Mission furniture uses white oak that is cut a particular way. It’s called quarter sawn. This particular sawing method, reveals a different grain in the wood. Colloquially, the grain is called tiger grain.

Image via woodworkerssource.com

Thinking of a tiger’s stripes, you can see the similarities. If we found a particular board that strongly had this characteristic, we’d use it in a prominent location. We’d use it in a drawer front or tabletop. Since the wood grain is unique in every board, use the best pieces in the best location is another aspect to the overall craftsmanship and creativity.