Probably very few people have heard of the description “Tiger Oak” especially when it is used in reference with antiques to produce the phrase “Tiger Oak Antique”.

Tiger oak refers to a particular type of cut of oak, which produces a beautiful grain pattern not dissimilar to the pattern seen on a tiger.

To produce Tiger Oak, the wood has to be cut radially, towards the centre of the log. 

Also referred to as quartersawn, this method of timber cutting, is certainly not very economical in producing useable wooden planks but gives the wood the wonderful tiger oak uniform vertical grain, so loved by furniture makers of the late 19th and early part of the 20th century.

Collecting Tiger Oak Antiques has been popular over the years and they are still well sought after.

There is still a good following for collecting antique furniture of this type today.