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    Author: normandy

    Design Definitions: Plain Sawn, Quarter Sawn and Rift Sawn

    Posted on by normandy

    Rift cut white oak kitchen island with white countertop, gold hardware drawer pulls, wood bar stool with blue cushionQuarter sawn, rift sawn and plain sawn are technical terms to describe how the tree trunk is cut. These three options are common when selecting cabinetry and flooring for your home remodel. Here is a breakdown of each method and their results, including how wood grains appear on surfaces.

    Plain Sawn – Also known as flat sawn, this is the simplest method for cutting wood. It is also the least expensive option as it yields the most wood. However, while more affordable, you have less control over the consistency of the grain.

    Quarter Sawn – True to its name, quarter sawn wood is cut lengthwise into quarters and then at an angle to allow for a linear grain pattern. However, because this method is not as simple as plain sawn, it is more expensive.

    Rift Sawn – With the rift sawn technique, the wood is cut along the radius of the original log, giving every board a perpendicular grain. This process is beautiful, but produces a great deal of waste which also makes it a more expensive option.

    “When it comes to design aesthetics, quarter sawn and rift sawn are more appealing,” said Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan. “In addition to grain consistency, these options can achieve a variety of styles including Scandinavian, Prairie and transitional.”

    For more design ideas follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram. If you are eager to get started on your own home remodel, you can also set up an appointment to meet with Kathryn.

    Rift cut white oak island in a light stain with decorative furniture legs   Modern traditional white kitchen with stained cherry island

    Traditional oak desk and library
    Plain Sawn Oak Desk and Library
    Quarter sawn oak kitchen with island
    Quarter Sawn Oak Kitchen
    Rift sawn white oak island with a distressed finish
    Rift Sawn White Oak Island with Distressed Finish

    Kitchen Ceiling Considerations

    Posted on by normandy

    White painted kitchen cabinets with a coffered ceiling and robin's egg blue paint on the wallsOrnate and lavish ceilings have always been a popular enhancement in churches, museums, theaters and libraries. However, now-a-days, beautiful ceilings are not only limited to large institutions. In fact, unique ceiling details are becoming extremely popular in kitchen remodels. If this design element interests you, here are some considerations from Normandy Designer Leslie Molloy, CKD.

    “There is often a focus on cabinets or built-ins, with ceiling details falling to the wayside,” said Leslie. “However, when you add design details to your ceiling, it’s another layer to the overall feel of the space.”

    “Just like an area rug anchors down furniture to the room, a ceiling can also define the room. Especially in open-concept areas,” added Leslie.

    tin ceiling above the kitchen islandWhen upping your ceiling’s style, it’s important to take height into account.

    “Ceiling height can be a challenge,” noted Leslie. “With a standard eight foot ceiling it can be hard to do a tray ceiling with depth because you can’t make the ceiling lower.”

    “However, in that case, you can opt for crown molding to emulate a tray ceiling,” added Leslie.

    If ceiling height is not an issue, then the next step is to determine the best style. If your home is overly traditional, the types of molding used in a tray or coffered ceiling may have more ornamentation. Or, if your home is contemporary or transitional style, then moldings should be simpler. Additionally, other considerations include adding more boxes into a coffered ceiling for more visual interest.

    “You can also draw more attention to a coffered ceiling adding different color in that area,” said Leslie. “Or, if you want it to be less dramatic, you can have everything painted the same color.”

    Visit the Normandy photo gallery for more unique kitchen characteristics or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more design updates. You can also set up an appointment with Leslie to get started on your kitchen remodel, or learn more about the remodeling process by registering to attend an upcoming seminar.

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