Notes

Knots: Knots are circular or oval-shaped imperfections caused by branches that grew from the tree trunk. They can weaken the wood and reduce its strength, especially if they are large or have cracks.

Checks and splits: Checks are lengthwise cracks in the timber, while splits are through-and-through openings. These defects occur as the wood dries and can affect its structural integrity and appearance.

Shakes: Shakes are separations along the wood's annual rings, usually occurring when the wood is dried too quickly or when the tree is felled during extreme weather conditions. Shakes can weaken the wood and cause it to split.

Wane: Wane refers to the presence of the bark or the rounded edges of the tree on the sides or corners of a piece of timber. Wane reduces the usable area of the wood and can affect its appearance.

Insect damage: Insects like termites, beetles, and carpenter ants can damage the wood by burrowing into it and creating tunnels. This can compromise the wood's structural integrity.

Fungal decay: Wood exposed to moisture can be susceptible to fungal decay, which can weaken the wood and cause it to rot.

Grain irregularities: Wood grain can have irregularities or deviations from the usual straight or even pattern. These irregularities can affect the appearance and stability of the wood.

Compression wood and tension wood: These are types of wood with irregular cell structures, often found in leaning or bent trees. They can be weaker and less stable than normal wood.

Sapwood and heartwood: The contrast between sapwood (the outer, younger wood) and heartwood (the inner, older wood) can affect the wood's appearance and may result in different properties, such as susceptibility to decay.

Mineral streaks: Mineral streaks are discolored areas caused by the presence of minerals in the wood. They can affect the appearance of the wood but generally don't affect its structural integrity.


Knots: Knots are natural irregularities in wood caused by branches. However, in some cases, they can be intentionally created for decorative purposes in furniture or woodworking.

Filled Knots: In woodworking and furniture manufacturing, knots may be filled with epoxy or other materials to stabilize the wood or to create a specific aesthetic.

Veneer: Veneer is a thin layer of wood sliced or peeled from a log and glued onto a substrate. It's often used to create the appearance of expensive wood species on less costly or stable substrates.

Laminations: Laminations involve bonding together multiple layers of wood to create a composite material. This can enhance strength, stability, and resistance to warping.

Finger Jointing: Finger jointing is a method of joining shorter pieces of timber end-to-end using interlocking fingers. It improves the length of available timber and reduces waste.

Stains and Finishes: Different stains and finishes can be applied to timber to enhance its appearance and provide protection against moisture, UV radiation, and wear and tear.

Resin Impregnation: Timber can be impregnated with resin to increase its resistance to decay, insects, and fire.

Wood Dowels: Wooden dowels are used to join pieces of timber together, creating strong and durable connections in woodworking and furniture making.

Sanding and Planing: Sanding and planing can be used to smooth out rough surfaces or remove defects in timber, such as knots or irregularities.

Faux Wood Graining: This is a decorative technique used to mimic the appearance of wood grain on surfaces that are not made of solid wood, such as paint or veneer.

Drying and Kiln Treatment: Proper drying and kiln treatment of timber can enhance its stability and reduce the risk of natural defects like warping, splitting, or cracking.

Edge Gluing: Pieces of timber can be edge-glued together to create wider panels, tabletops, or other large surfaces.