32 Wood Industry Terms You Need to Know

Before entering the world of wood, understanding and mastering specialized terminology is the first and most important step to understand and work effectively in this field. Whether you are a carpenter, woodworker, wood supplier, wood importer, or retail customer, you all need a solid foundation in the language of wood. Please also explore 32 wood industry terms compiled by K-TIMBER that you need to know!

The importance of wood industry terms

In the wood industry, understanding and using terminology correctly is extremely important. These terms are considered a unique language that helps suppliers, manufacturers and consumers communicate clearly and effectively. Each term carries within itself a specific and accurate amount of information, helping to describe the characteristics, aesthetics, environmental factors or certifications of wood. In the current context of international trade development, understanding and correct use of terminology in the wood industry has become increasingly necessary, helping to promote development and professionalization in the international wood industry.

List of 32 important terms in the wood industry

Terminology about the structure and texture of wood

The structure and texture of wood are the fundamental basis for determining its characteristics, physical and mechanical properties, from density and moisture content to strength and hardness. Below are terms related to the structure and texture of wood.

• FAS – (First and seconds): First and second class wood. Lumber meeting this standard is a good type of wood, used mainly for making high-end furniture
• Hardwood: Wood from broad-leaved trees, not necessarily hard.
• Softwood: Wood from coniferous trees, not necessarily soft.
• Density: Measures the volume of wood per unit volume, affecting durability and weight.
• Moisture content: Percentage of water in wood compared to dry weight
• Specific gravity: The ratio between the weight of wood and the weight of water, indicating relative density.
• Weight: Total weight of wood, usually depends on density and moisture.
• Durability: the ability of wood to withstand environmental and biological impacts.
• Hardness: Measures resistance to penetration, important for foundation and floor applications.
• Modulus of elasticity: Measures the ability of wood to withstand bending and recover its original shape.
• Heartwood: The wood in the center of the tree, usually darker and harder.
• Sapwood: The outermost layer of wood, softer and contains more water than the heartwood.

Terminology about the surface and aesthetics of wood

In the wood industry, the surface and aesthetics of wood play an important role in shaping its value and uses. Below are terms to help you better understand these important aesthetic properties of wood.

• Grain: Size, direction, arrangement, shape of wood fibers.
• Texture: The feel of the wood surface, from smooth to rough, affecting aesthetics and feel.
• Figure: Natural pattern created from age rings and wood rays.
• Stain: The process of applying color to a wood surface to improve appearance or hide imperfections.

Terms related to environmental factors

Terminology surrounding wood describes natural phenomena such as cracking, rotting, warping, shrinkage and standards and methods for treating and protecting wood. Here are those terms:

• Checks: Small cracks along the grain direction of the wood, appearing during the drying process of the wood.
• Split: A crack in wood, usually caused by uneven shrinkage as the wood dries.
• Decay: Condition of wood decomposing due to fungus and mold.
• Pith flecks: Spots in the heart of a tree that are not arranged according to the rules and have a strange color, appearing due to insects attacking the growing tree trunk
• Gum pocket: Concentration of resin or gum compounds in wood.
• Dimensional stability: The degree of change in wood volume as humidity changes.
• Air-dried – (AD): Wood is dried naturally, takes more time but is environmentally friendly (The most common is 18-20%) 
• Kiln-Dried – (KD): Kiln-dried wood, faster process and better control of moisture (The most common is 10-14%)
• Shrinkage: The shrinkage of wood when dehydrated (Dried), affecting size and shape.
• Warp: Deformation of wood due to changes in humidity, causing problems in processing and use.

Terminology in wood import and export

Terminology related to wood import and export involves many regulations, documents, standards and legal procedures. From FSC certification, C/O to international payment terms such as LC and T/T. Here are those terms:

• FSC: Sustainable Forest Management Certification, ensuring wood is produced from well-managed forests.
• PEFC: Forest Management Certification Program, similar to FSC, with emphasis on sustainable forest management.
• C/O (Certificate of Origin): Certificate of origin, confirming the origin of the product from a specific country such as Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, etc.
• SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance S.A): International inspection organization, providing testing and confirmation services for product quality and safety.
• CITES: International treaty on trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna, including timber.
• BL (Bill of lading): Bill of lading, an important shipping document, is evidence of the shipping contract.
• FLEGT: Forest law enforcement, management and trade action plan, to combat illegal timber trade.

Terminology about payment methods:

• LC (Letter of Credit): Letter of credit, a safe payment method in international trade.
• T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): Bank transfer, a common payment method in commerce.

Above are 32 wood industry terms compiled by K-TIMBER, to provide a comprehensive and in-depth view of specialized language in the wood industry. If you have any related questions, please leave your information below, K-TIMBER is ready to answer all your requests.