A Quick Guide
Board Foot (BDFT)
A board foot is a wood measurement for a piece of lumber 12″ wide by 1” long by 1″ thick.
To calculate Board Footage= Thickness (in.) x Width (in.) x Length (in.)
You can find an online calculator here-> www.omnicalculator.com
Bow
When a board is bent or cupped with the grain, the wood is considered bowed.
*Using a planer can effectively flatten bowed wood. However, if you do not have one available (with some blood sweat and possibly tears) an orbital sander can help to flatten your board.
Cross Cut
A Cross Cut is used to describe cutting across the grain of the wood.
Cupping
Cupping is a warp across the width of the lumber. This occurs due to moisture, generally in the underside of the wood.
*Using a planer can effectively flatten cupped wood after drying. However if you do not have one available (with some blood sweat and possibly tears) an orbital sander can help to flatten your board.
**An alternative method
1. Wrap the wood in damp towels. Dampen two large towels (depending on size & thickness of cupped wood) and wrap them around the wood, covering all areas that are warped.
2. Place the towel wrapped wood on an ironing board or flat surface
3. Turn your iron on to the highest setting.
4. Press the iron onto the towel covered wood plank. BE CAREFUL as it can heat the towels very quickly.
End Grain
End grain is the term used to define the end of the wood that has been cut across the growth rings.
Face Grain
Face grain is the term used to describe the wide face of a milled board, showing multiple layers of grain.
Kerf
Kerf is used to define the slit that is made by a blade. The Kerf size will depend on the thickness of the blade. It is important to take this number into account when measuring your desired length or your measurements will be inaccurate.
Knot
Knots are imperfections in the wood due to branch growth.
Live Edge
Live Edge or Natural Edge is a term used to describe the natural bark-edge on a piece of wood that is left visible to enhance the look of the piece.
Lumber Grades
The different grades of lumber are determined by the appearance/quality of the wood, the strength, and the number of defects.
Trained inspectors ensure that lumber meets standardized specifications in ordered to determine whether the lumber is fit for use in construction and manufacturing.
You can find a detailed chart here-> https://cwc.ca
Rip Cut
A Rip Cut is used to describe a cut that runs along the grain of the wood.
S2S
S2S is an acronym meaning Surfaced 2 Sides
The board has been planed in order to achieve a flat surface on the top and a flat surface on the bottom leaving the edges rough.
S3S
S3S is an acronym meaning Surfaced 3 Sides
The board has been planed in order to achieve a flat surface on the top and a flat surface on the bottom first, then one edge is ripped straight.
S4S
S4S is an acronym meaning Surfaced 4 Sides
The board has been planed in order to achieve a flat surface on the top and a flat surface on the bottom, then both edges are ripped straight.
This is usually the lumber available to be purchased from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Swelling & Shrinking
Wood can swell and shrink based on the amount of moisture content in the wood.
Tear Out
Tear Out is what happens when a blade or router bit lifts the grain of the wood at the point of the cut, often leaving your edges looking frayed.
This can be prevented ensuring that you’re cutting with the grain, by placing painters tape over your desired cut line or by making sure your bits and blades are sharp enough
Warp
Warp is a term to define the bend in wood based on the internal stress caused by uneven shrinking or swelling.
Wood Finish
Wood finish refers to the process of sealing or coating the surface of the wood for protection.
There are two types of finishes: penetrating wood finishes or surface wood finishes.
You can purchase food-grade, oil based and water based finishes.
Wood Stain
A wood stain is a liquid that changes the colour and appearance of wood, ranging from reds, greys, blues and general wood colours.