When looking at a piece of wood you notice the
beautiful grain. In fact, you are most likely looking
at the surface pattern. Grain refers to the lines in
the wood running parallel to the plane of the board
and intersecting the growth rings. There are eight
types of grain: straight, wavy, curly, cross, diagonal,
interlocked, spiral and irregular grain. All of these
refer to the way the fibers of the tree run in relation
to the main axis of the tree and may be affected by
knots, crotches, disease, growing tensions etc.

When you look at the pattern on the surface of wood
you are really looking at the "figure" which results
from the type of grain the wood has, and the way
the board was cut. The figure of the wood, combined
with its texture and luster, can add tremendous
beauty to fine cabinetry

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