All About Wood Grain

Wood is both an amazing and frustrating material when it comes to building. It has to be handled just right, but the results are usually well worth the effort. If you have just started milling and woodworking, then you need to know these three facts about wood.

 

Wood Grain Matters

The way a tree grows creates interlocking layers of wood. The seasons and rainfall make these layers different shades of tan and brow which creates woodgrain. However, this woodgrain is not just aesthetic, it matters to how a piece of wood functions when used as a support. Also, different trees have different densities of woodgrain, which is something to watch for.

 

Woodgrain Directs Movement

As a material, wood expands and contracts due to temperature and humidity. Along the woodgrain, there is very little movement, but against the grain, growing and shrinking can make a big difference. If your woodworking project is part of a building, know that the seasons will cause this expansion and contraction to happen regularly. A rule of thumb used by milling workers is to allow 1/4 inches for every 12 inches along the grain and 1/8 inches against the grain.

 

Woodgrain Directs Strength

The strength of a piece of wood also depends on the direction of the woodgrain. Wood splits easily along the grain, which is something to keep in mind as you build with it. Milling along the grain can make your work easier, too.

 

Working with wood is a fun and worthwhile endeavor, but caution needs to be taken for anything meant to hold or protect a person. Woodgrain plays a large role in woodworking and milling projects, so have a plan in mind before you begin so you know where you want to place your cuts. Sometimes, you just need to get your hands dirty and practice with a type of wood before you fully understand how its grain affects your finished product.