Why Rift Sawn Oak Beats Plain Sawn for Kitchen Cabinets
With their clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, rift sawn oak cabinets are rising in popularity. But what exactly makes this style different than traditional plain sawn oak, and why is it often a better choice for cabinetry? We'll break down the unique traits of rift sawn oak and how they make it an exceptional material for kitchens with a modern point of view.
Rift sawn oak has a distinctive, contemporary grain pattern, which sets it apart from the more varied look of plain sawn oak. By cutting the wood at a 60-degree angle, rift sawing minimizes the natural expansion and contraction that leads to warping and splitting over time. The result is exceptionally stable boards with uniform, straight grain that pairs beautifully with other modern kitchen materials.
Rift Sawn Oak Basics
To understand why rift sawn oak stands out, it helps to first look at how it is cut from the tree. Rift sawing refers to cutting the wood at a 60-90 degree angle to the growth rings. This showcases the oak grain patterns and minimizes the flecks and variations seen in plain sawn boards.
The rift sawn technique produces boards with consistent, contemporary grain lines. The look is versatile enough for a range of modern designs, from industrial to bohemian. But it makes an especially fitting choice for contemporary kitchens where a sleek, uniform aesthetic is desired.
By contrast, plain sawn oak has a more uneven, varied grain pattern with naturally occurring arches, swirls and flecks. This can lend a charming, rustic character well-suited for traditional spaces. But the busier grain can appear incongruous in contemporary rooms where clean lines and minimalism reign.
Appearance
The consistent grain of rift sawn oak has often been described as reminiscent of flowing water. It creates a sense of movement while retaining a modern uniformity. The minimal appearance complements other contemporary kitchen materials like quartz, glass tile and stainless steel.
Stability
In addition to its sleek appearance, rift sawn oak offers stability benefits. The 60-90 degree angle minimizes expansion and contraction of the boards. This means the cabinets will be less prone to warping, cupping and splitting over time. Enhanced stability and straighter grain also make rift sawn oak an exceptional choice for open shelving.
Benefits of Rift Sawn Oak Cabinets
Why choose rift sawn over plain sawn oak for kitchen cabinets? Here are some of the most notable benefits this contemporary woodcut offers:
Clean, Modern Look
With their uniform grain, rift sawn oak cabinets deliver a refined, minimalist aesthetic perfect for contemporary spaces. The smoothness of the boards allows for an understated elegance, with the woodgrain providing warmth and texture.
Fewer Expansion Issues
Kitchen cabinets must withstand years of steady humidity and temperature changes. By minimizing wood expansion, rift sawn oak will resist cracking and warping better than plain sawn. Your cabinet integrity will hold up beautifully over time.
Stellar for Shelving
The enhanced stability and straighter boards of rift sawn oak make it a standout choice for open shelving. You'll never have to worry about sagging, an issue that plagues plain sawn oak shelves. Display your finest cookware and serveware with confidence.
Design Flexibility
One of the best aspects of rift sawn oak is its ability to be customized for your kitchen design. Stain the cabinets in a warm mocha for an inviting look, or keep them light for an airy feel. You can also choose the direction of the grain, opting for a vertical or horizontal presentation.
Downsides of Plain Sawn Oak
While the rustic style of plain sawn oak has undeniable charm, it does come with some disadvantages that make rift sawn a better choice for many contemporary kitchen projects.
More Visible Grain Variation
The uneven grain patterns of plain sawn oak, while attractive in some settings, can appear too busy and disorderly for a sleek, contemporary space. If you desire an uninterrupted minimalist aesthetic, rift sawn is the better match.
Increased Wood Movement
With its wider growth rings and exposure to more direct sunlight, plain sawn oak is prone to greater expansion, contraction, warping and splitting. Over time, humidity and temperature changes can take a toll on cabinet integrity.
Not Ideal for Shelves
The inconsistent grain and tendency to warp make plain sawn oak a poor choice for open shelving. Without a fully enclosed cabinet to bear weight, shelves risk visible sagging and cupping at the edges when made from this wood type.
Rift Sawn Oak in Contemporary Kitchens
When designing a contemporary kitchen using rift sawn oak cabinets, there are several recommendations to create a cohesive, inviting space:
Warm, Natural Finishes
While rift sawn oak offers a sleek appearance, the wood still brings organic warmth and texture to a design. Play this up with an amber, honey or mocha stain that draws out its natural beauty.
Thoughtful Use of Wood
Use rift sawn oak in just the right amounts throughout your kitchen. Consider a full wall of rift sawn cabinets combined with crisp white uppers, or use it only for shelving and open cabinets to maintain visual balance.
Mix of Materials
Combine your rift sawn oak cabinets with other contemporary finishes like stainless steel, lacquered fronts, or stone and marble countertops. The mix of wood, metal and stone creates depth.
Custom Cabinetry
To get the most distinctive grain patterns, opt for custom cabinetry where you can specify rift sawn cuts. A skilled craftsman will maximize the beauty of the wood while meeting your exact kitchen needs.
The clear choice for modern kitchen cabinets is rift sawn oak. Not only is it aesthetically aligned with current design trends, but its stability and durability make it highly functional. While plain sawn oak still has its rustic charm, rift sawn offers cleaner lines, fewer wood movement issues, and design flexibility ideal for most contemporary projects. Let the flowing beauty of rift sawn oak bring natural elegance to your next kitchen remodel.