Oak Kitchen Cabinets - Know Your Oak Grain Types

Quarter Sawn Oak

Quarter sawn oak refers to the method of cutting the log.  A log is slip into quarters (hence the name) and then cut at a 60 – 90 degree diagonal from the center of the log out toward the edge producing a vertical and uniform grain pattern.  Quarter sawing also produces ‘marks’ on the face of the board revealing distinctive strips or ‘ray flecks’ running across the grain that is a signature of quarter sawn oak. 

Quarter Sawn lumber is valued at a premium because of the greater amount of time and material it requires to produce. 

Straight Grain Oak

Straight Grain, also known as rift sawn, oak applies to red and white oak and has a ‘straight’ grain appearance that generally does not expose the ray flecks that are pronounced in quarter sawn oak. 

Straight grain is lumber whereby the growth rings have a 30 – 60 degree orientation to the board surface. 

Straight grain lumber is when the cuts get farther out from the center segment of the log.

Plain Sawn Oak

Plain sawn oak lumber is the most common form of oak used in American cabinets today, also the cheapest.  Plain sawn lumber has growth rings that are less than 30 degrees in orientation to the board surface.  This produces a distinct type of oak grain pattern that is typical in cabinets and less expensive furniture and flooring.  Boards are sawn from around the perimeter of the log so the growth rings are essentially parallel with the surface.  Plain sawing produces many wide patterns that have a pronounced ‘cathedral’ look.  Plain sawn oak has a coarser, more textured look that draws attention away from the lines of the surface itself.