Defects and features

Checks

Checks are cracks that open as wood dries or releases stress, usually along the grain.

What it means#

Checks are openings in the wood, often caused by drying stress. They commonly follow the grain and can appear at slab ends, near pith, or around knots.

Why buyers care#

A check can be a beautiful feature, a planned repair, or a reason to avoid a slab. Placement matters more than count.

What to check#

Look for checks through high-stress areas, open cracks near joinery, and movement that may need bowties, epoxy, trimming, or another fabrication plan.

Pith

Pith is the centre of the tree. It is often unstable in wide slabs and can be associated with cracking or movement.

Bookmatch

A bookmatch is a pair of neighbouring boards opened like a book to create a mirrored grain pattern.

Boule

A boule is a log sawn into sequential boards and kept together, often so buyers can choose matching slabs from the same tree.

Burl

Burl is a rounded growth with swirling, irregular grain, often containing voids, eyes and bark inclusions.