GRAIN CUTS AND PATTERN — Infinite Hardwood

Rift & Quartered will have a unique appearance and because of the grain being in a vertical pattern it will increase the overall hardness and structural integrity of the boards. Rift Sawn pieces will have a tighter/straight grain appearance while Quarter Sawn will also have the straight grain it displays the “flecking” across the grain that it is known for. With these characteristics, Rift & Quartered is generally preferred when installed over radiant heat or in extreme climates.

Rift Sawn is cut in the same process as Quarter Sawn which creates the straight grain like the quarter sawn, but without the display of the medullary rays. It is a modern, clean appearance. It is very difficult to create wide plank rift only boards. Narrow Rift boards with the straight grain will almost blend together. Rift Sawn is a very stable flooring option and yields stronger boards than plain sawn, but the higher waste adds to its cost.

Quarter sawn lumber, as the name implies, starts by cutting the entire log into quarters. Then, the mill cuts a board from one flat surface, rotates the log, and cuts the next board, alternating as they cut. As a result, they end up with ever narrower boards until only a wedge piece is left. Quarter-sawing yields stronger boards than plain sawn, but the higher waste adds to its cost.

Plain Sawn lumber is the most common cut of lumber used in hardwood flooring. By making parallel cuts through the log, a wider plank is produced. The annular growth rings are typically 30 degrees or less to the face of the board, which gives the plank the recognizable “cathedral” grain.

White Oak Character Grade Live Sawn White Oak comes from a unique milling process that that includes all the natural grain variations available. This process involves cutting the log straight through which generally displays plain saw and rift/quarter sawn patterns in each piece. Live Sawn is also commonly known as “European Cut” and produces a floor that is more stable and overall harder than traditional methods. This flooring will have 4 sided tongue and groove for ease of installation.