When selecting wood products there are many features to consider. From finish to wood species to installation style, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in each unique design or project. One characteristic of wood that’s often overlooked is the grain pattern.
Grain patterns can come in either flat or vertical grain and are important to the final look of the wood. A flat grain pattern is the most common on the market and is created when lumber is milled parallel to the growth rings of the tree. This produces unique planks with varying grain patterns on each piece which create a more traditional wood finish.
Vertical grain on the other hand is created from milling lumber that is positioned so the growth rings are vertical to the face of the plank. This grain style produces a more high-end look with less variance in the grain pattern. The consistency of vertical grain also helps to create a uniform plank color which is perfect for modern finishes. This process is more specialized because vertical grain can only be milled from larger pieces of lumber.
To fully understand the difference between grain styles, it’s useful to look at them side by side. A perfect example can be seen in our Reclaimed Natural as compared to Vertical Grain Natural finishes. On the left, the Reclaimed Natural plank is cut with a flat grain style which features unique grains and knots while the Vertical Grain Natural shown on the right looks more consistent and smooth.
When shown side by side, the planks tell their own distinctive story and can be better selected for a design project.
Still have questions? Talk to one of our team members today.
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