Authentic wood pieces can be the perfect addition to your home, backyard, or even office. Quarter sawn oak is absolutely gorgeous, especially when you can see the authenticity of the wood. For those of you who love the look of natural wood but are constantly wondering how to make the grain pop, it’s actually simpler than it sounds.
The best way to get the grain to pop on natural quarter sawn oak wood is by using a good finishing. It does not take a master to make that quarter sawn oak wood pop. There are many simple techniques that will help the natural grain within the wood pop so it can impress family members and colleagues.
If you are unfamiliar with how to finish wood or the techniques you can use, I am going to go over them so you can feel confident finishing the wooden piece on your own.
How to Use Quarter Sawn Oak
Quarter sawn oak is actually used quite often within homes because of its natural beauty and durability. Some of your best wood craftsmen will use quarter sawn oak for various projects. This type of wood is very unique and can give your home that perfect natural look that it needs.
What is Quarter Sawn Oak?
Quarter sawn oak is cut in a very unique way to give it a different look from normal oak. The biggest distinction quarter sawn oak has is its variety of both light and dark colors as well as a very unique pattern within the wood. Another distinction is that quarter sawn oak can have flecks within the wood that can produce a wave-like pattern.
What is the Quality of Quarter Sawn Oak?
One of the main reasons many people choose quarter sawn oak wood is because of its good quality. The gorgeous grain on the wood and the pattern it can produce is very unique and well sought out. The other thing that makes quarter sawn oak so popular is the durability of the wood. This is one of the most durable kinds of wood on the market. This type of wood is also very easy to work with which is great for new wood craftsmen.
The downside to quarter sawn oak being of good quality is this type of wood is on the more expensive side. This wood is more labor-intensive to produce because of how it is cut. Not all sawmills are able to produce this kind of cut, so this type of wood can be hard to find and will be in limited supply. As the economy fluctuates, so will the price of quarter sawn oak. So, if you are looking to get this good quality wood, watch for a good price.
What Can Be Made with Quarter Sawn Oak?
There are endless things that can be made with quarter sawn oak wood. The durability of the wood makes it perfect for household furniture items and use. The following is a list of things quarter sawn oak is commonly used for.
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Custom Items
If given the opportunity to use quarter sawn oak wood in your home you will be surprised how much it can liven a room. This is such a beautiful type of wood and the grain on it is so unique.
How to Stain and Finish Quarter Sawn Oak
If you are new to wood craftsmanship you may not know where to start when it comes to finishing wood. For quarter sawed oak wood finishing is actually quite simple and can even be done without having a wood shop.
The following finishing stains and oils can be used on quarter sawn wood to make the grain pop:
There are multiple ways you can finish wood. The best thing about quarter sawn oak is there really is no difference in finishing this wood versus another. The product you use will make a difference in pulling the grain out of the natural wood. Depending on the kind of look you are going for, what you desire will ultimately decide what kind of finish you go with.
Mark Stephens says the Danish Oil is one of his favorite things to use when finishing quarter sawn oak because it pulls out that grain and leaves a very natural finish. You can use other stains and finishes and if you want to use a protectant or lacquer over the top of the wood, especially if you are using the quarter sawn wood as flooring.
Follow the following steps to ensure that your quarter sawn oak wood will last for years to come and look beautiful.
- Make sure your quarter sawn oak wood is sanded evenly and all dust is cleared completely from the wood.
- Then use 3 coats of sanding sealer making sure to sand between each coat.
- 3 coats of lacquer (this can be spray lacquer). Make sure to sand between each coat.
- Buff with polish.
- Add top coat finish.
- Add protectant (optional)
In the video linked, Make Stephens does a fantastic job at educating you and showing examples of the different kinds of finishes you can use. Make sure you follow instructions on all products you are using and educate yourself on how each type of product works on the wood. If you want to know what the finished product will look like before you apply anything to a lot of wood, only put the stain or oil on a sample piece of the quarter sawn wood that you will use.
Quarter sawn oak wood is a great choice of wood for furniture, household items, and many other things. The durability and beauty of the wood make it a popular choice for wood crafters and homeowners alike. Getting the grain to pop on quarter sawn oak wood is quite simple and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
There are so many finishes and products that can help the grain stand out. Depending on what kind of look you are going for, some products will be a better option than others. If you have any questions regarding quarter sawn oak or the products you are using, contact your local hardware store. We wish you the best of luck!
