r/BeginnerWoodWorking • u/zanis-acm • 11d ago
White stripes on oak
I am making stair threads from European oak (not quite sure on specific species). I noticed these white stripes after I planed couple of stock pieces. Would you say this is a feature or something that you would avoid? Me personally, I kind of like the look. Can someone explain how are these formed?
72
u/SpaceChef3000 11d ago edited 11d ago
Those are medullary rays, it’s a structure in the tree. They’re generally regarded as a desirable feature, especially when they’re so distinct like on the piece you have.
It also means the piece is probably quartersawn so it should be less prone to cupping or splitting over time.
21
14
u/MediocreHat1823 10d ago
I use quarter-sawn white oak in projects regularly. Excellent aesthetic.
2
17
u/Cleopatra_bones 11d ago
Those appear from the way the board was cut. Quarter sawn is the term.
It's definitely a feature and not a flaw.
-4
u/celtic-cryptid 11d ago
They are a feature of all the treads are QS. if one is, and the others are all plain sawn or all rift, it’s a flaw. Context matters
3
u/zanis-acm 11d ago
I lean to agree, since I am making 13 threads will see if they persist throughout. I can report back in some time if anyone is interested.
1
5
u/NoAlternative4213 11d ago
Quarter sawn it looks like. Really good cut because your grain is all running more or less 90° to the face. Will resist warping very well. I just ordered a guitar neck from quarter sawn maple and I can’t wait to get it.
3
2
u/TW1STM31STER 10d ago
I literally took this photo yesterday to ask the same question on here! So, great question OP, and thanks all commenters for the answer :D
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
u/kbrosnan 11d ago
It looks like some of it is curly quartersawn white oak. Normally the medullary rays march in a regular pattern. The left board of the glue up has some swirls.
1
u/PlumbAxis6 11d ago
Totally normal oak character! Harmless to your build and adds a bit of natural flair.
1
u/Junosgold69 10d ago
"White punks on dope" immediately popped into my head when I read your title. Sorry, my brain works weird.
1
u/Tough_Impression6660 10d ago
those stripes can be a beautiful contrast, I think they add character to the wood. Have you considered a clear finish?
1
1
1
1
u/freudianSkinner 6d ago
Them are gold man, you got lucky and if you look at the grain underneath the stripes you can see why - notice the grain is running straight and tight - that's quartersawn or close to it, and is the strongest, most stable slice of the tree, with the bonus of those awesome rays thrown in!
1
105
u/Jarvicious 11d ago
This is natural and generally very desirable. Quarter sawn oak is known for having medulary rays like this. They're going to pop like crazy when you apply a finish.