We often say that we “cut” wood, but timber must be read along its grain, cut in the right direction, and processed according to its structure. Good craftsmanship begins with respecting the properties of the log.
A Tree’s Cross-Section
Growth rings record the tree’s growth year by year. The light-colored sapwood on the outside was once a living layer, so it contains more moisture and is lighter. The heartwood at the center is darker, harder, and more durable. Bark protects the tree and is generally removed during processing.
The thick lower end of a log is called the butt end, while the thinner upper end is called the top end. The butt end is often larger in diameter and features more dramatic figure.
How the log is sawn determines how it will be used
| Sawing method | Characteristics | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-sawn | Wavy grain, wide boards | General furniture |
| Quarter-sawn | Straight, even grain with less warping | High-end furniture · musical instruments |
| Rift-sawn | Diagonal grain | High-end interiors |
What to check before processing
Drying lowers the moisture content to prevent warping and cracking, while the direction of the saw blade and joinery should follow the grain. Defects that may affect the finished product, such as knots and shrinkage checks, should also be identified in advance.
Reading timber through its terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | Wood from broadleaf trees. It has high density and strength. Walnut · oak · maple |
| Softwood | Wood from coniferous trees. It is easy to process. Cedar · fir |
| Sapwood / heartwood | The lighter outer layer / the darker, harder inner layer |
| Grain | The pattern of the wood. It determines directionality and appearance |
| Sawing | The process of sawing logs into boards and square stock |
| Butt end / top end | The thick lower end of a log / the thin upper end |
Text: Woodway Magazine, Chapter 4, “From Tree to Product” (2025). Photos: Woodway sawmill site (May 23, 2023).
From the form of a tree to a chair
In a finished product, we see not only the wood’s grain but also the surfaces and structure where people sit and place their hands. Selected from Woodway’s product photography archive, the chair below creates distinct expressions through its backrest, seat, and the open space beneath it.
