The Sleek Rift-cut Plank: A Dimensionally Stable Solid Wood Plank with an Refined Surface

Looking for a narrow solid wood plank for your project? Our rift-cut plank offers several advantages. Thanks to its slim profile, this rift-cut solid wood plank is highly versatile. It’s perfect for complex floor plans and small spaces, yet creates a clean, cohesive look on larger surfaces as well. The unique cut of this narrow plank not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also brings functional benefits. We craft this plank in two locally sourced wood species, Douglas fir and Silver fir. In this article, you’ll learn more about the rift-cut plank and its features.

 

Uniform and Refined Surface

Our narrow rift-cut planks are almost entirely free of knots and feature a particularly fine growth ring structure. We manufacture these planks from Douglas fir and Silver fir. Douglas fir has a warm, slightly reddish hue with a pronounced grain, while the light wood of silver fir offers a fine texture and elegant appearance. Treated with lye and oil, both wood species are versatile and provide a wide range of design possibilities—from light flooring to darker planks. The rift-cut solid plank is suitable for use as flooring as well as for high-quality wall or ceiling cladding. Its clean look provides a subtle foundation for diverse design options.

 

 

Rift- and quarter-sawn cut

This clean and tranquil surface is achieved through the unique cutting of the log. We cut the wood for our rift-planks on either side of the tree's center. As a result, the growth rings run nearly parallel to the surface, creating a calm and uniform appearance. We exclude the yellowish sapwood at the edge of the log and use only the heartwood for the planks. All other parts of the tree are utilized for narrow, thin wall cladding or baseboards. Offcuts and wood shavings are compressed into briquettes for energy generation.

 

 

Functional Advantages of the Rift-cut Plank

Rift-cut planks made from Douglas fir and Silver fir are exceptionally dimensionally stable and durable. In the rift- and quarter-sawn cuts, the growth rings run almost perpendicular (45-90°) to the surface of the board, which increases surface hardness, reduces shrinkage, and enhances the wood's resistance to warping. The rift-cut planks are significantly narrower than wider plank floors and can be used for flooring, walls, and ceilings.

 

Sustainable Plank from High-Quality Raw Materials

To ensure the high quality of our solid planks, we pay attention to important factors right from the raw material sourcing stage. The origin of our logs is close to home. The majority of our Douglas fir and Silver fir logs come from the Black Forest and sustainably managed forests. Douglas fir grows in the foothills up to approximately 800 meters in elevation, while Silver fir thrives optimally in the higher elevations of the Black Forest. We source wood of the highest quality from both areas, focusing on evenly grown timber with fine growth rings. This structure is achieved through selective harvesting from ideal growing zones and early pruning of the trees. For pruning, the forester climbs the tree and strategically removes certain branches with an axe. The result: a healthy tree and nearly knot-free high-quality wood.

 

 

Versatile Solid Wood Plank for Modern Designs

With the HIRAM Habitat Rift planks, we offer a narrow solid wood option for a variety of designs. We are happy to assist you with your project. Together, we will find the perfect solution for your vision.