Quarter Sawn
A lumber cutting method where the log is quartered lengthwise and each quarter is sawn so annual rings are roughly perpendicular to the board face, producing stable boards with distinctive grain.
In-Depth Explanation
Quarter sawing produces boards where the growth rings meet the face at 60 to 90 degrees, resulting in straight vertical grain and outstanding dimensional stability. This method yields less lumber per log compared to plain sawing, making quarter-sawn boards more expensive. In species like white oak, quarter sawing reveals beautiful ray fleck patterns prized in fine furniture and flooring. Quarter-sawn lumber resists cupping and warping far better than flat-sawn equivalents. Many woodworkers consider quarter-sawn stock the premium choice for projects requiring long-term stability.
Usage Example
I chose quarter-sawn white oak for the dining table because the vertical grain resists cupping and shows stunning ray fleck.