Quarter-Sawn White Oak Wood Q & A

Beth Rice 21/03/2019

Quarter-sawn white oak wood is known among solid wood furniture makers for its durability, strength, and firm texture. We receive a lot of questions about it. Why is it called quarter-sawn? What type of furniture is it best for? What’s with the quarter-sawn grain pattern?

Here are the answers to popular quarter-sawn white oak wood questions in our QSWO Q&A.

Why is it called quarter-sawn white oak?

Because of how it’s cut. “Quarter sawing” means the oak log is cut lengthwise then the halves are turned and cut into quarters. Then each of those pieces continues to be cut in this manner until the desired board size is achieved. The growth rings of the tree create a straight, linear grain pattern from the cuts.
A log marked with both plain sawn and quarter sawn cuts.
The lower half of this log is marked for plain sawing and the top half for quarter sawing.
Photo Credit: www.wwgoa.com

Close up of a log marked with quarter sawing cuts.
A close-up of the quarter sawing marks.
Photo Credit: www.wwgoa.com

How does quarter-sawn oak compare to plain-sawn oak?

Plain sawn, or flat sawn, involves each log being cut parallel through the log, creating an attractive swirly grain pattern. More lumber can be used from the log with this method of cutting. Plain-sawn lumber costs less and is easier to find, but there’s a risk of it cupping or bowing as it ages. Quarter-sawn wood is stronger, more stable, and more resistant to cupping, warping, and moisture.
A log marked for plain sawing.
Plain sawing allows more of the log to be used.
Photo Credit: www.wwgoa.com

How does the look of quarter-sawn white oak differ from regular oak?

The unique way quarter-sawn white oak is cut results in a different grain pattern that’s not as thick as the regular cut pattern of oak. Quarter-sawn wood is cut across the growth rings, creating a straighter grain and adding to the stability of the wood. Along with the wood grain, what you see creating a unique pattern on quarter-sawn oak wood are medullary rays and flecks.

Medullary rays (also known as tiger marks or pith rays) are caused by plant cells that allow movement of sap throughout the trunk of the tree, perpendicular to its growth rings and contributing to the growth process. When the cuts are made, the cells create markings that stand out, often in wavy patterns, adding to a decorative nature. The markings are a sign that you’ve received a product made from a high-end wood and a lot of labor went into making it.

Amish Signature Mission Work Desk

You can pick out the attractive yet unpredictable rays and flecks of the Amish Santa Rosa Work Desk.

Is quarter-sawn white oak wood stronger than regular oak?

Both are strong, reliable, and highly durable. Quarter-sawn white oak is even more stable, wears evenly and offers added resistance to twisting, cupping, and warping because of the way it’s cut. This is a desirable feature, especially for wood that is used to craft furniture.
Amish Siesta Mission Chest of Drawers
The Amish Siesta Mission Chest of Drawers in quarter-sawn oak.

What type of furniture is quarter-sawn white oak a good candidate for?

Due to its strength, quarter-sawn white oak is a popular pick for furniture that sees daily use. It’s a popular choice for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. We see it used a lot for living rooms and dining furniture.
Amish Lancaster Corner TV Cabinet
The Amish Lancaster Corner TV Cabinet in quarter sawn oak wood.
Amish Beaumont Mission Table with Storage
The Beaumont Mission Table with Storage in Quarter-Sawn Oak.

Which furniture style is quarter-sawn white oak best suited for?

Quarter-sawn white oak wood is often chosen for shaker and mission-style furniture that highlights flat panels so the grain pattern can really shine.
Amish Goshen Shaker 32" Coffee Table
The Amish Goshen Shaker 32″ Coffee Table in quarter-sawn white oak.

How can I tell it’s quarter-sawn white oak?

Quarter-sawn oak showcases varying shades of white to medium brown in its heartwood and sapwood. Because of the way the oak log is cut across the growth rings, the grain is straighter, adding to the stability of the wood. You can always look for the lovely flecks, waves, and flakes in the wood. The medullary rays create a wavy grain pattern with a decorative effect that gives the furniture a unique character.

Which costs more, regular cut oak furniture or quarter sawn white oak furniture?

Quarter-sawn white oak furniture costs more since there’s more labor involved. The intricate cuts require more effort and take more time. Quarter sawing produces less usable lumber per log than plain sawing.

60" Rivertowne Amish Desk
The Rivertowne Amish Desk in quarter sawn white oak wood.

What other questions do you have about quarter sawn white oak? What do you like or dislike about it?

More About Oak Furniture

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About the Author

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Beth Rice
Beth Rice is a content writer for DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. She is the primary author of Timber to Table blog posts and has spent the last several years researching and providing knowledge on wood types, furniture styles, and design trends. As a busy mother of two, Beth understands the value of furniture in helping create a welcoming home for family and friends, and often writes on the ways our furniture can help support that. Beth is a published author with a gift for identifying the special moments in everyday life. Most recently, she had a short story included in Chicken Soup for the Soul's "My Amazing Mom" edition. Since 2012, the DutchCrafters Timber to Table blog has been providing customers and other readers with furniture and interior design tips, information about the Amish, and woodworkers’ stories.

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