Quarter sawn timber is cut from the log so that the growth rings on the end grain run roughly at right angles to the wide face of the board — in practice at an angle of about 60 to 90 degrees. The name comes from the sawing method: the log is first cut into quarters, and those quarters are then cut radially. Other names are radially sawn and rift sawn.
Quarter sawn versus plain sawn
| Feature | Quarter sawn (radial) | Plain sawn (tangential) |
|---|---|---|
| Ring angle to the face | About 60-90° | About 0-30° |
| Figure on the face | Straight, parallel grain | Flame or cathedral pattern |
| Movement across the width | Small | Roughly twice as much |
| Cupping | Little | Clearly present |
| Yield from the log | Low, so more expensive | High, so cheaper |
| Medullary rays in oak | Visible as silver figure | Barely visible |
Timber shrinks and swells about twice as much tangentially as radially. That is exactly why quarter sawn timber is more stable: the greatest movement in this board falls in the thickness, not in the width.
Where to use it
Choose quarter sawn where dimensional stability or appearance is decisive:
- External windows and doors — less movement means less sticking, fewer gaps and paint films that last longer
- Floorboards — smaller gaps opening up as humidity changes
- Furniture and stair work — quiet, straight grain
- Oak internal joinery — the silver figure of the medullary rays shows on quarter sawn oak and is valued as decorative
Practical tips:
- Check the end grain — you can see at a glance how the rings run; do not rely on the trade description alone
- Expect a premium — the yield is lower, so quarter sawn is dearer than plain sawn from the same batch
- Do not mix — avoid combining quarter sawn and plain sawn pieces in the same panel; they move differently
Related terms
- Plain sawn
- Growth ring
- Moisture movement
- Moisture content
- End grain
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.