What Is Pippy Oak?

Pippy Oak (sometimes called Cat’s Paw Oak) refers to oak timber that features numerous small knots, clusters of burrs, or “pips” scattered throughout the grain.
These “pips” are small bud formations in the tree’s growth, usually caused by minor stress, grazing damage, or natural irregularities in the trunk.

The result is a decorative, speckled appearance that shows a lively grain pattern — especially prized in furniture, panelling, joinery, and interior design.

Origin of the Term “Pippy”

The word “pippy” refers to the small, round clusters of knots or buds (“pips”) that appear across the surface.
When sanded and finished, these create a beautiful, dappled or cat’s-paw effect, hence the nickname Cat’s Paw Oak.

Pippy figuring often occurs:

On the outer sections of older oak trunks (especially near the butt log), or

Where the tree has experienced minor surface trauma or epicormic growth (shoots emerging from dormant buds).