Finishing

Rough-sawn

Rough-sawn wood retains the surface left by the saw and has not been planed smooth.

Its stated thickness usually includes material that will be lost during flattening and surfacing. Saw marks and small thickness changes are normal.

Allow enough machining margin for the project. Rough-sawn describes the surface, not moisture condition.

More terms

Wood finish

A wood finish is a surface treatment such as oil, wax, lacquer or varnish.

Finished surface

A finished surface has received its final sanding and intended protective treatment.

Flattening

Flattening removes high areas until one broad face lies in a plane, then brings the other face parallel.

Planing

Planing cuts a thin layer from wood to make a face or edge smoother and more accurate.