Plywood Veneer: This is Why the Cut Matters

Brad HoldenUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

The way the veneer was sliced from the log determines its look. The more common cuts—rotary and plain—are also the least expensive.

The way the veneer was sliced from the log determines its look. The more common cuts—rotary and plain—are also the least expensive. Quarter-sawn and rift-sawn are more labor intensive to cut and are considered more attractive by most people. Check out these 16 money-saving plywood tips to help you build better cabinets and furniture.

Rotary-Cut Veneer:

veneer rotary cut plywoodFamily Handymanrotary cut plywood sheetFamily Handyman

Rotary cut veneer is peeled from the log like paper towels from a roll. It produces a wide, “loud” grain pattern.

Plain-Slicing Veneer:

plain slicing plywood veneer cutFamily Handyman

plain slicing plywood grain cut veneerFamily Handyman

Plain-Slicing  produces a repeating pattern, typically showing large “cathedrals” in the grain.

Rift-Sawing Veneer:

Rift sawing plywood cut veneerFamily Handyman

rift sawing plywood veneer grainFamily Handyman

Rift sawing produces veneer with tight, straight lines.

Quarter-Sawing Veneer:

quarter sawing plywood veneer cutFamily Handyman

quarter sawn plywood veneer cut grainFamily Handyman

Quarter-sawing produces veneer with the same tight, straight lines as rift-sawing but includes the signature “ray flecks.”

Now go check out our tips to take the mystery out of the plywood grading system and show you what you will get in each grade. The higher the grade the better quality you should expect.

Popular Videos

Originally Published: July 25, 2018

Brad Holden
Brad Holden
Brad Holden, an associate editor at The Family Handyman, has been building cabinets and furniture for 30 years. In that time, he has absorbed so many slivers and ingested so much sawdust that he's practically made of wood.