plainsawn

Plainsawn, also known as flatsawn, is a method of cutting logs into lumber in which the growth rings are cut parallel to the board's wide face. The log is oriented so that the saw passes tangential to the growth rings, producing boards that display grain patterns such as cathedral figures and a more varied surface appearance.

Plainsawn boards are the most common and cost-effective form of lumber. They yield the greatest amount of usable lumber from a log and require less waste during milling. However, they are typically less dimensionally stable than quarter-sawn boards, and they are more prone to cupping, warping, and surface checking with changes in humidity.

Applications include structural framing, sheathing, and general carpentry, as well as many interior projects where ultimate grain uniformity is not critical. For furniture or flooring where stability and uniform grain are prioritized, quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cuts may be preferred.