Plain Sawn
(flat sawn, flat grain)
- Species with pronounced growth rings will present with arched or parabolic grain.
- Less dimensionally stable than quarter sawn, so it will exhibit lateral movement and expansion.
- More prone to cupping and expansion due to moisture.
Quarter Sawn
(vertical grain, straight grain, comb grain)
- Will present with straight or linear grains.
- More stable than plain sawn, will exhibit vertical movement or expansion.
- Less prone to cupping than plain sawn.
Rotary Sawn Veneers
- Will often present with grain similar to plain sawn wood.
- Used in engineered wood flooring.