Category: Glossary of Terms -B

Bright Sapwood No Defect

Bright sapwood that is permitted in each piece of any amount.

The limiting radius of curvature to which wood or plywood can be bent without breaking.

Heartwood varies from a light orangish brown to a darker reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting darker grayish brown streaks. Color tends darken upon exposure to light. Usually interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. Being very durable in regards to rot resistance, hard, and tough. Good bending characteristics. High shock resistance. Moderately difficult to…

Brittleness in wood, characterized by abrupt failure rather than splintering. Causes include reaction wood, juvenile wood, compression failure, high temperature, and extremes of growth rate.

The layer of adhesive that attaches two adherents.

A term in sawing or veneering, where successive pieces of boards or veneer, from a flitch or a log, are arranged side by side. A properly done bookmatch will resemble a mirror image of the opposite side. Also known as butterflied, mirrors, and sisters.

Discoloration in the sapwood of pine. At one time, this was thought to be a serious defect but now it is used as high-quality interior finish.

The most common form of fungal stain occurring in sapwood. Conifers are most susceptible but it may also occur in light-colored heartwood other or perishable timbers. It commonly develops in dead trees, logs, lumber, and other wood products until the wood is dry. It also reduces the grade of wood, but does not significantly reduce…

Usually in plywood and particleboard, the development of steam pockets during hot pressing of the panel, resulting in an internal separation or rupture when pressure is released.