The Difference Between Plain Sawn, Quarter Sawn, and Rift Sawn Lumber
If you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your interior design with some high-quality woodworking, you may not know exactly how to ask for what you want. In fact, you may not even be aware of the many ways in which lumber can be sawn.
For that reason, it’s worth examining the three most commonly used methods of wood sawing: plain-sawn vs. quarter-sawn vs. rift-sawn lumber. Each one has distinctive benefits that make it better suited for certain projects. Aesthetics can also play a role in your sawing choice, as the log’s growth rings interact with the faces of your planks in different ways based on how they’re sawn.
Plain (Flat) Sawn
Plain-sawn wood, also known as flat-sawn, is the most common type of sawing. This method can be used on a wide variety of lumber types. And thanks to its simple cutting pattern, it yields the least lumber waste out of the three.
Cutting Method
Plain-sawn wood is made by cutting logs at parallel right down the center. Since this cutting method is the simplest when it comes to plain-sawn vs. quarter-sawn vs. rift-sawn lumber, it’s the most easily accessible type of wood in most parts of the country.
Grain Pattern
Depending on where on the log the cuts are made, flat-sawn boards usually have an inconsistent grain pattern. For example, plain-sawn lumber that came from the center of the log might look and feel more like quarter-sawn wood.
In contrast, plain sawing at the edge of the log might appear to be more curved or more arched, also known as the “cathedral” effect. Keep in mind, this style of sawing can cause cupping and warping in the lumber over time.
Appearance
Flat sawing tends to produce the greatest variation in appearance since the location of sawing on the log can vary. This can create an intricate, varied look in your hardwood floor, shelving, or other project.
Most Common Uses
Generally, the best uses for plain-sawn wood will partially depend on the type of wood being used, not just the method of sawing. However, plain-sawn wood is typically used for features like hardwood flooring, shelving, and other wooden accents in the home.
Price
Plain-sawn boards are the most affordable option when you’re comparing plain-sawn vs. quarter-sawn vs. rift-sawn lumber. That’s why plain-sawn wood is usually recommended for woodworking and construction projects if you’re working on a budget.
Quarter Sawn
Quarter sawing is a lumber sawing method in which each log is cut into four quarters and each quarter is plain sawn. This style of sawing helps the lumber to resist cupping naturally and has a unique look.
Cutting Method
The process of creating quarter-sawn lumber is longer and more involved than that of plain-sawn lumber. Each log is first cut into quarters, and each quarter is then plain-sawn separately. This diagonal sawing style tends to create more waste than plain sawing.
Grain Pattern
Because quarter-sawn wood is prepared in a neater way throughout each log, most pieces of quarter-sawn wood will have a clear grain pattern and consistent growth rings. This helps by contributing to quarter-sawn wood’s greater stability in a variety of woodworking projects.
Appearance
Flecking can often be seen in quarter-sawn lumber, especially for oak species like white oak and red oak. This can be described as a ribbon pattern that is seen throughout the wood grain. Many homeowners appreciate flecking for its aesthetic value.
Most Common Uses
Quarter-sawn wood works well in many settings, from hardwood floors, walls, and doors to cabinetry. This type of wood is also often used to build musical instruments.
Price
A greater amount of time and attention to detail are required in order to make quarter-sawn wood. This is why this type of lumber is sold at a higher price point than flat-sawn wood.
Rift Sawn
For some types of furniture and interior design elements, a completely straight grain is required. This is where rift-sawn wood plays a key role.
Cutting Method
The process of rift sawing begins the same as quarter sawing, with each log being cut into quarters. At that point, each quarter is cut in a spiral pattern instead of being flat-sawn. This unique method of sawing is more time and labor-intensive than flat sawing or quarter sawing.
Grain Pattern
Because each quarter of the log is cut with a spiral, the growth rings on each piece run parallel to all of the board’s faces. This creates the straightest possible grain pattern when comparing the three common types of wood sawing.
Appearance
Rift-sawn wood tends to have the most consistent appearance across the entire board. The extensive sawing process makes it possible for this type of wood to have maximum consistency in grain and growth ring patterns.
Most Common Uses
Rift sawing is a very particular method of sawing that leads to extremely straight-grained wood. Therefore, rift-sawn lumber is best used for objects that can most benefit from this feature, such as matching dining sets and other types of custom furniture.
Price
Since rift sawing is the most time-intensive sawing style and creates the most waste, it’s also known as the most expensive option and is usually not necessary for most projects. However, the price can be worth it for projects that are designed for high levels of wear and many years of use.
Get Started on Your Dream Project With Osborne Wood
Now that you understand a bit more about the intricacies of lumber and how the different types are made, you’re ready to get started on that woodworking project you’ve been thinking about for a long time. Whether you’re looking for custom furniture or an interior design upgrade, we’ve got everything you need and more at Osborne Wood.
Are you ready to learn even more about how high-quality lumber could elevate your home? Contact us today to connect with one of our product specialists.