If you are about to have any joinery work undertaken on your property it helps to have a little knowledge of joinery terms and services beforehand.
By knowing more about materials and work carried out you can give a more accurate description of services you need when asking for a quote.
The following guide contains definitions of terms and conditions commonly used in the joinery trade.
- Awning is a type of sash window that has a hinge at the top allowing the bottom half to open out from the building.
- Biscuit Joints are oval cuts of wood that are inserted into slots to join pieces of wood together.
- Corian is a compound of natural materials combined with acrylic polymer. Corian is used to strengthen a range of hard wooden surfaces.
- Dowels are wooden pins that are used to reinforce wooden joints.
- European Hinges are hinges that are self closing that can be easily adjusted and fit to a variety of doors.
- Fan Light is the name given to a semi circular window placed above a door.
- Grain on a piece of wood refers to the alignment of fibres. Different grains have varying levels of roughness.
- Head is the uppermost part of a door or window frame.
- Integrated units or cabinets perform more than one feature.
- Jigs are used to hold pieces of wood in place or as a guide whilst working.
- Knockdown furniture is designed to be easily disassembled using special tools.
- Laminate is a thin plastic substance used to cover wooden surfaces such as tables and working tops.
- MDF stands for medium density fibreboard. MDF is used to make cabinets and other units.
- Overhang is used to describe a projecting ledge that extends over a frame.
- Plumb is a term used to describe a fitting or angle that is perfectly perpendicular and structurally sound.
- Reveal is the outer part of a jamb which protrudes from a door or window and is not concealed by the frame.
- Stain is used to colour and protect wooden services. Stain can also enhance the appearance of the grain of certain types of wood.
- Toe Kicks are hollows in the bottom of cabinets that allow people to stand closer to a cabinet.
- Veneer is the name given to a thin layer of a protective cover such as a laminate or stain.
- Warped grain has a twisted or contorted appearance compared to regular grain.