Which term describes a wood defect where the grain runs at an angle to the face of the board?

• A. Curly grain
• B. Knots
• C. Cross grain
• D. Pitch pockets

Answer: (C)

Understanding grain orientation in wood is essential for predicting how a board will behave when cut or finished. Cross grain describes the situation where the grain lines run at an angle to the face of the board, often perpendicular. When grain runs this way, planing or machining across the grain tends to tear out, and the surface may end up rough or prone to changes as the wood dries. Curly grain refers to a decorative, wavy pattern in the grain rather than its angle to the face. Knots are the centers where a branch grew, creating hard spots and potential weakness. Pitch pockets are resin-filled voids that appear as spots or streaks. So the term that matches grain running at an angle to the face is cross grain.