What are the dark specks or streaks that sometimes appear in Red Oak flooring after finishing?
According to a report from Gene Wengert and Fred M. Lamb of the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA, “the spots are actually dark deposits located within the large conducting cells of oak called vessels.” The deposits are considered water soluble so the newer water based finishes may allow the originally insignificant small black speck to expand and become quite noticeable. Small pecks less than 1/64″ x 1/4″ may show discoloration 1/16″ x 1″ after application of a water based finish. As described, the black specks in unfinished wood are small. This small size is generally enough to be considered a grade character for any grade. The number of specks would be the limiting factor for CLEAR and/or SELECT grade flooring.
