THE BEAUTY OF SOLID WOOD
The beauty of natural materials lies in its peculiarities and imperfections. Variations in the wood grain and colour, knots, medullary rays and other natural characteristics are inherent. These are far from flaws, but an intricate part of its character. We believe that these imperfections contribute to the charm of our products.

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Oak is a popular hardwood species known for its durability, strength, and distinctive grain patterns.
Some think this is a defect in oak but it is actually one of the features that make oak unique – medullary rays, which are thin, radial structures that run perpendicular to the growth rings in the wood.
These rays are responsible for many of the visual characteristics that make oak such a sought-after material for furniture.

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MEDULLARY RAYS
Medullary rays, also known as pith rays, are thin, ribbon-like structures that run vertically through the wood, perpendicular to the growth rings. These structures are made up of cells that radiate outward from the pith or centre of the tree. Medullary rays can vary in size and shape, depending on the species of tree and other factors.
Medullary rays play an important role in the growth and development of trees. They transport nutrients and water between the cambium layer (the layer of cells responsible for growth) and the centre of the tree. Medullary rays also help to stabilize the tree, distributing stress and supporting the growth of new cells.

In addition to their biological functions, medullary rays also have important aesthetic qualities. In many hardwood species, the medullary rays are visible on the surface of the wood and create unique patterns and textures. Oak furniture is known for it's striking designs and figures, thanks to the medullary rays found in oak wood.
Oak is known for its distinctive grain patterns, which are created by the combination of the growth rings and the medullary rays. In oak, the medullary rays are often larger and more prominent than in other hardwoods, creating a unique and recognisable pattern.
When oak is quarter-sawn (cutting the log perpendicular to the growth rings), the medullary rays are especially pronounced, creating a beautiful and highly sought-after effect known as “ray fleck.” Ray fleck appears as a shimmering, iridescent pattern on the surface of the wood and is highly valued for its beauty and rarity.
The presence of medullary rays on your oak furniture is not a sign of damage or flaws. In fact, it indicates that your stairs have been crafted from the finest and most expensive quarter sawn oak.
When it comes to logging and carpentry, oak trees can be sawn in two ways: tangential or plain sawing, which yields the most timber from the trunk and is faster and less wasteful, and quarter sawing, which is slower, produces less board footage, and is more expensive.
However, quarter sawn timber is much stronger due to the ring growth direction and displays more medullary rays on its surface.