How Lumber Is Cut: Plain, Quarter & Rift Sawn

Plain Sawn – Cut straight through the log, so the growth rings run roughly parallel to the board’s face (0–30°). Shows bold “cathedral” grain; the most common and economical cut, but it moves more with seasonal humidity.

Quarter Sawn – Cut so the growth rings run nearly perpendicular to the face (60–90°). Straight grain with shimmering ray fleck, especially in white oak; the most stable cut.

Rift Sawn – Cut so the growth rings sit at 30–60° to the face. Tight, linear grain with little to no fleck; very stable and uniform, and the most premium because it wastes the most of the log.