Grain: Open, with longer rays than red oak. Occasional crotches, swirls and burls. Plainsawn boards have a plumed or flared grain appearance; riftsawn has a tighter grain pattern, low figuring; quartersawn has a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butt.

Variations Within Species and Grades: Considerable variation among boards in color and grain texture, but variations not as pronounced as in red oak.