What Is A?…
Learn more about the craft of woodworking, and the types of surfaces, finishes and edges you’ll find on our pieces.
Chamfer
A 45-degre cut to the edge of various depths.
Chaos Pattern
The cutting, gluing and re-cutting of wood members to create a chaotic pattern. Typically end-grain or combination of edge and end-train. Often used for cutting boards and tops.
CNC Machine
Computer Numerical Control Machine. A Router machine that operates on X, Y and Z axes, controlled by computer software to create intricate, professional-quality designs into wood.
Cookie
Also referred to as a ‘round’, this is when a log is crosscut into slices - similar to the shape of a cookie - and when the live edge is kept all the way around.
Crosscut
Wood that is cut perpendicular to the grain.
Crotch Slab
A limb or trunk of a tree that features the visible ‘V’ shaped split in its shape, formed where branches came out of a larger limb or trunk.
Draw Knife
A tool that consists of a single-edged blade with handles on each side that is used to shape, shave or de-bark wood.
Edge Grain
The fibers of the wood grain are exposed when cut on the edge side of the grain.
End Grain
The fibers of the wood grain are exposed when cut on the end side of the grain.
Epoxy
Epoxy resin used for casting, filling or flood coating of wood pieces.
Epoxy River
Two live edges are placed opposite each other and filled with epoxy resin to create a ‘river’ of epoxy.
Face Grain
The fibers of the wood grain are exposed when cut on the face side of the grain.
Figured Grain
Elaborate patterns of shine and shimmer that have developed a tree’s grain due to growth and stress from wind, etc., during the tree’s lifetime. This can include terms like ‘curly’, ‘tiger’, ‘quilted’, etc.
Flattening/Planing/Surfacing
Refers toremoving the thickness of a piece of wood to a specific size, and many times to create a near-perfectly-flat surface.
French Cleat
Two cleats which are both cut at the same opposing angle that can be mounted to hang a piece on a wall (one on the wall, the other on the piece). They next into each other to create an invisible hanging mechanism in which no screws or nail heads are visible. Gives a ‘floating’ effect to the piece on the wall.
Handle Cut
A shaped handle that has been cut into a serving board, charcuterie board, or tray.
Heartwood
The inner core of a tree, typically darker in color than the rest.
Juice Groove
A rounded cut around the perimeter of a cutting board to collect the juice of meat during preparation.
Live Edge
The real exposed edge of the tree that remains on a slab or piece of wood once the bark has been removed.
Rip Cut
Refers to wood being cut parallel to the grain.
Spalted
Black lines created when wood fibers begin to decay.
Wormy
Streaks of gray or brown that are created from the path of a worm as it travels through wood. Worm holes are also visible. Sometimes referred to as Ambrosia in maple, creating rich, warm streaks in the wood.
Bowtie Inlays
Inlays in the shape of a bowtie that are decoratively and structurally used to stabilize a crack or split in the wood.
Round Over
A radiused cut to the edge of various depths.
Sapwood
The outside layer of a tree, typically lighter, between the bark and the heart of the tree.
Domestic Species
Wood species found in the United States, including:
Maple
Black Walnut
Cherry
Red Oak
White Oak
Box Elder
Ash
Elm
Beech
Barn Wood
Exotic Species
Wood species found in more remote or exotic locations, including:
Sapele
Padauk
Purple Heart
Zebrawood
Yellow Heart
Red Heart
Bocote