The Middle Ages saw a surge in oak use for furniture when Gothic furniture was first created. This would be a preference that continued through the 17th century. In the early 14th century you can find the use of quarter cut oak boards also known as wainscoting. There are many different types of oak including Red, White and Live Oak; however, White Oak is the wood of choice for most quarter-sawn boards. The Arts and Craft style of the early 20th century incorporated quarter sawn oak; it would soon be a hallmark of the style. Over time, other materials like mahogany and ebony would be introduced but quarter sawn oak is still the popular choice of wood.

Since the first part of this century quarter, sawn oak has lost some of its appeal. Not because of changes in taste so much as the economic fortitude, it will yield much less lumber per tree than plain sawing. It is also more labor intensive to produce than most current methods. With this change in manufacturing quarter, sawn furniture has become a period piece that is highly prized and an important consideration for anyone wishing to recreate the look of the Arts and Crafts period.

In order to produce quarter-sawn wood you must cut away from the growth rings at a 90-degree angle. This will produce a vertical uniform grain pattern. Quarter sawn boards will have a grain with straight tight lines running the full length of the board. The better this is done the better the chance for achieving the sought after medullary ray flecks. In addition to being a beautiful piece of wood quarter, sawing increases the structural soundness of the board. They are less likely to twist, warp or cup, holds a better finish and does not allow fluids to penetrate easily.

As you might surmise quarter sawn oak is more expensive and valued than plain sawn lumber due to the intense labor it takes to create. Plain sawn lumber on the other hand is quickly and efficiently produced and has much less waste. Quarter sawing a log, as you may imagine includes first quartering the log. The boards are then cut alternately from each face, in other words flipping from one side to the other until the log is completely processed.

Elegance and beauty radiate from a piece of quarter-sawn wood. All the work that goes into a piece really shines through. Owning a traditionally created Arts and Crafts piece, you truly own a piece of architectural history. Over time, it will only increase in beauty and value making it an heirloom piece you can be proud of.

Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture industry for almost 40 years. His Southern California furniture store is one of the leading quarter sawn oak furniture outlets in the country. They carry the biggest selection of American made quarter sawn furniture for your bedroom, dining room, living room and home office. From Mission style wood dining room furniture to Arts & Craft style wooden file cabinets they offer furniture that's built to last for generations.