One of the things we love most about natural, hardwood cabinets is their beautiful, wood grain patterns. Like fingerprints, wood grains displayed via Chicago custom cabinets are 100% unique, each tree having its own “print,” so to speak.
Should My Chicago Custom Cabinets be Rift, Quarter or Plain Sawn?
These wood grains – sometimes bold and sometimes a subtle and gentle watercolor effect - are created by the annual growth rings added to the tree’s trunk each year.
While wood type has much to do with the way wood grains show up on cabinet doors, so too does the way the wood is initially milled or sawn. When you choose your custom cabinet style, you’ll also have a say in whether you want the cabinet wood to be rift sawn, quarter sawn or plain sawn.
Rift Sawn
This is the most rare, and the most expensive. Sometimes rift sawn boards are used to compliment quarter sawn lumber, but they can also be selected exclusively for their unique aesthetic. As the log moves through the mill for rift sawn lumber, it’s cut perpendicular to the rings at 90° angles. Then, these pieces are milled again so that the rings of the wood are cut between 30° and 60° - with the ideal being a 45° angle.
The effect is a linear grain pattern, with minimal flecking. However, rift sawing methods produce a notable amount of waste in order to achieve those specific, desired angles. This results in the higher-price and are not the best option for those interested in sustainable building practices.
Quarter sawn
This is a happy medium in terms of price since quarter sawn lumber is less expensive than rift sawn but more expensive than its plain sawn counterpart. Quarter sawing techniques result in beautifully straight grain patterns, which are sought after in custom designs.
The wood is cut into four quarters to start (hence the name), and from there the lumber is cut at 60° to 90° angles. When red or white oak is quarter sawn, homeowners benefit from the straight, linear grain patterns as well as dramatic flecking that adds character.
Plain sawn
The most typical version of milled lumber, plain sawn wood is also called flat sawn. It is the most simple to cut and that makes it the most affordable option. For this method, the log is simply run through the mill in the same direction, cutting plank after plank, with wood grains oriented the same way. This results in annual rings that are cut consistently at about 30° angles or less.
The result are cabinet doors that have both linear as well as “cathedral” grain effects. This look is desired by many due to the beautiful color and pattern variances. Quarter sawn wood looks lovely when visible through a natural stain but can be more difficult to disguise if you plan to paint your cabinets, so keep that in mind.
Visit us here at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited if Chicago custom cabinets are top of your remodeling wish list. Our team is committed to educating and informing our clients so they can make the best choices for their new kitchen design.
