Buying slabs
Boule
A boule is a log sawn into sequential boards and kept together, often so buyers can choose matching slabs from the same tree.
What it means#
A boule is the set of boards cut from one log and kept in order. For slab buyers, a boule matters because colour, grain, defects, drying history, and movement are more likely to match across neighbouring boards.
Why buyers care#
Sequential boards make it easier to build large tabletops, counters, stair parts, or bookmatched surfaces. A boule also gives the maker more design control because the boards can be selected as a family rather than as unrelated pieces.
What to check#
Ask whether the slabs are consecutive, whether they were dried together, and whether final thickness will still match after flattening.
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