When you examine an oak dining table closely, you might notice faint white or silvery striations or flecks in the wood grain. Many customers worry: “Is that a defect? Is it damage?” The truth is, these markings are perfectly normal — and in fact, a sign of genuine, high-quality oak.
What are those white marks?
Those light streaks are called medullary rays (or “rays”). They are natural structures in oak wood that run radially from the centre of the tree outward. These rays reflect light differently than the surrounding wood, creating subtle contrasts — especially when the wood is quarter-sawn or cut in specific ways.
Why they matter
- Natural beauty & character — Rather than undermining the wood’s appearance, they enhance its visual depth and uniqueness.
- Indicator of solid oak — Such features are more prominent in real, solid oak (not just veneer).
- No defect — These markings are not damage, stains, or flaws. They are inherent to the tree’s growth.
What it means for your S10Home table
At S10Home we use carefully selected oak, often quarter-sawn or premium grades, to bring out those natural medullary rays. What you see is part of each piece’s fingerprint — no two tables will display the same pattern. It’s one more way your oak table tells its own story.
