Rift lumber is lumber where by the growth rings are 30° to 60°.  Plain sawn lumber has growth rings that are less than 30°.

       By definition, quartered sawn lumber produces lumber where by the growth rings are positioned at a 60° to 90° angle.

       The most obvious characteristic of quarter sawn lumber is the type of grain pattern produced.  By quarter sawing, the saw actually splits the medullary ray, causing the ray to appear shiny or reflective.  (The German term for this is “spiegel Shnitt” or “mirror cut”.).  The rift board does not have this shiny charachteristic.  It does produce vertical grain - usually used in more contemporary setting specified by archetects.

 

       Appearance is not the only reason why quarter sawn is sought after.  It also:

 

•  Does not shrink or swell in width (ideal for flooring in extreme conditions (high traffic, pubs, and other public places.

•  Reduces twisting, warping, and cup.

•  Wears less in flooring application.

•  Does not surface check or split.

•  Produces a better paint surface.

 

       As described, quarter sawing is more of an art than plain sawing.  Quarter sawing takes larger logs to saw this product, more production time is sawing each “quarter”, all of which equates to a premium price.