Wood grain

Wood grain describes the ,  and appearance of the wood . This is often important in its effect on woodworking techniques (e.g. against the grain).

In describing the alignment of the wood in the tree a distinction may be made. Basic grain descriptions and types include:
 straight - grain which runs in a single direction along the cut wood, a product of a straight growing tree
 cross - grain in which some cells grow out from the major growth axis of the tree
 spiral - grain which develops as the trunk of the tree twists in development
 interlocked (roey grain) A step beyond spiral grain occurring when growth rings in a twisting trunk develop misaligned grain

In addition, there are a few special grain alignments. Their rarity often promotes the value of both the raw material, and the finished work it becomes a part of. These include:

 bird's eye
 quilted
 fiddleback
 curly
 tiger

In describing the application of a woodworking technique to a given piece of wood, the direction of the technique might be:
 with the grain
 against the grain
 across the grain


In a wider sense, the term grain may also be applied to the orientation of the cut, the way a given piece of wood has been sawn: 
 flat-grain: flat-sawn or plain sawn,
 edge grain: quarter-sawn or rift-sawn or straight-grained, and
 end grain.

Category:Wood