The durable, coarse-grain wood of the southern red oak is used for lumber, flooring, and construction materials, as well as some furniture making. It is a significant source of timber in the southeastern United States.

Southern red oak has a high heat value - making it a good fuel wood. It contains tannins that are used in a process to cure leather. The large size and solid root system of the tree make it useful in watershed protection.

The trees help to maintain the stability of the surrounding soils. In addition, the southern red oak is often used as a street-side landscape tree. Its large size and broad crown provide valuable shade.