Rift and Quartered Oak in Sherman Oaks, CA
Posted on
11/8/2022
Rift and Quartered grain is produced through a certain milling technique that varies from the more common, plain sawn style. Logs are cut with the grains intersecting the face of the board at an approximate 60-degree angle. The log is sawn into four quarters and each quarter of the log is sawn perpendicular to the growth rings at an angle, thus being named rift and quartered. This produces the traditional long lined grain that rift and quartered is recognized for.
Rift and Quartered grain is produced through a certain milling technique that varies from the more common, plain sawn style. Logs are cut with the grains intersecting the face of the board at an approximate 60-degree angle. The log is sawn into four quarters and each quarter of the log is sawn perpendicular to the growth rings at an angle, thus being named rift and quartered. This produces the traditional long lined grain that rift and quartered is recognized for.
Another unique quality of rift and quartered hardwood is the presentation of medullary rays. Medullary rays are cellular structures located in woods, consisting of small capillaries inside timber that run from the center of the tree to the outer growth ring. When quarter sawn, they create a wavy, ribbon-like effect in the board known as "flecking". Hardwood only has a straight grain with flecking when sawn into four quarters and cut at a 60-degree angle. In other words, only rift and quartered grain can have a straight grain with flecking because of the way it's milled.
Many wood species can be cut in a rift and quartered grain; it is typically understood to be more steady with less expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity. Making it more preferable and functional in a broader range of applications. Rift and quartered grain is most prevalent with White Oak.
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