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Quartersawn Lumber
Quarter Sawn and Rift Sawn Lumber. Quarter sawn lumber is the uncontested winner when compared to Plain sawn Lumber. Ash, Cherry, Mahogany, Red and White Oak and other varieties are available.
WHAT IS QUARTER-SAWN LUMBER?
Technically, quarter-sawn lumber has the growth rings of the tree approximately perpendicular to the board's broad face. In contrast, plain-sawn lumber has the growth rings parallel to the board's broad face. Quarter-sawn produces both quartered and rift lumber.
HOW IS QUARTER-SAWN LUMBER ACHIEVED?
There is only one true way to quarter saw a log. First, we cut a log into quarters. Each quarter is then processed by cutting a single board off of one face, then cutting the next board from the opposite face, and cutting from alternating faces until the quarter is completely cut.
WHAT ARE THE AESTHETIC QUALITIES OF QUARTER-SAWN LUMBER?
The most notable characteristic of quarter-sawn lumber lies in its incomparable grain patterns. Medullary ray fleck, wavy grain and interlocked grain are all visually enhanced when the log is quarter-sawn. The revival of Mission style furniture is just one example of how today's artisans are rediscovering the unique beauty of quarter-sawn lumber. Today's heirloom furniture, the antiques of tomorrow, is crafted from quarter-sawn lumber. Quality reproductions and renovations of artisans' work demand true quarter-sawn lumber. Quarter-sawn wood is the choice of wood artisans.
WHAT ARE THE STRUCTURAL QUALITIES OF QUARTER-SAWN LUMBER?
Quarter-sawn lumber is the uncontested winner when compared to plain- (or flat-) sawn lumber. Quarter-sawn features include:
▪Reduces shrinking and swelling in lumber width.
▪Reduces twisting, warping and cupping.
▪Less prone to surface checking.
▪Wears more evenly in flooring applications.
▪Does not allow liquids to readily pass through it.
▪Holds paint better.
▪Smooth surface as raised grain is not pronounced.
In short, quartered lumber provides greater dimensional stability in both seasoning and final use.
WHAT SPECIES ARE QUARTER SAWN?
West Penn Hardwoods regularly produces quartered and rift lumber from White Oak, Red Oak, Cherry, Ash, Hard Maple, Walnut, Sycamore and Beech. However, all species can be quarter-sawn and are available upon request.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUARTERED AND RIFT LUMBER?
A quartered board features medullary ray or "fleck" perpendicular to a grain which typically forms angles from 60 degrees to 90 degrees with the board's surface. A rift board exhibits a clean, straight, vertical
grain pattern which typically forms angles from 30 to 60 degrees with the board's surface.
QUARTERSAWN
Rift Sawn
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN COST BETWEEN QUARTERED LUMBER AND PLAIN-SAWN LUMBER?
Quarter sawing is a specialized technique requiring more time and greater skill to produce. Logically, lumber prices are slightly higher than plain sawn. West Penn Hardwoods offers customers both quarter-sawn
and plain-sawn lumber.
WHAT IS THE ECOLOGICAL BENEFIT TO QUARTER SAWING?
There is a significant ecological benefit derived by using quartered and rift lumber compared to plain-sawn lumber. A quarter-sawn log is "sawn from the inside out," resulting in more usable wood from each log. Additionally, the quarter-sawing process uses less energy. Finally, a greater percentage of high-grade lumber is produced from each quarter-sawn log, allowing use of lower-grade logs. West Penn Hardwoods prides itself in being a careful user and steward of our precious forest resources.
HOW CAN QUARTER-SAWN LUMBER BENEFIT MY PRODUCT?
Our carefully machined lumber provides you with the structural integrity and unique grain patterns you want. Stability and appearance pass from our boards to your finished products.
IF QUARTER SAWING IS SO GOOD, WHY DON'T ALL SAWMILLS DO IT?
For most, the art of quarter sawing has been lost over the years. Like many superior practices of the past, quarter sawing lost favor to plain sawing techniques. Plain sawing is easier, cheaper, and quicker... but it results in more waste, less grain characteristic and less stable lumber.