Quarter Sawn Lumber

Just how a log is cut into lumber has a large influence on the quality of the finished product. When a sawyer saws a log, usually the goal is to obtain the largest volume of useable wood in the shortest length of time. This results in mostly plank-sawn lumber that services the high volume wood industry.Quarter sawing produces boards cut on the radius rather than on the tangent (plank sawn). It is slower to produce at the sawmill but does result in a higher yield from each log.

Quarter sawn wood has two distinct advantages over from plank-sawn wood. 

• Structurally it has a much higher level of dimensional stability during the drying process and its life thereafter. In other words it is much less likely to bow, warp, or twist. And it is stronger.
• In addition to the structural advantages, many species display a beautiful pattern of rays that is sought after by woodworkers and cabinetmakers.

If you require dimensionally stable wood for glued up panels, tabletops or any cabinetwork that requires stability and beauty, quarter sawn will result in the highest quality finished products.