straight grain

Wood fibers running lengthwise

Straight grain refers to wood fibers that run parallel to the length of a board or log, without significant deviation or twist.

This is the most desirable grain pattern for structural lumber and fine woodworking because it produces stronger, more stable material that's easier to cut and plane: Look for straight grain when selecting boards for the tabletop.

Wood with straight grain is less likely to warp or split.

Related
  • woodTree-derived building material
  • lumberSawn wood for building
  • oakQuercus genus member
  • mapleSap-yielding hardwood tree
  • plankFlat timber piece

texture · parallel · fiber · sawmill · old growth · timber · veneer · quartersawn · boards · carpentry · smooth · even · uniform · cabinet · furniture · clear finish · walnut · ash

Opposites
grain complexity/regularity

straight grainburl

Knotty tree outgrowth

bird's eye · fiddleback

Family

straight, grain, straighter, straightest, straightly, straighten, straightened, straightening, straightener

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G