Category: Glossary of Terms

Surface measure

The contraction of wood fibres caused by drying below the fibre saturation point (usually around 25-27% MC). Valves are expressed as a percentage of the dimension of the wood when green.

Flooring that isn’t tongue-and-grooved. May also refer to square-edge strip flooring that is face-nailed when installed.

Surfaced 2 sides

See “Conversion-Varnish Sealers”.

A finish which also serves to seal the wood to protect it, applied directly to the surface without penetration.

The subfloor is the structure that provides support to the top layer of flooring, such as hardwood or laminate. Often, a subfloor is laid over the joists and is made of plywood or cement. The strips are side-matched and end-matched (tongue-and-grooved). They are for nail-down installation directly to wood or plywood subfloors, or over wood…

Support structure for walls and flooring.

Thinner boards of wood, smaller than planks, 2 ¼” wide.

Used for transition when placing plank or strip on stairs, landings or step downs.