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Kaplan Architects, AIA I really like the rift or guartered oak much better than the plain sawn. I think it is worth it. The plain sawn can have a very busy grain.

feeny I do love quarter sawn white oak. That's what we have (original, 90 years old) in our house, and that's what I'd use again if I were building one. It not only looks more beautiful (because the grain isn't so busy), but it is also even more durable.

Ironwood Builders If you know and understand the difference...it matters.

Lizabeth No one but you can answer this question. Does rift sawn fill your heart with joy when you look at it?
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Gavin Kennedy Honestly, I need to see a room full of both. I lean toward R/Q...maybe my heart sings??

Lizabeth Gavin,

Out on an limb here but perhaps you don't get it about rift sawn. One can see the grain pattern in a one foot by three inch piece of both side by side. Plain sawn has 'cathedrals" and rift has straight grain and diagonal rays with what I consider more "depth". You could visit a cabinet supplier and see the difference in two cabinet doors.

Some foks are more visually sensitive than others. There are structural issues which contribute to it's stability beyond it's beauty as well.

My point is the difference in the wood is very apparent and one does not need to see a room of it to discern the different aspects. A cabinet or tabletop of each should answer any question you might have about each type.