Quarter sawn wood flooring is a distinctive type of wood sawing method, characterized by the bisecting of logs into quarters along their length and width. This process yields boards with diverse widths, with the widest planks being referred to as quartered boards.
What Does Quarter Sawn Lumber Mean?
Quarter sawn lumber is a type of wood that’s gotten by cutting the logs at a specific angle, which creates a unique pattern of wood grain. When manufacturers make lumber, they typically cut the logs in a way that’s straightforward and time-efficient, which often results in a lot of knots and uneven texture. But quarter sawn lumber bypasses all that by cutting the logs in a more deliberate way, which produces a wood that’s much smoother and more stable.
This cutting method involves slicing the log in a way that’s perpendicular to the growth rings, which are those lines that appear on the surface of the wood. These growth rings are like the wood’s fingerprint, and they can reveal a lot about the tree’s age, climate, and other environmental factors that influenced its growth. When the log is cut in a way that’s perpendicular to the growth rings, you get a wood that’s incredibly stable and less prone to warping.
One of the main advantages of quarter sawn lumber is that it’s incredibly attractive. The uniform grain pattern creates a beautiful, fan-like effect that’s super appealing to woodworkers and designers. It’s also a lot stronger than regular lumber, which makes it perfect for building things that need to withstand a lot of stress and strain, like furniture frames or door and window frames.
But the best part is that quarter sawn lumber is still a relatively rare and special type of wood, which makes it highly sought after by crafty enthusiasts and professional carpenters alike. It’s not as widely available as regular lumber, and that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking for a wood that’s truly unique and exceptional, quarter sawn lumber is definitely worth tracking down.
Why is Quarter Sawn Lumber More Expensive?
But what makes it worth the extra cost? Let’s take a closer look.
The main factor behind quarter sawn lumber’s higher price is its distinctive grain pattern. Unlike flat sawn lumber, which is cut parallel to the tree’s growth rings, quarter sawn lumber is cut in a perpendicular direction. This arrangement creates a more uniform and predictable grain pattern, reducing the likelihood of warping or twisting. As a result, quarter sawn lumber is often preferred for projects that require precise measurements and minimal tangling, such as fine furniture making or cabinetry.
Less Waste and Easier Shirring
Another advantage of quarter sawn lumber is reduced waste. When cut in a perpendicular direction, the boards have fewer knots and imperfections, which means less material ends up in the scrap pile. Additionally, the shirring process (where excess wood is shaved off the board’s edges) is easier and more efficient with quarter sawn lumber, further reducing waste and saving time.
What is the Benefit of Quarter Sawn Lumber?
Quarter sawn lumber is a highly prized material among woodworkers and carpenters. When you compare it to other types of lumber, you’ll notice that it has a unique appearance and exceptional stability. The reason for this lies in the way it’s cut from the log. Quarter sawn lumber is extracted by cutting the log perpendicular to its grain, whereas most lumber is sawn parallel to the grain. This process makes a big difference in the way the wood behaves.
The stability of quarter sawn lumber is due to the way the wood fibers are aligned. Since the log is cut perpendicular to the grain, the fibers are subtly twisted, which prevents the wood from warping or cupping over time. This twist also helps to reduce the risk of cracks and checks, making quarter sawn lumber the perfect choice for projects where a high level of precision is required. For instance, when building a beautiful wooden floor or a intricate piece of furniture, the stability of quarter sawn lumber ensures that your creation will remain straight and true for years to come.
Another advantage of quarter sawn lumber is its aesthetic appeal. The characteristic “bridge-like” figure that develops in the wood, known as ‘flame figured’ or ‘quilted’, is highly prized by many woodworkers. This unique appearance adds a layer of sophistication and luxury to any project, making it perfect for high-end applications. Whether you’re building a custom home, a luxury yacht, or a one-of-a-kind piece of art, quarter sawn lumber is sure to impress.
How is Quarter Sawn Lumber Made?
Quarter sawn lumber is a type of wood that is cut from a log in a specific way to showcase its unique grain pattern and aesthetic appeal. To create quarter sawn lumber, loggers make a series of angled cuts along the length of the log, perpendicular to the trunk’s growth rings.
- The log is divided into quarters, typically from top to bottom, using a large machine called a Debarker.
- Each quarter is then rotated 90 degrees to create a radial pattern, which helps to reveal the wood’s natural beauty.
- The quarters are then cut into thin slices, known as planks, using a giant bandsaw or a scarcely used Shedd.
- the planks are dressed to remove any imperfections, such as knots or twisted grain, and the lumber is sorted and graded according to its quality.
The result is a piece of lumber with a stunning grain pattern, often featuring a prominent ray fleck pattern. Quarter sawn lumber is prized for its durability, stability, and resistance to warping or cupping. It’s also used to create beautiful furniture, cabinetry, and other woodwork projects that require a touch of elegance and sophistication.
