Glossary - W

The absence of wood on any face or edge of a piece of timber, leaving exposed the original underbark surface with or without bark.

The absence of wood, other than wane, from the arris or surface of a piece of timber.

Any variation from a true and plane surface. It includes bow, cup and twist and is often caused by irregular seasoning.

In drying timber and other wood products, the application of external loads to a rack, stack or pack of the timber to prevent or reduce warp.

A liquid that penetrates wood which, after drying, materially retards changes in moisture content and in dimensions without adversely altering the desirable properties of wood.

A water repellent that contains a preservative which, after application to wood and drying, accomplishes the dual purpose of imparting resistance to attack by fungi or insects and also retards changes in moisture content.

Markings in the form of waves or undulations. Figures with large undulations are described as 'wavy', while others with small, irregular undulations are 'curly', and those with small, regular undulations are 'fiddleback'.

Boards that cover external surfaces and overlap to keep out the rain.

The mechanical or chemical disintegration and discolouration of the surface of wood caused by exposure to light, the action of dust and sand carried by winds, and the alternate shrinking and swelling of the surface fibres with the variation in moisture content. Weathering does not include decay.

Any transverse lateral stiffener.

In wood, any decay caused by fungi that attack both cellulose and lignin, producing a generally whitish residue that may be spongy or stringy or occur in pockets.

Irregular markings.

Bracing members required to resist the forces on a structure resulting from wind pressure.

A column that stiffens a framed wall against wind loads.

The degree of ease and smoothness of cut obtainable with hand or machine tools.