The Complete Guide to Wood Sawn Types: Plain Sawn, Live Edge Sawn, Quarter Sawn, and Rift Sawn
Wood sawn types play a critical role in the quality, appearance, and durability of custom woodworking projects. At Hardtwood Custom Woodworks, we offer various sawn types to match your design and structural needs.
Whether you're seeking the natural beauty of live edge or the stability of quarter sawn wood, this guide will help you understand the differences and benefits of each sawn type.
What is Face Grain (Plain Sawn) Wood?
Face Grain also know as Plain Sawn wood is the most common type of lumber cut and showcases a traditional wood grain pattern. It is known for its affordability and efficiency in production. The natural beauty of the grain makes it perfect for solid wood tables and shelving.
Key Features:
- Traditional grain pattern
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Ideal for tables, shelves, and countertops
What is Live Edge Sawn Wood?
Live edge sawn wood retains the natural edge of the tree, offering a rustic, organic look. It’s a popular choice for tabletops, shelves and countertops, creating a truly unique, natural aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Organic, natural edge
- Perfect for creating custom tabletops and countertops
- Retains the unique character of the tree
What is Quarter Sawn Wood?
Quarter sawn wood offers a more refined grain pattern, with increased stability and resistance to warping. It is commonly used in high-end furniture and cabinetry for its durability and attractive grain.
Key Features:
- Straight grain pattern
- More stable and durable
- Resistant to warping, ideal for cabinetry and premium furniture
What is Rift Sawn Wood?
Rift sawn wood is prized for its consistent, linear grain pattern. It’s one of the most stable wood types, making it ideal for custom wood projects where uniformity and stability are key.
Key Features:
- Linear, straight grain
- Maximum stability
- Great for fine furniture and flooring
Conclusion
At Hardtwood Custom Woodworks, we specialize in crafting premium products using the finest sawn wood types. Whether you’re an interior designer, contractor, or homeowner, our team is ready to help you choose the best sawn wood type for your project.
Explore our custom woodworking collections today and see how the right sawn type can elevate your design!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose Between Plain Sawn, Quarter Sawn, Rift Sawn, and Live Edge Wood?
The best sawn type for your project depends on your goals. Plain sawn wood is affordable and offers a traditional grain, making it great for general-purpose furniture. Quarter sawn and rift sawn are ideal for high-end projects requiring stability and a refined appearance. Live edge wood is perfect for creating unique, natural-looking pieces like custom tables and countertops.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Sawn Type?
Plain Sawn: Affordable, but more prone to warping over time.
Quarter Sawn: Stable and durable but more expensive due to the cutting process.
Rift Sawn: Offers consistent grain and high stability but can be the most expensive.
Live Edge: Aesthetic appeal and uniqueness, but may require more maintenance depending on the project.
What Projects Are Best Suited for Live Edge Wood?
Live edge wood is perfect for statement pieces like dining tables, countertops, and shelves. Its natural edge adds character to any space, whether it’s a rustic, modern, or industrial design.
What Is the Difference Between Rift Sawn and Quarter Sawn Wood?
Both rift sawn and quarter sawn wood are cut at angles to enhance stability, but rift sawn has a more linear grain pattern and is typically used in premium projects where a uniform look is key. Quarter sawn wood, on the other hand, has a more varied grain pattern and is often chosen for its decorative appearance.
Is Live Edge Wood More Expensive than Other Sawn Types?
Live edge wood can be more expensive due to its natural, handcrafted nature. The uniqueness of each slab and the additional labor involved in working with irregular edges often contribute to a higher cost.
