A common question asked by customers looking to buy solid wood furniture is “what is the difference between white oak and quarter-sawn white oak?” Quarter sawn white oak, also known as QSWO, radially-sawnor simply quartered, undergoes a specialized woodworking process. The resultant quarter-sawn lumber boasts a unique beauty and unparalleled durability. This popular wood type is highly sought after to create one-of-a-kind heirloom furniture pieces.
Let us walk you through our ultimate guide on quarter-sawn white oak wood.
What is the difference between white oak and quarter sawn white oak?
Quarter-sawn white oak and white oak are the exact same species of wood, and the difference simply lies in the method of cutting. However, this has a great impact on the look, feel and stability of the wood.
Plain sawn (or flat sawn) means that the oak has been cut parallel to the log, creating a noticeable flame or cathedral grain pattern. This process is called rip-sawing, and is used to create most types of lumber. The growth rings of the tree meet the surface of the board at a maximum 30-degree angle, which is called the tangential grain. Plain sawing allows for more of the wood to be used, and is therefore the most common, efficient, and cost-effective method. White oak is currently one of the most popularly used hardwood lumber species in America. It can be found in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, doors, barrels and more.
Unlike regular oak, quartersawn oak is divided into quarters before it is cut. This technique lends the oak lumber a straighter grain pattern. Read on below to learn more about how quarter-sawn white oak is made.
How is quarter sawn white oak made?
Quarter-sawn means that the log has been quartered first. Each quarter is then rotated and cut again, so that the growth rings intersect at around a 90-degree angle. This creates a straighter grain. Quarter sawing is a more time consuming, inefficient, and costly process. However, it leads to added strength and resistance to warping and cupping, as explained below.
Does quarter sawn wood warp less?
Cutting a piece of oak using the regular plain sawn method will make it more prone to cupping. Wood has a tendency to cup in the opposite direction to the bend of the growth rings. Due to its 30-degree angle cut,plain or flat sawn oak will naturally begin to warp over time. However, quarter sawn oak offers a sounder structure and added resistance to warping, moisture penetration, twisting, cupping and raised grain. The higher stability of quarter sawn oak means that it will expand and contract less in humid environments.
Wondering which wood is best for furniture? Discover Cabinfield's ultimate guide to the different types of wood.What are ray flecks in wood?
One of the most popular aesthetic benefits of quarter sawn wood furniture are the striking medullary ray formations, commonly called rays and flecks.These appear due to the cutting method along the growth rings, particularly in white or red oak. Rays and flecks create a wavy ribbon-like effect and lend drama and unique beauty to the oak wood furniture. This distinct feature has also become an essential component of Mission style furniture.
Did you know? Cabinfield offers wood stain samples. See those beautiful ray flecks for yourself, accentuated by the stain color! What is rustic quartersawn white oak?
Rustic quarter-sawn white oak is the same as QSWO, with the wood being sawn at the same 90 degree angle. The main difference is that in rustic QSWO, more grain imperfections are allowed. These include burls and small knots. The variation in the grain lends the wood rustic charm and character, making it popular for farmhouse or rustic style décor. Another advantage of rustic QSWO is that it is significantly cheaper, as more of the wood can be used.
What is the difference between plain sawn and quarter sawn lumber?
| Plain Sawn Oak | Quarter Sawn Oak |
|---|---|
| Naturally warps over time | More stability and resistance to warping |
| Raised grain | Straighter grain |
| Flame or cathedral pattern | Linear pattern with dramatic flecks and rays |
| Inexpensive | Expensive |
What is the difference between rift and quarter sawn oak?
Rift-sawn oak is similar to quarter sawn, but has less rays and flecks. Rift-sawn lumber is cut with the grain intersecting the face of the board at a 30– 60-degree angle, whilst quarter sawn is between 60- 90-degrees. Both of these lumber cutting methods produce a linear grain pattern.
What furniture style is quarter sawn white oak used for?
Quarter-sawn oak became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the wood of choice for Arts and Crafts style furniture. Today, since plain-sawn wood is so widely used, quartersawn oak is an indicator of authentic Mission style or Stickley furniture. At Cabinfield, we are proud to offer a vast range of Amish-built Mission Craftsman furniture, such as our popular Boulder Creek living room furniture collection. Lovingly handcrafted from quarter-sawn white oak, these Mission style pieces are built to last.
Browse Mission Craftsman furniture, expertly handcrafted from quartersawn oak!- Craftsman style living room furniture- Mission style dining room furniture- Arts and Crafts Mission bedroom furniture- Mission style office furniture
Quarter sawn white oak stain choices
Quarter-sawn oak is also particularly conducive for finishes and stains, compared to plain-sawn oak. By staining the wood, the grain really pops. The stain is absorbed less by the ray flecks, creating an eye-catching contrast. Cabinfield offers an extensive variety of custom quarter-sawn white oak furniture, carefully finished with the hand-applied stain finish of your choice.
Leave the guesswork behind with wood stain samples. With the colors in front of you, you can choose the best stain for your unique space!What is the most popular stain for quarter-sawn oak?
The best stain color for quarter-sawn white oak wood furniture is Michael’s Cherry stain. Medium-dark stains like Michael’s Cherry are highly popular for Mission style or Arts and Crafts furniture. Asbury or Asbury Brown stain are also commonly used for QSWO wood furniture.
Is quarter sawn white oak expensive?
Quarter-sawn oak is more expensive than regular oak. This is due to both the time-consuming production process, and the higher quality of the oak lumber. Quarter-sawn oak also means that less wood can be used, which adds to the high price.
What are the disadvantages of quarter sawn lumber?
A disadvantage of quartersawn white oak is its high cost. It is extremely labor intensive to produce, due to the complicated technique used to cut the lumber. The process also creates more waste than regular plain-sawn lumber, which can be considered less sustainable. It is therefore important to ensure that your quarter-sawn white oak furniture is derived from a responsible source, where wastage is minimized.
Is quarter sawn oak worth it?
Quarter-sawn white oak, or QSWO, boasts many benefits. Ray flecks create beautifully unique patterns in the wood grain, accentuated by the stain color. The quarter-sawn cut lends the lumber additional strength and durability. Furthermore, its added resistance to warping and cupping means that QSWO furniture is built to last for years to come.
Handcrafted Amish furniture at Cabinfield is custom designed in the wood and stain of your choice. Design your heirloom quality quarter-sawn white oak furniture!
