quarter Sawn Red Oak flooring is used in high-end floors.
#2 Common Quarter Sawn Red Oak Flooring Dimension Specifications:
#2 Common grade Quarter Sawn Red Oak will have shorter lengths in comparison to higher grades. #2 Common Quartered Red Oak can be found pre-milled in 7-foot bundles, or a long plank can be custom-made to order. The lengths and widths are 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 Quarter Sawn Red Oak is only found unfinished, but prefinished solid or engineered with a veneer top layer can be custom-made.
Flooring Availability:
#2 Common Quarter Sawn Red Oak flooring is readily available. Custom orders usually demand 2-3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability. Pre-milled standard 7-foot bundles are usually a stock item.
Finished Floor Appearance:
#2 Common grade Quarter Sawn Red Oak will have a pink and tan appearance, with large knots, mineral streaks, and much color variation. Quarter Sawn 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 Quarter Sawn Red Oak is very durable and resists denting and traffic wear much better than pine. Quarter Sawn Red Oak is very stable because of its vertical grain.
Workability of #2 Common Quarter Sawn Red Oak Flooring:
Although a hardwood, #2 Common Quartered 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. Quarter Sawn 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 Quarter Sawn Red Oak Flooring:
Because of its price, #2 Common Quartered Red Oak flooring is used in medium- and high-end residential applications for a dramatically elegant floor. It works well with radiant heat applications and is popular in log homes and rustic camps.
Learn more about these other Quarter Sawn Red Oak wood flooring grades:
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