-- Last Updated: Dec-20-12 12:10 AM EST --
...... we aren't talking SPF framing lumber here , 2 x 4's and such ... we're talking select clear vertical grain WRC .
I've purchased so much cedar in my time I can't tell ya how much . Am just about to finish using up the last bit of the most recent $11,000. order of select clear VG WRC .
Flat sawn cost less per BF . Flat sawn weighs less per BF as well . Flat sawn is more compressable , softer . Flat sawn's bending moment isn't as structurally strong either . Quarter sawn VG has always been more expensive across the board in any lumber type ... but it's doubtful you'll find a framing 2 x 4 that's quarter sawn select VG anywhere .
Rift sawn is the most expensive .
You ask "how so" about the different mill cuts being more or less exspensive . Flat sawn has the least amount of waste per log , and the fastest mill time labor wise . Quarter sawn has signifigently more waste per log and takes more labor time per log . Rift sawn has the greatest ampount of waste per log and the greatest labor time to mill produce . Then there is the deminsional stability of the different cuts to consider . Flat sawn is most unstable , where as quarter and rift are the more deminsionally stable . Then there is the structural ratings of different mill cuts , again flat sawn would be the least ... some would say the rift has the highest structural rating , but my money is on the quarter sawn as being equal to it or greater .