Wane
The presence of bark, or lack of wood, on the edge or corner of a board. Common in boards cut near the outer perimeter of a log, reducing the usable cross-section.
Read the definitionThe glossary
The trade terms you'll come across.
Plain-English definitions for the words that turn up when you're buying, specifying or working with timber.
Waney edge
A waney edge is a board edge that still has bark or the rounded outer surface of the log (wane), rather than a fully squared edge. It can reduce usable width and may be unacceptable in some grades, but can be a deliberate feature in “live edge” work.
Read the definitionWarp
A general term for any deviation from a flat or straight board surface. Includes bow, crook, cup, and twist — each describing a different geometric distortion of the timber.
Read the definitionWavy grain
A figure pattern where the grain direction varies along the length of the board in undulating waves, creating a rippled appearance on the surface.
Read the definitionWear resistance
The ability of wood to withstand surface abrasion and friction. Directly related to density and hardness. Important for flooring and high-traffic applications.
Read the definitionWood movement
Wood movement is the predictable shrinking and swelling of wood as its moisture content changes below fibre saturation point. It happens mainly across the grain (tangential and radial) and is the reason solid-wood panels, tabletops, and joints must be designed to allow seasonal dimensional change.
Read the definitionWoolly grain
A fuzzy, torn surface on machined wood caused by dull cutters, improper cutting angles, or machining wood with interlocked or irregular grain.
Read the definitionWorkability
A species-specific assessment of how easily wood can be cut, shaped, and finished. Includes factors like hand tool response, machining quality, and gluing.
Read the definitionWormholes
Tunnels through wood left by wood-boring insect larvae. Small pinholes indicate powderpost beetle activity; larger oval holes suggest furniture beetle or deathwatch beetle.
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