In general, under axial loading (when pulled), wood is stronger in a direction parallel to the grain than it is in a direction across the grain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is because the structure of wood is made up of long, dense fibers that run parallel to the tree trunk. When force is applied in the same direction as these fibers (parallel to the grain), the load is distributed more evenly, making the wood stronger in that direction. When force is applied across the grain, the load is distributed across shorter, weaker fibers, making the wood weaker in that direction.

In General, Under Axial Loading (When Pulled), Wood Is Stronger