The natural features of wood give each piece of furniture a unique look. Each product made by hand by SFD is one of a kind. We can say that nature has left its signature on it in the form of unusual patterns. From the following article, you will learn what the different oak wood features are called and how they are produced.
It all starts from the right cut
It`s exactly called – Quarter sawing – this is the method used to cut all logs in SFD`s workshop.
What sets quarter-sawn oak furniture apart from the rest of the manufacturing of the time is the extra detail and effort that goes into each piece. The traditional continuous method of sawing wood, as shown below, produces flat sawn boards with a cathedral grain pattern. This is fast, efficient and economical.
To make quarter-sawn boards from the same log requires a different cutting method that is more labor intensive and expensive. What you get, however, is a completely different grain pattern that exposes the medullary rays.
Slice logs along different tangents to the rings, as shown in these end-grain views, and you run the gamut from flat sawn to rift sawn to quartersawn boards.
At SFD, quality always comes first, which is why we decided to take the harder road. However, the end result is well worth it. We obtain furniture which is not only functional but also visually attractive.
Many types of wood sawing. Quarter sawn marked yellow.
Examples of quartersawn oak usage on BASIC TRE II and BLACK FOREST tables. Natural oak wood features create very unique patterns.
1. Ray Fleck – what`s this?
The “ray fleck”, “flake,” or “figure” is the medullary ray of the log, which emanates outward from the center of the log like spokes of a wheel. Such a pattern is the result of cutting the log at the right angle (Quarter sawing).
Ray fleck examples on NIVÅ WHITE Bookcase
Another ray fleck example on oak table top
More wood features
Natural characteristics of oak wood include not only those caused by different types of trunk cutting. Very interesting patterns on wood are also caused by different types of knots, natural mineral stains or cracks.
Knots – vary in size, shape, structure and color.
Closed knot as a natural wood feature on table top
Black ring knot natural feature on VIRKERÅ coffee table
Small open-knot example
Mineral stain – a darkened or discolored wood area, caused by minerals which the tree extracts from the soil, can be either mineral streak or mineral stain. It is commonly found in oak and appears as a dark, blotchy area with undefined boundaries. It can turn an entire board darker in color.
Mineral stains
Heartwood stain – this characteristic can be caused by buildup of natural extractives, such as sugars.
Hardwood stains on ALASKA oak dining table
Oak table top of FJÄRIL round extendable table
The above-mentioned features of wood are its advantage, they are unique and, created by nature during the growth of the tree from which the wood comes. It is them that emphasize the nobility of materials used in the production of furniture.
If you liked the article and want to learn more about that topic please contact us, we are happy to answer all your questions.
The Team of SFD
Tags: sustainable furniture design, handcrafted furniture, handcrafted dining table, solid oak table, scandinavian table, hygge, interior design, solid wood furniture,, hygge home, bespoke furniture, oak wood features
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