Glossary - M

Laminated timber where the laminations are joined with mechanical fasteners.

A panel product manufactured from ligno-cellulosic fibres combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable binder. More on MDF

A fungal growth that does not cause deep discoloration of the wood. Associated with mould, it usually appears as tiny black spots that cover the timber surface.

A building or site that accommodates a manufacturing process

The weight of moisture contained in a piece of timber expressed as a percentage of the oven dry weight.

Classification of timber by moisture content. Green, Green off Saw -Freshly sawn timber or timber that has received essentially no formal drying. 1) Air Dried - Timber that has been air or shed dried to an average of 25% moisture content or lower, with no material having more than 30% moisture content. 2) Predried - Timber that has been air dried or dried in a predryer to FSP. 3) Kiln Dried - Timber dried in a kiln or by some other refined method, to an average specified moisture content, typically 8% to 14%, or to a moisture content understood to be suitable for a certain application.  

A progressive decrease (or increase) in moisture content between the core and the surface of a piece of wood.

A meter that measures the electrical resistance of timber, which is converted to a reading of timber moisture content. They are usually calibrated for Douglas Fir. The reading must then be corrected for temperature and species.

A meter that measures the varying capacitance of wood with changing moisture content using a radio frequency oscillator. They measure the amount of water per unit volume in the wood.

The transfer of moisture from one point to another within wood or other materials.

An environment that has a single species of animal or plant dominant, usually associated with the artificial environments created by intensive agriculture

A joint where a hole or slot known as a mortice (a) is formed in a piece of timber to receive the reduced end of similar size or tenon (b) from another piece. The joint is often secured with wedges, dowels or steel plates.

A fungal growth on timber or other wood products at or near the surface and, therefore, not typically resulting in deep discoloration. Mould is usually ash green to deep green, although black and yellow are also common. See also Mildew.

The extent of expansion and contraction which occurs with dried wood as its moisture content responds to changes in relative humidity in service.

Multi Residential Timber Framed Construction - a system of fire rated timber framed construction used in multistorey residential building