HARDWOOD FLOORING CUTS
Hardwood flooring cuts define the personality, structure, and visual rhythm of a luxury floor. When investing in hardwood flooring for a refined interior, the conversation typically begins with species and finish. But true connoisseurs know that the cut of the wood—how the log is milled—plays an equally pivotal role in determining the character, elegance, and longevity of a floor.
At VOGUE Parquet®, we specialize in supplying fine European oak flooring in all four artisanal cuts, each offering distinct grain movement and energy. From the fluid cathedral patterns of Plain Sawn to the architectural lines of Rift Sawn, understanding these hardwood flooring cuts is essential for curating the right visual language for your space.
Let us take you through the four foundational cuts in luxury wood flooring: Live Sawn, Plain Sawn, Quarter Sawn, and Rift Sawn. Each of these hardwood flooring cuts offers a different experience in terms of texture, grain, and light behavior
LIVE SAWN — THE OLD-WORLD EUROPEAN METHOD
Often referred to as the European mill cut, Live Sawn (also known as through-and-through sawing) is the most sustainable and visually rich method of lumber processing. This technique slices the entire log straight through, from end to end, producing wide planks that include a mix of grain patterns: cathedral (from the center), linear (from the outer edges), and flecking (from the growth rings).
Why designers love it:
Combines the best characteristics of Plain, Quarter, and Rift Sawn
Offers maximum board width and strength
Features an organic, natural grain flow ideal for rustic-modern interiors
This is the most requested cut among our international clientele—particularly in French oak. Its ability to showcase the wood’s full personality makes it a top choice for spacious living areas, high-end retail spaces, and luxury penthouses.
PLAIN SAWN — THE CLASSIC AMERICAN CUT
Also known as Flat Sawn, this is the most traditional and common cutting method in North America. The log is milled tangentially to the growth rings, creating wide, sweeping cathedral patterns across the face of the plank.
Notable features:
Cost-effective and efficient, with minimal waste
Bold, familiar grain patterns that add warmth
Available in a wide range of widths
While often overlooked in haute design circles, Plain Sawn can be elevated through careful finish selection—particularly when oiled or lightly smoked for a European-inspired effect.
QUARTER SAWN — STRUCTURED, LINEAR, ARCHITECTURAL
In Quarter Sawn flooring, the log is first quartered and then cut perpendicular to the growth rings, typically at 45° angles. This results in tight, straight grain patterns and minimal movement over time.
Design advantages:
Enhanced stability—ideal for radiant heat and humid climates
Unique ray flecking in species like oak, giving the surface depth and shimmer
A cleaner, more structured look for transitional or tailored interiors
Quarter Sawn oak is frequently chosen by architects for use in luxury kitchens, libraries, and formal dining rooms due to its subtle sophistication. Among all available hardwood flooring cuts, quarter sawn is prized for its dimensional stability and refined grain appearance.
RIFT SAWN — MINIMALISM PERFECTED
Rift Sawn wood is the rarest and most labor-intensive cut, producing planks with a pure vertical grain and near-zero variation. This cut requires the log to be sliced at exact radial angles, typically between 30° and 60°, avoiding the flecking seen in Quarter Sawn.
Why it’s coveted:
Exceptionally clean, linear grain
Ideal for modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian design
Most often used in white oak or maple, though width is typically limited
Due to the high amount of waste produced and the level of precision required, Rift Sawn wood is the most expensive cut—and also the most elegant. For clients seeking quiet luxury and architectural purity, this is the ultimate choice. Among the most refined hardwood flooring cuts, Rift Sawn offers unmatched linearity
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HARDWOOD FLOORING CUTS
Choosing the right hardwood cut isn’t merely a technical decision—it’s a creative act. It defines how a space will feel underfoot, how it will age with grace, and how it will speak to the architecture that surrounds it.
Whether your vision leans toward the organic elegance of Live Sawn, the timeless familiarity of Plain Sawn, the architectural rhythm of Quarter Sawn, or the serene precision of Rift Sawn, VOGUE Parquet® offers curated selections that honor both craft and context.
Our French oak floors are proudly certified by the Fédération Française du Parquet, affirming their origin, quality, and the tradition of excellence behind each plank. It’s not just wood—it’s heritage.
Interior designers working in luxury spaces often specify hardwood flooring cuts based on aesthetic alignment and long-term performance. To explore these exclusive cuts in our Bottega Collection, visit our showroom online or connect with our atelier for a bespoke consultation. Every grain, every finish, every silhouette is designed to leave an impression—for generations.
OUR MOST DESIRED EUROPEAN OAK FLOOR
Oak Vanilla is our signature best-seller — a refined European Oak offered in both wide planks and herringbone. From Miami to New York, it defines timeless elegance and architectural prestige in the most exclusive residences.
The Story Behind
Oak Vanilla is an ode to light. Its journey begins in the forests of Europe, where select oak is patiently seasoned by time. Softly bleached to reveal its quiet clarity, the wood is refined by artisans who preserve every natural rhythm of the grain. Offered in both wide planks and herringbone, its style is minimalist and enduring. From one collection to the next, this signature floor is reinterpreted through craftsmanship, yet always remains true to its serene elegance.