Quarter sawn wood is a type of lumber that is cut from logs in a specific way, resulting in a distinctive grain pattern and increased stability. When cutting quarter sawn lumber, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters, hence the name. The annular growth rings intersect the face of the board at a 60 to 90 degree angle, resulting in a straight grain pattern that lends itself to design.

Compared to plain sawn lumber, which is the most common and inexpensive way to manufacture logs into lumber, quarter sawn lumber is more expensive due to the labor it takes to mill each plank. However, it has several benefits, including increased structural integrity, smoother surface due to less distinct grain, decreased expansion and contraction on the planks width, twisting, cupping, and warping resistance, ages evenly over time, and more resistant to moisture penetration.

In summary, quarter sawn wood is a type of lumber that is cut from logs in a specific way, resulting in a distinctive grain pattern and increased stability. It is more expensive than plain sawn lumber but has several benefits that make it a preferred choice for furniture makers, designers, and architects.