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The
angle at which a board is cut determines how the finished product
looks. Wood flooring is either plainsawn, quartersawn or riftsawn.
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Plainsawn
Plainsawn is the most common and least expensive method
of wood flooring cuts. Plainsawn contains more variation than
the other two cuts because grain patterns resulting from the
growth rings are more obvious. This is the most economical method
because it creates the widest boards with the least amount of
waste. Plainsawn is less dimensionally stable.
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The flooring will
tend to expand and contract more across the width of the boards.
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Quartersawn
Quartersawing produces less board feet per log
than plainsawing and is therefore is more expensive. The log is
first cut into quarters and then sawn perpendicular to the growth
rings. Quartersawn wood twists and cups less, wears more evenly
and is more stable. When quartersawn
flooring is introduced to changing climates and humidity, the
wood expands
and contracts vertically instead of horizontal.
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Quartersawn flooring is a most ideal choice for installations
over radiant floor heating, as recommended by the National Wood Flooring
Association.
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Riftsawn
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Riftsawn is similar to quartersawn, but the cut is made at a slightly
different angle.
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FLOORING BRANDS
