End grain
The exposed ends of wood fibres, seen at the cut end of a board.
Wood Basics
Glossary
Short definitions for terms used in this part of the Materials & Know-How section.
Grain
The direction and pattern of fibres in wood.
Pilot hole
A small drilled hole that guides a screw and reduces splitting.
Sandpaper grit
The abrasive size rating that affects how coarse or fine sandpaper is.
Splitting
When wood cracks along the grain, often near edges or ends.
Varnish
A protective clear or tinted finish that forms a film on wood.
Wood movement
The way wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture.