With all the buzz of Scandinavian design, sleek and clean light wood and white walls, and the seeming, at least temporary, exit of 90% of new kitchens being a shade of white paint on a shaker style door, White Oak is everywhere! It's all over the DIY and HGTV networks and all over the social networks. But what is it? Is there regular white oak, or just rift cut and quartersawn?
Grain Pattern:
o White Oak: White oak typically has a tighter and more uniform grain pattern compared to red oak. The grain is straighter, which gives it a smoother appearance.
o Red Oak: Red oak tends to have a more open and pronounced grain pattern. The grain can be wavy or zigzag, creating a more textured look.
Coloring:
o White Oak: As the name suggests, white oak has a lighter color compared to red oak. It ranges from light tan to a pale yellow-brown. White oak can also have a grayish tint.
o Red Oak: Red oak has a pinkish to reddish-brown color, with variations across boards. The heartwood tends to be darker than the sapwood.
Aging:
o White Oak: White oak ages gracefully, developing a slightly golden patina over time. It maintains its light color, and the aging process enhances its overall appearance.
o Red Oak: Red oak can undergo some color changes as it ages. The pinkish tones tend to mellow into a warmer, reddish-brown with time.
Removing Warm Tones from White Oak:
o It is possible to alter the color of white oak to some extent. Using stains or finishes with cooler tones can help neutralize warm tones. However, complete removal of warm tones may be challenging, as the natural characteristics of white oak tend to have some warmth.
Cost Difference:
o White Oak: Generally, white oak is considered more expensive than red oak. This is partly due to its tighter grain, which makes it more resistant to moisture and decay. The slower growth rate of white oak trees also contributes to the higher cost.
Let's Dive into Rift and Quartersawn Grain Patterns:
Both red oak and white oak can be found in different grain patterns, including rift and quartersawn, in addition to the more common plain or flat-sawn grain. These alternative cuts offer unique visual characteristics and can affect the overall appearance of cabinets:
Plain or Flat-Sawn:
o This is the most common grain pattern and is characterized by the growth rings being roughly parallel to the surface. It results in the typical appearance of oak with its distinctive grain.
Rift-Sawn:
o Rift-sawn oak is obtained by cutting the log at a slight angle to the radial direction, producing a straight grain pattern. This cut minimizes the prominent flecking seen in quartersawn oak, providing a more subdued and uniform appearance.
Quartersawn:
o Quartersawn oak is obtained by cutting the log perpendicular to the growth rings. This cut showcases a distinctive ray fleck pattern on the surface, creating a unique and often desirable look. Quartersawn oak is known for its stability and resistance to warping.
Characteristics of Rift and Quartersawn Oak:
o Both red oak and white oak can exhibit rift and quartersawn grain patterns.
o Rift-sawn oak tends to have a straighter and more consistent grain compared to plain-sawn oak.
o Quartersawn oak displays medullary ray flecks, which are small, reflective cells that give the wood a distinctive appearance.
o Quartersawn oak is often preferred for its stability and resistance to shrinking, swelling, or warping.
Considerations for Cabinets:
o The choice between plain, rift, or quartersawn grain patterns depends on the desired aesthetic and the overall design theme of the cabinets.
o Quartersawn oak is often considered a premium option due to its unique appearance and stability.
When selecting oak for cabinets, it's essential to consider not only the species (red or white oak) but also the grain pattern, as this can significantly impact the final look of the cabinets. Each grain pattern offers its own set of visual characteristics, allowing for customization based on individual preferences.
The more expensive the cabinetry, the more select the wood is, in either red or white oak. White Oak is becoming available with some more mid range cabinetry companies, but they will not sort the wood in production and it will have a more natural look with lights and darks and different tones of wood. Whatever you choose, it's always a good idea to hire a professional and order a sample door prior to ordering all the cabinetry for your new kitchen.
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