Shop Red Oak R/Q

What is red oak riftsawn/quartersawn lumber? Riftsawn/quartersawn (R/Q) lumber refers to specialty cuts of wood where the log is milled at precise angles to the growth rings, resulting in highly stable boards with distinct, uniform grain patterns. Quartersawn lumber is cut so that the growth rings are perpendicular (between 60 degree and 90 degree) to the board's face, displaying the unique medullary ray pattern (often called "fleck" or "flake"). Riftsawn lumber is cut so the rings are at roughly 30 degree to 60 degree , producing straight, linear grain lines with no flake. Both cuts offer superior dimensional stability over conventional plainsawn lumber.

Red Oak R/Q Lumber Properties and Uses:

• Color/Appearance: Light tan to brown heartwood with a reddish cast, which becomes amplified in the broad ray fleck of the quartersawn face.
  
  
• Grain/Texture: Quartersawn lumber displays prominent, dramatic medullary ray fleck across the face of the board. Riftsawn lumber exhibits tight, highly straight, and parallel grain lines running the length of the board. The texture remains coarse and open like plainsawn red oak.
  
  
• Endgrain: The growth rings run perpendicular to the face of the board (quartersawn) or at a high angle (riftsawn), maximizing the stability of the grain.
  
  
• Rot Resistance: As with plainsawn red oak, the R/Q cut is rated as non-durable and is prone to decay. It is intended for interior use only unless properly treated and sealed.
  
  
• Workability: Machines well, but requires sharp tools to prevent tear-out when planing. The increased density and vertical grain of R/Q lumber can make it slightly harder to work than plainsawn material. It takes stain and finish beautifully.
  
  
• Odor: Has the same distinct, mild, pleasant odor as plainsawn red oak when being cut.
  
  
• Common Uses: Highly stable applications like architectural millwork, high-end furniture (especially arts and crafts styles), fine cabinetry door frames, flooring, and paneling where stable widths and uniform grain are essential.
  
  

The primary reason for selecting red oak R/Q lumber is its enhanced stability, a crucial factor for high-quality, long-lasting woodwork:

• Reduced Movement: Plainsawn lumber typically moves (swells and shrinks) significantly across its width as humidity changes. Riftsawn and quartersawn lumber minimize this movement, as most of the expansion and contraction occurs through the thickness, which is barely noticeable. This makes R/Q cuts essential for wide panels, cabinet door stiles, and flooring.
  
  
• Quartersawn Applications: This cut is aesthetically distinct due to the medullary ray fleck. It is heavily favored in arts and crafts furniture, mission-style cabinetry, and wall paneling where the dramatic, flake-like pattern is a desirable design feature. This cut is often used for wider pieces that need visual interest.
  
  
• Riftsawn Applications: This cut is chosen when a clean, uniform aesthetic is required. The perfectly straight grain lines are ideal for columns, table legs, and vertical elements where a consistent look is needed on all four faces of a square piece. It provides the maximum stability with a more subdued, contemporary appearance compared to quartersawn.
  
  
• Milling: The sawing process to create R/Q lumber yields less material per log than plainsawing, which is why it commands a higher price, but the improved performance and unique grain justify the investment for heirloom-quality projects.
  
  

Need custom-milled red oak riftsawn/quartersawn lumber for a unique project near Seattle? Edensaw Woods (Edensaw.com) is your local specialty lumber and wood supplier, offering expert milling services and premium raw products from our Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, facility. We stock a wide selection of top-quality domestic lumber and woods, focusing on specialty cuts like red oak R/Q lumber. This lumber is specifically cut to enhance dimensional stability (reducing shrinking and expansion across the width) and showcase the desirable medullary rays unique to quartersawn stock. Edensaw Woods proudly serves the Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma and the nearby Pacific Northwest region with wood that includes alder, ash, basswood, beech, poplar, red oak, walnut, and both plain and R/Q white oak lumber. For expert advice and material availability, please contact us. We love to see the results of your hard work; tell us about your completed project!