Some wood species have dramatically different grain patterns from plainsawn to quartersawn surfaces. Open-grained woods have large open pores that are difficult to fill with clear finish, and cause the texture of the wood to show up on the finished surface of the wood. That's why white oak works so well for whiskey barrels and outdoor furniture. Red oak is rust-colored, with a darker grain pattern. In addition, pine tends to have small splinters along the flat surfaces and edges, while oak … There are two varieties: red oak, which ranges from light brown to pinkish red with a swirling, waterlike pattern, and white oak, which has a tiger-stripe grain with yellow rays and flecks. In addition we also examine the differences in wood grains, from smooth wood grain, medium wood grain, rustic & very rustic wood grain, and how to choose between… White oak is the color of natural wood, or pale yellow, with a darker grain pattern. The differences between oak and hickory are typically defined by application. White oak, on the other hand, has such a tight cell structure that water can't pass. We explain the differences between them, such as thickness, color, and wood grain. Lignum vitae, a hardwood native to the West Indies, has the finest-grain of any wood known and an ironlike density. Oak is often used in pieces made in the Arts and Crafts or Mission style. There are many differnces between pine and oak when selecting between the two woods. Typically, two- to three-inch planks of red oak were used, featuring a “cathedral” pattern in the grain. The table below provides laboratory values for several properties of wood that are associated with wood strength. Note that due to inadequacies of samples, these values may not necessarily represent average characteristics .Tree SpeciesAverage Specific Gravity, Oven Dry SampleStatic Bending Modulus of Elasticity (E)Impact Bending, Height of Drop Causing FailureCompress. Ash is known to be one of the hardest hardwoods and has wide-ranging uses. Annual growth rings were very prominent, at a zero- to 35-degree angle. The terms are also used to indicate wood obtained from their respective trees. Grain filler is most often used on “open- grained” woods like oak and mahogany. Oak is a hardwood that tends to be very grainy. Oak is also known for its strength and durability, as well as a high resistance to moisture and humidity. Oak and ash are two different types of trees. For instance, on their quartersawn surfaces, lacewood has large lace patterns, oak has flecks, and maple has the characteristic “butcher block” appearance. Quarter sawn gets its name from the fact the log is cut into quarters. Even though the three types of wood are used in a similar manner, differences in hardness, density, grain patterns and color can affect the final outcome. Pine is pale yellow and has a grain pattern that is lighter than the rest of the wood. This cut features annual growth rings at a 60- to 90-degree angle. Oaks are considered to be a hardwood, heavy, long lasting and expensive. By observing the grain patterns, many times you can tell how the board was cut from the tree. Comparisons between oak and hickory should include both types of oak: red and white.