Why quarter sawn wood

When cutting this lumber at the sawmill, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters, hence the name. Dramatic flecking is also present in red oak and white oak. Find out more. Comparison of typical cutting methods for each type of lumber. In rift sawn lumber the annual rings are typically between degrees, with 45 degrees being optimum. This method produces the most waste, increasing the cost of this lumber. Quarter-sawing presents a happy medium. Because it is a more difficult cut, it generates more waste.

Therefore, quarter sawn wood generally costs more than plain-sawn material. Quarter sawn wood or lumber typically has nearly parallel grain lines that cut across the short dimension of the board. This is due to the way the board gets mostly cut against the grain of the tree. Compare that to live sawn wood that ends up with gentle curves of gran across the width of each board.

In a word or two , the benefits of quarter sawn lumber are looks and stability. Because the grain is so consistent on quartersawn lumber, the end product is more stable.

Ever put down wood on a deck and watch it cup hopefully downwards? As quartersawn wood dries, the board has less tendency to warp or pull into an odd shape. Quartersawn oak was a key feature of the decorative style of the American Arts and Crafts movement, particularly in the early s. The rich grain found in oak is inherently pronounced. It has visible ray flecks that become less visible or even disappear when oak is plainsawn.

So how do you get quarter sawn wood from a tree? Just kidding. However, the name actually seems very appropriate to how the work is performed. Quartersawn wood is literally cut into quarters before it is run through the mill. In this way, the wood is sliced with the grain largely perpendicular to the face. The widest lumber is taken from the center of each of the four quarters. It also gives the wood its unique, and more consistent, look. All wood has some movement.

Quarter sawn wood has the advantage of putting that movement along the width of the board—not its height. Honestly, if you buy your lumber at the local home improvement warehouse—you likely only encounter plain sawn wood. Quarter sawn wood comes from sawmills that specifically cut the boards in that manner. Because the manufacturing process yields less wood than plain sawn methods, the cost goes up.

It also takes more effort to cut quarter sawn lumber at the mill. Ultimately, you end up with a more limited supply and only a few sawmills likely produce it in your area. When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader.

Quarter sawn lumber exhibits almost no twisting, warping and cupping. It is more resistant to moisture penetration and less prone to surface checking and raised grain. More dimensionally stable and beautiful to look at? Well, yes. Because the manufacturing process results in a lower yield and is more labor intensive to produce quarter sawn lumber, the cost is higher. There is also a more limited supply because a smaller number of sawmills produce it.