Red Oak is a common name and refers to a wide variety of trees. On the West Coast, it refers to a number of species that belong to the Live Oak family. In the East, it is a member of what is called the Red Oak family. Post Oak and several other oaks are part of the white oak family. There are minor differences, in so far as burning the wood is concerned. I have used white oak, french oak and live oak, and I believe I cannot tell the difference. In terms of smoke or burning characteristics, they are all very close in character.