What is live sawn white oak?
Posted: April 5, 2021
Image source: NWFA
What is Live-Sawn White Oak Flooring?
Live-Sawn White Oak, also referred to as French Cut White Oak is a European approach to cutting lumber. Live-sawn cut floors apply a century-old technique that has long been the standard style of cutting logs in Europe. This is the most unique way to cut a log into hardwood flooring planks because it produces a mix of rift, quarter, and plain-sawn woods. Plain-sawn is the modern way of sawing lumber, in which the log is turned till the Sawyer can cut off the clearest board. In live-sawn lumber, the logs are sliced directly through without turning the log. This technique of cutting highlights all the grain and character variations in each log and gives our customers an authentic and versatile product every time.
Live-Sawn Vs. Plain-Sawn Flooring
Live-sawn boards give hardwood floors a unique appearance because all parts of the wood are captured in the cut. Plain-sawn white oak planks include a full range of the log’s characteristics, from the sought-after heartwood where the ring patterns are tightest to the sapwood. With this sawing method, there is very little waste 
considering the majority of the log can be used. Each plank is cut straight off the log in one direction without changing the orientation of the log. Many boards will display cathedral plain-sawn grain in the center of the board and rift/quartered characteristics toward the outer edges. Live-sawn flooring is typically produced in a “natural” grade (combination of all grades) which allows for some knots and natural wood characteristics and color variations. Live-sawn flooring will feature up to 1/4″ splits intended to be filled with epoxy but can be defective on site. Due to the way it is produced, live-sawn planks are also highly stable. Floors made of live-sawn lumber are regarded as both cost-effective and very environmentally friendly. Ask about our live-sawn White Oak flooring today!
Our knowledgeable and educated staff is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Please call us today for a free quote: Ph# 406.642.7120 or click here to submit an inquiry online. We look forward to working with you on your next project!
