Buying slabs

Slab

A slab is a single wide piece sawn lengthwise from a log and kept at substantial thickness.

Slabs are sold as individual pieces because shape, grain and defects vary from one cut to the next. A natural edge is common, but it is not required.

A slab is solid sawn wood. A glued worktop, veneered panel or stone plate may be useful material, but it is a different product.

More terms

Board

In slab listings, board can mean one solid sawn piece from a log.

Solid wood

Solid wood is wood cut from a tree rather than a sheet made from fibres, particles or veneer over a core.

Finished panel

A finished panel is a manufactured or glued panel supplied at a set size and surface condition.

Hardwood

Hardwood comes from broad-leaved flowering trees such as oak, walnut, ash and cherry.