Wood grain describes the alignment , texture and appearance of the wood fibres . This is often important in its effect on woodworking techniques (e.g. against the grain).
In describing the alignment of the wood in the tree a distinction may be made. Basic grain descriptions and types include:
- straight - grain which runs in a single direction along the cut wood, a product of a straight growing tree
- cross - grain in which some cells grow out from the major growth axis of the tree
- spiral - grain which develops as the trunk of the tree twists in development
- interlocked (roey grain) A step beyond spiral grain occurring when growth rings in a twisting trunk develop misaligned grain
In addition, there are a few special grain alignments. Their rarity often promotes the value of both the raw material, and the finished work it becomes a part of. These include:
- bird's eye
- quilted
- fiddleback
- curly
- tiger
In describing the application of a woodworking technique to a given piece of wood, the direction of the technique might be:
- with the grain
- against the grain
- across the grain
In a wider sense, the term grain may also be applied to the orientation of the cut, the way a given piece of wood has been sawn:
- flat-grain: flat-sawn or plain sawn,
- edge grain: quarter-sawn or rift-sawn or straight-grained, and
- end grain.