The Alternating Growth Rings Myth

I’ve heard this from close to the beginning of when I started woodworking: You have to alternate the grain pattern on your boards when gluing things up. I’ve come to find out the this is somewhat of a myth. I’ve also be somewhat vocal about it. When someone posts a picture of a cupped table top, a lot of people will immediately jump to grain direction. I feel the need to remind them that there are other factors at play and plenty of table tops have cupped even when the grain has been alternated. People have heard this myth and seem to think it’s the “industry standard” or “proper practice” but can’t provide any evidence. There are, however, mounds of evidence to show that alternating grain doesn’t make a difference and there are long time woodworkers who agree that you don’t need to alternate grain.

One article from The Wood Whisperer says you don’t need to alternate grain. Your wood shouldn’t cup if it’s stable and dry. If your panels are cupping, this is most likely the cause. MOISTURE. I’ve also seen pictures from people who have left their glued up table tops out in the sun (terrible idea, you’re basically asking for warping) or laying flat directly on their workbench. Even if your wood is stable these are also factors as the air flow isn’t the same on both sides and will dry out one side fast than the other.

And lastly, my favorite write up was written a couple days ago but someone in a woodworking group. He seemed to be having the same thoughts as I was about people giving bad advice. So he wrote an extremely comprehensive rebuttal to the alternating wood grain crowd, with references.

Eric Meyer - You Do Not Have To Alternate Growth Rings

But hey, I’m just some guy on the internet.