Yes, the boards will move how they want. The cool part is that this movement is predictable. This is why we alternate the grain. Not to mitigate movement, but rather work with it. By not alternating the grain you are facing all of the cupping movement in one direction, the result is what we see in this post. Yes, by alternating the grain direction you end up with an "S" shape, but not nearly as drastic as you make it out. The subtle cupping in alternating directions ultimately results an a relatively flat surface, mitigating the direction of movement rather than compounding it. No, it's not a meme, it's centuries old knowledge. But I'm sure you know better than the hundreds of previous generations of woodworkers.
The only people alternating grain are people who read internet myths. It’s not centuries old knowledge. I’ve seen so many old pieces of furniture that didn’t alternate grain. If you build something properly, it doesn’t matter.
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u/Bigdaddyblackdick 5d ago
I’m still a beginner but don’t you want the grain to alternate specifically for this reason? Someone please correct me if I’m wrong