E-H
Edge Grain:
1. Vertical grain; wood cut so that the wide surfaces are approximately at right angles to the growth rings. 2. The grain produced on quarter-sawn wood. 3. Veneer cut within 45 degrees of the radius of the log and across the growth rings.
End Matched:
Lumber that has been matched with a tongue at one end and a groove at the other to provide a tight end-to-end fit between pieces.
Face:
The better side of a prepared piece of wood. Also, veneer spliced to a certain pattern and cut to exact size.
Fancy Butt:
A shingle with the butt end machined in some pattern. Fancy butt shingles are usually used on sidewalls to form geometric designs in the shingle pattern.
Fiddleback:
Ripple. An undulating appearance of a smooth surface. Fine wavy grain common to sycamore, mahogany and maple, but occurs sometimes in other woods.
Figure:
The pattern produced in a wood surface by annual growth rings, knots, deviations from natural grain such as interlocked and wavy grain, and irregular coloration. Appears across the grain.
Fingerjoint:
A method of joining two pieces of lumber end-to-end by sawing into the end of each piece a set of projecting "fingers" that interlock. When the pieces are pushed together, these form a strong glue joint.
Fire Retardant:
1. A chemical applied to lumber or other wood product to slow combustion and flame spread. 2. A chemical used to fight forest fires, often by dropping it from an airplane or helicopter.
Flake:
Flake figure is developed only in those species which have very medullary ray growth, specifically Oak, Lacewood, and Sycamore. When the knife cuts directly on or near to the radial, it is close to parallel with medullary ray and therefore develops the "Flake" effect.
Flat Cut:
The most common method of veneer manufacturing, producing a grain pattern known as cathedral. Each leaf in the flitch is similar, therefore a consistent and even matching pattern is possible. Flat cut veneer is ideally suited for wall panels and furniture.
Flat Grain (FG):
Annual rings (grain) that form an angle of less than 45 degrees with the surface of a piece of lumber.
Flitch:
A log, or part of a log, trimmed and prepared for conversion into veneers. After cutting, all bundles are laid together in sequence as they were sliced.
Flooring:
A tongued and grooved piece of lumber used in constructing a floor. The basic size of flooring is 1x4 inches although other sizes are used. Flooring is sold mostly in Superior and Prime grades, and is produced either as vertical grain or flat grain.
Free of Heart Center (FOHC):
Lumber sawn to exclude the pith or heart center of a log.
Grade Marked:
Lumber or plywood that has been graded for quality and/or specific use and marked with certain symbols attesting to that quality. Such lumber is marked with a grading association or agency stamp.
Grain:
The size and arrangement of the cells of the living tree. Woods fall into three groups: Fine grained (Birch, Cherry, Maple, etc.), medium grained (Walnut, Mahogany, etc.), and coarse grained (Oak, etc.). Coarser grained woods can usually be cut to develop a more conspicuous pattern.
Green:
Unseasoned; not dry. Lumber with a moisture content of 19% or more.
Half Round Slicing:
Similar to rotary peeling, also producing a high veneer yield. Primarily used to add width to narrow stocks by increasing the plane of cut. Also used to enhance a particularly wild grain pattern. Matching is possible because the leaves can be kept in sequence. Half round cutting may be used to achieve "flat cut" veneer appearance.
Hardwood:
General term used to designate lumber or veneer produced from broad-leafed or deciduous trees in contrast to softwood, which is produced from evergreens or coniferous trees.
Heartwood:
The inner part of exogenous trees that normally does not contain living cells. That portion of the tree contained within the sapwood; this term is sometimes used to mean the pith. The heartwood is dormant and unnecessary for the trees continued life; the living part of the tree is contained in its outer parts. Also called true wood.
Heavies:
Shakes produced with a thickness of 3/4 to 5/4 inches at the butt.
Herringbone:
Veneer strips are used and matched to both sides of the center line, at an angle. The resulting appearance is reminiscent of the bones of a fish as they are attached to the back bone.