What is Wood grain?
'''Wood grain''' describes the {{broken wikt link|alignment|alignment}}, {{broken wikt link|texture|texture}} and appearance of the [[wood]] {{broken wikt link|fibre|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 [[File:Ahorn-Maser Holz.JPG|thumb|200px|Maple [[burl]], not to be confused with bird's eye maple]] 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 [[File:Plain quarter sawn.png|thumb|200px|Sketch of A–Quarter-sawn & B–flat-sawn]] 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. [[Category:Wood]]