Most lumber is cut so that the annular rings form an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees with the surface of the board. This is referred to as __________ sawn.

• A. Plain sawn
• B. Quarter sawn
• C. Rift sawn
• D. Edge sawn

Answer: (B)

Understanding how growth rings sit relative to the board surface helps explain why this cut is quarter-sawn. If the annular rings form a steep angle—roughly 60 to 90 degrees—to the broad face of the board, the lumber is quarter-sawn. This orientation comes from cutting the log into quarters and slicing so the grain runs longways with the rings nearly perpendicular to the face. Quarter-sawn boards resist warping and cupping as moisture changes, and they typically show a straight, uniform grain that’s prized for cabinetry and trim. Plain-sawn, in contrast, has rings at a shallower angle and tends to display more varied grain patterns and movement. Edge sawn isn’t a standard term for describing this grain orientation.