Glossary of SLAB MILLING Terms
We're thrilled to have you here! As experts in both wood slabs and dimensional lumber, we've compiled this comprehensive glossary to help you navigate the fascinating world of lumber. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a curious beginner, this glossary is your go-to resource for understanding the terms and phrases commonly used in our industry.
We know that the language of lumber can sometimes be as knotty as the wood itself, so we've done our best to smooth out the details for you. If you spot any errors or think we've missed a term, don't hesitate to reach out. After all, even the best lumber needs a bit of planing every now and then!
Air Drying
A
The process of drying lumber by exposing it to air, usually in a covered, well-ventilated area.
Ambrosia Maple
Maple wood that has been infested by the Ambrosia beetle, characterized by streaks and spots.
Anvil Marks
Marks left on wood by the anvil of a chainsaw or mill during cutting.
B
C
D
E
F
Board Foot
A unit of measurement for lumber volume, equivalent to 144 cubic inches (1 foot by 1 foot by 1 inch thick).
Bookmatching
The process of matching two wood slabs so that they mirror each other like an open book.
Burls
Rounded outgrowths on a tree trunk, often valued for their unique grain patterns.
Butt Log
The first log above the stump, usually the most valuable part of the tree.
Characters
Natural features in wood, such as knots, grain patterns, and color variations.
Crotch
The part of the tree where a branch meets the trunk, often resulting in interesting grain patterns.
Cookies
Cross-sections of a tree trunk, often used for tabletops or decorative purposes.
Crosscutting
Cutting wood across its grain to achieve a desired length.
Curly Grain
Wood grain with a wave-like appearance, often seen in maple.
Defects
Any imperfections in wood, such as knots, cracks, or discolorations.
Dimension Lumber
Wood cut to standardized widths and depths, but of varying lengths, commonly used in construction.
Drying
The process of reducing the moisture content of wood to prevent shrinkage and warping.
End Grain
The grain of wood seen when it is cut across the growth rings.
Epoxy Fill
The process of drying lumber by exposing it to air, usually in a covered, well-ventilated area.
Figure
The pattern produced on the surface of the wood by the arrangement of its fibers.
Flare
The widening of the tree trunk at the base, often included for aesthetic appeal in slabs.
Flat Sawn
Lumber cut tangent to the growth rings, resulting in a flat grain pattern.
G
Grain
The arrangement and direction of wood fibers, affecting appearance and workability.
Green Wood
The process of drying lumber by exposing it to air, usually in a covered, well-ventilated area.
H
Heartwood
The dense, inner part of a tree trunk, usually darker and more durable than the outer sapwood.
Humidity Control
Managing the moisture levels in wood to prevent warping and cracking.
I
Inclusions
Foreign materials such as bark or dirt embedded in the wood, sometimes adding to its character.
J
Janka Hardness Test
A measure of wood's resistance to wear and denting, determined by pressing a steel ball into the wood.
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
Kiln Drying
The process of drying wood in a controlled, heated chamber to reduce moisture content quickly and uniformly.
Knots
The areas where branches were once connected to the trunk, creating circular patterns in the wood.
Live Edge
The natural edge of a slab that retains the tree’s original shape and bark.
Logs
Whole tree trunks or large branches prepared for milling.
Maximum Width
The widest measurement of a slab, used to determine suitability for specific projects.
Minimum Width
The narrowest measurement of a slab, important for calculating usable wood.
Natural Edge
See Live Edge.
Nominal Size
The rough dimensions of lumber before it is planed or finished, commonly used in trade.
Off-Cuts
The pieces of wood left over after cutting slabs to size, often used for smaller projects or scrap.
Planing
The process of smoothing and leveling the surface of wood using a planer.
Plain Sawn
See Flat Sawn.
Quarter Sawn
Lumber cut at an angle to the growth rings, producing a straight grain pattern.
R
Rift Sawn
Lumber cut at a slight angle to the growth rings, creating a tight, linear grain pattern.
Rough Cut
Lumber that has been sawn but not yet planed or finished.
Sanded
The process of smoothing wood with sandpaper to prepare it for finishing.
Sapwood
The outer, usually lighter, part of the tree trunk, more prone to decay than heartwood.
Sawyer
A person who operates a sawmill or is skilled in cutting logs into lumber.
S
Seasoning
The process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content.
Slabs
Large, flat sections of wood cut from a log, often with natural edges.
Species
The specific type of tree from which the wood is sourced, such as oak, maple, or walnut.
Specialty
Unique or rare wood types or cuts, often with distinctive patterns or features.
Surfacing
The process of making wood smooth and even, typically involving planing and sanding.
T
Thickness
The measure of how thick a slab or piece of lumber is, crucial for various woodworking applications.
Timber
Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry.
U
Undersize
Lumber cut slightly smaller than the nominal size for a better fit in specific applications.
W
Warping
The bending or twisting of wood due to uneven drying or moisture content changes.
Width
The measurement of the wood slab from one edge to the other, important for project specifications.
Y
Yield
The amount of usable wood obtained from a log after milling.
Z
Zero Clearance
A saw blade setup that reduces tear-out and provides cleaner cuts by minimizing the gap between the blade and the table insert.