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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.

The two part joint, mortise or whole and tenon or protrusion, is the very definition a peg and hole. The best expression of this is a joint, a connection so tight, so exact, there’s no need for a fastener, e.g. a nail or screw. At the other end of the spectrum you have the proverbial, square peg and round hole.

Image via brewminate.com

Not exclusive to Mission style furniture, many cultures and woodworking styles have used this joint for thousands of years. It’s so strong that it can be used in the construction of a house. A friend of mine growing up lived in a house her parents built that used mortise and tenon construction. There were no nails used anywhere in the house. The joint was pinned with wooden dowels but no nails or screws.