Peter Innes Hardwood FloorsDefinition of quartersawn vs. riftsawn (www.woodworkingadvice.com)
Quartersawn lumber is produced by quartering the log, followed by sawing it perpendicular to the annual growth rings on an angle between 75 to 90 degrees. This particular method of sawing produces a nice straight grain appearance on the face of the board. In many species, this technique of sawing makes the medullary rays visible on the face of the board in the form of “flake”. Quarter sawn lumber creates more log waste and therefore is more expensive and the end result of narrower boards in relation the plainsawn technique. (www.woodworkingadvice.com)
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Note the medulliary rays (silk) on the quartersawn wood.
Riftsawing is very similar to that of quartersawing manifesting similar limitations and advantages. It is sawed perpendicular to the annual growth rings on an angle between 45 to 75 degrees. During riftsawing, the quartered log portion is offset slightly from perpendicular before cutting. This reduces the appearance of the medullary rays in an effort to minimize the amount of “flake” on the face of the board. Riftsawing produces a virtually straight grain appearance on the face of the board. The riftsawing technique also produces much log waste and yields narrower boards in relation to plainsawn lumber. Riftsawn gives a better yield than quartersawn however, and may be more readily available from your supplier.
Plainsawn or flatsawn wood is the least expensive of the three, however it is also the least stable. One can put a board that is partially quartersawn and partially flatsawn in a damp environment and while the quartersawn portion may stay relatively stable the flatsawn portion will cup.
Woods can be purchased quartersawn, quartersawn and rift, flatsawn, or combinations thereof. There are also grades which determine whether or not the wood will have defects (character!) such as knots, sapwood, pin holes, etc. Peter will be happy to talk you through all the possiblities.
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| Bamboo | Beech |
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| Birch | American Cherry |
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| Brazilian Cherry | Maple |
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| Red Oak | White Oak |
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| Red Oak #2 common (character wood) |