Question

Which type of wood expands the most: Plain sawn or Flat sawn?

1) Plain sawn wood
2) Flat sawn wood

Answer 1

Plain sawn wood expands more than flat sawn wood due to its cathedral-like pattern and greater exposure to moisture.

Step-by-step explanation:

When wood is cut, it can be sawn in different ways, resulting in different grain patterns. Plain sawn wood is cut in parallel to the growth rings of the tree, resulting in a cathedral-like pattern. Flat sawn wood is cut perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in a straight, even grain pattern.

In terms of expansion, plain sawn wood expands more than flat sawn wood. This is because the growth rings in plain sawn wood are more exposed, allowing for greater moisture absorption and expansion. Flat sawn wood, with its straight grain pattern, has less exposure to moisture and therefore expands less.