What Are The Different Types of Sawmill Cuts?

Sawmills can produce various types of cuts depending on the desired grain pattern, strength, and appearance of the wood. Here are the main types of sawmill cuts:

1. Plain Sawn (or Flat Sawn)

- Description: This is the most common and economical method of cutting logs. The log is cut tangentially to the growth rings.

- Appearance:The wood has a pronounced grain pattern, often with visible "cathedral" or "arch" shapes.

- Uses: Suitable for general construction, furniture, and flooring, though less stable than other cuts (more prone to warping and cupping).

2. Quarter Sawn

- Description: The log is first quartered, and then each quarter is cut perpendicular to the growth rings.

- Appearance: The grain is more uniform, with straight lines and a tight, often vertical grain pattern. The wood has a distinct figure known as "flecking" or "ray fleck," especially in hardwoods like oak.

-Uses:Provides greater stability and is often used for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and flooring because of its resistance to warping and shrinkage.

3. Rift Sawn

- Description: This is a more precise form of quarter sawing where the log is cut at a specific angle to produce straight, vertical grain with minimal medullary rays.

- Appearance: The grain pattern is very straight, with little to no visible figure or flecking.

-Uses: Typically used for fine furniture and cabinetry where a highly consistent and refined grain appearance is desired.

4. Live Edge (Natural Edge)

- Description:This cut preserves the natural edge of the log, with the bark left on one or both sides.

- Appearance: The natural, organic shape of the log is maintained, making the grain pattern irregular, with a rustic or "wild" look.

- Uses: Often used for countertops, tables, shelves, and other decorative pieces where the raw, natural beauty of the wood is emphasized.

5. Slab (or Cant) Cut

- Description: A cant is a large, square or rectangular piece of wood that is first cut from a log before further sawing. The "slab" refers to a thick, flat piece of wood that is cut from the sides of the log.

- Appearance: The grain pattern is often irregular, with both straight and curved sections depending on the log.

- Uses: Slabs are often used for furniture making (especially tables and countertops) and can be cut for live-edge or decorative purposes.

6. Center Cut

- Description:This method involves cutting the log down the center, preserving the heartwood in the middle.

- Appearance: The resulting wood may have a combination of grain patterns, with heartwood that has a more distinct color and structure compared to the surrounding wood.

- Uses: Primarily used for aesthetic purposes, as the heartwood can be more visually striking and unique in color.

7. Vertical Grain (VG)

- Description: In this method, the logs are cut in such a way that the growth rings are nearly vertical to the surface of the board. It is a type of quarter sawing but specifically oriented for a more pronounced vertical grain.

- Appearance:The resulting grain is very straight and consistent, with no apparent growth ring curvature.

- Uses: Vertical grain lumber is prized in applications where strength and dimensional stability are paramount, such as in structural beams or high-end flooring.

Each of these cuts has different characteristics in terms of grain pattern, stability, and strength, and the right cut is typically chosen based on the intended use and aesthetic preference.