Choosing Between Backsawn and Quartersawn: What You Need to Know
In the traditional timber industry, there are many ways a log can be dissected to create various cuts of timber.
At Crafted Hardwoods, we offer for each species two different grain cut options that translate into the most common cuts: Backsawn and Quartersawn.
Keep reading to explore the unique characteristics of each cut and find the perfect finish to match your style and application.
The Cut of a Tree - In a Nutshell
Flat Sawn / Back Sawn:
Also known in the industry as plain sawn, this cut features growth rings that meet the face at less than 45 degrees. In traditional timber, it is the most common and economical solid wood cut. It can also display the most variety in grain and tone, depending on the species.
Quarter Sawn and Rift Sawn:
Quarter Sawn and Rift Sawn timber are praised for their stability and aesthetic. They produce a consistent, sleek, linear grain pattern. However, traditional quarter/rift sawing methods involve slicing logs at precise angles, resulting in smaller, irregular offcuts and significant material loss.
Thankfully, at Crafted Hardwoods, we found a way around this problem (literally!). Because we are starting from our “square trees”, either cut is a simple slice off the block!
Square Trees? Now That Would Be Convenient!
If trees were naturally square, processing them would be far more efficient—but their round shape in traditional methods often leads to significant waste when converting logs into usable timber (unless rotary-peeled, but more on that below!).
Thankfully, at Crafted Hardwoods we only grow square trees!
Starting with a square log allows us to produce both Backsawn and Quartersawn timbers with ease. Neither process generates more waste than the other.
Efficiency in Every Layer: Why Rotary Peeling Makes Sense
Starting from Rotary Peeled logs means we can recover at least twice as much material from each tree we use compared to traditional methods.
Rotary peeling is the most efficient way to process (round!) trees, and this is exactly how our raw material is processed at the mill. Using this method allows us to achieve an impressive 75% yield from each tree—compared to just 33% if we were to use traditional methods.
Unlike sawn lumber, which generates significant amounts of sawdust and offcuts (recyclable but still wasteful), rotary peeling produces no sawdust at all. Instead, it creates long, continuous ribbons of wood, much like unrolling a sheet of paper.
Rotary peeling isn’t new, it has long been used for LVL and plywood production. What is new however is the technology that we use to transform those rotary peeled logs into the incredibly versatile material that is Crafted Hardwood Timber.
Choose your cut, shape your vision
A key distinction between our backsawn and quartersawn timbers is their aesthetic. As with traditional timber, each grain cut offers a unique finish and look.
Understanding the cuts’ distinct features and character will ensures the timber aligns perfectly with your vision.
Are you looking for a natural, warm and rustic appearance, or a clean, uniform look with minimal imperfection?
Same species, two different looks.
Canadian Yellow Birch in Backsawn (left) and Quartersawn (right)
Folding Nature into Design
Thanks to 3RT’s unique engineered fold pattern, when pressed into square logs, the veneers bend and curve, creating movement and mirroring the organic form found in traditional timber. Whilst this is visible to a certain extent on the quartersawn face, it’s a definite feature on the end grain of each piece.
The fold pattern can be customized to produce more or less curves, resulting in subtle or bold patterns.
50×50mm Spotted Gum post, showing the unique fold pattern on the end grain.
Two Cuts, One Timber: The Best of Both Grains
Each billet we produce has a backsawn face and a quartersawn face. Therefore, each piece of timber that we slice off our billets will show both quartersawn and backsawn grain patterns on adjacent faces.
For example, a square post will display quartersawn on two opposite sides and backsawn on the alternate opposing sides. Designers can select which face to feature simply by adjusting the post’s orientation.
Dowels feature a unique, continuous grain pattern that wraps seamlessly all around. Without square edges, the transitions between cuts are less distinguishable, creating a smooth, cohesive look.
In applications like stair treads, where both the top stepping surface and the riser face are visible (albeit to varying degrees), the choice of cut significantly influences the overall appearance. Similarly, in joinery, selecting the appropriate cut for the most prominent face is crucial to ensuring the design aligns with the project's intended style and aesthetic.
Our team can help you decide what grain cut option would suit your project best.
See more examples in different species here:
Head over to the Backsawn Gallery →
Head over to the Quartersawn Gallery →
Quartersawn treads being installed, with the stepping surface displaying the consistent linear pattern typical of our Quartersawn timber, while the riser face features the natural, unique grain pattern of our Backsawn cut.
Size (for when it matters)
You may have noticed already that the Backsawn face of our billets is narrower than the Quartersawn face.
Backsawn timber panels available in any size up to 2450mm Long x 250mm Wide x 500 Thick (fine sawn)
Whilst 250mm is a common size, being able to order material thicker than 50mm sawn can be an advantage.
Just like conventional timber, our material can be joined or laminated to achieve larger sizes.
Quartersawn timber panels available in any size up to 2450mm Long x 500mm Wide x 250 Thick (fine sawn)
This size panel is larger than traditional sizes, often eliminating the need for laminating and offering a cost-effective solution for many applications. Panels can be laminated and joined, and the linear grain across the broad face makes joints more seamless in appearance.
In summary:
We offer two distinct grain cut options for each species: Backsawn and Quartersawn.
The key difference between the two is their aesthetic.
Backsawn: Bold, natural grain patterns with a warm and organic character.
Quartersawn: Sleek, linear patterns with minimal imperfections for a refined, sophisticated look.
Another difference is the size of the panels. Quartersawn panels are available in wider dimensions (up to 500mm, compared to 250mm for backsawn), which may be a costs-saving option if laminating can be avoided.
But no matter the cut, both are carefully sliced straight from the block, reducing waste and ensuring a beautiful, unique, and sustainable timber for your project.
If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to contact our team—we’re always happy to assist!
Don’t forget to visit our galleries for more examples of each option.
Head over to the Backsawn Gallery →
Head over to the Quartersawn Gallery →
Psst! We’ve also made a one page recap that you can print or share here →