Plain Sawn

Plain Sawn Lumber

Most mills sell plain sawn (aka flat sawn) lumber because it’s the simplest, most cost-efficient way to mill a log into planks. Cutting parallel through the log, plain sawn wood planks are wider and can be milled effortlessly with minimal waste. The loops and growth swirls found in the grain patters of plain sawn wood gives you that famous “cathedral” look.

Despite the attractive look on the surface, there are certain drawbacks to plain sawn lumber. As the wood dries and ages, the tension of the tangential grain can make plain sawn planks cup, twist and sometimes bow. They also tend to absorb more moisture from the air which can also lead to unwanted movement.

Additional Photos

Quarter Sawn vs Plain Sawn