What Is Quarter Sawn Oak

Quarter sawing or quartersawing is a woodworking process that produces quarter. Quarter-sawn oak is a type of oak lumber that is cut perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in a distinctive grain pattern with rays and flecks. The unique cutting method enhances the stability and durability of the wood, making it highly prized for furniture and flooring applications.

Quarter sawn white oak, or QSWO, boasts strikingly unique patterns in the wood grain, durability and added resistance to warping. Quarter-sawn oak is typically cut from higher quality wood, and of the two types of oak, red and white, it is usually white oak that is quarter-sawn. In our research, we found quarter-sawn white oak at around $15 per board foot, while plain.

The superior nature of quarter-sawn oak has made it a favorite since the early 20th century in arts and crafts style pieces, and quarter-sawn oak, in particular, is the wood of choice for mission-style furniture, both old and new. Quarter-sawn white oak is another really popular option for furniture, cabinets, and flooring. Quarter sawn oak consists of cutting the log into four quarters and setting each through a wood saw, where each quarter is met with diagonal slices.

This method doesn't create much waste, either, but produces a more variable pattern that can bring out some medullary rays or vertical striping, and worm tracks. Unlock the beauty of quarter sawn wood! Discover unique grain patterns, milling secrets, and why this wood choice is perfect for your next project. Quarter sawn oak represents a premium lumber cutting method that produces boards with superior dimensional stability and distinctive grain patterns compared to traditional plain sawn lumber.

This specialized sawing technique, which orients growth rings at 60-90 degrees to the board face, creates the highly sought-after medullary ray "fleck" in white oak while delivering exceptional. Explore the key differences between oak vs quarter sawn oak in durability, appearance, and craftsmanship. Learn which wood suits your needs!

What is quarter sawn oak used for? We often see quarter sawn oak used in the construction of Mission style furniture. Since the wood has such a beautiful grain pattern and is also easy to use and durable, it is used for many types of cabinetry, flooring, and custom craft furniture.