Rift & Quartered Oak in Brentwood, CA
Posted on
8/9/2022
Rift and Quartered grain is achieved through a distinct 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 called rift and quartered. This creates the traditional long lined grain that rift and quartered is recognized for.
Rift and Quartered grain is achieved through a distinct 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 called rift and quartered. This creates the traditional long lined grain that rift and quartered is recognized for.
Another unique feature of rift and quartered hardwood is the presentation of medullary rays. Medullary rays are the cellular structures found in woods, consisting of small capillaries inside timber that run from the middle of the tree to the outer growth ring. When quarter sawn, they produce a wavy, ribbon-like effect in the board called "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 due to the way it's milled.
Many wood species can be cut in a rift and quartered grain; it is often understood to be more secure with less expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. Making it more preferable and usable in a broader range of applications. Rift and quartered grain is most prevalent with White Oak.
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