The grain runs vertically for maximum strength for a design this compromising. Nevertheless it will be very strong once the diagonal muntins are attached, and no glue - ever - not in any 'period' window made ! The carving with all the grain direction changes was a challenge and time consuming, you don't want to have to start over! I made measurements of the whole cupboard and made a tracing of the heart in 2000 for a commission of an alumnus of Yale class of 1954. The Rose House, North Branford, Ct. 1750 - 1775.