Buying slabs

Bark

Bark is the protective outer covering of a tree, sometimes left on a natural edge when the slab is first sawn.

Loose bark can hide insects, dirt and weak tissue. Many makers remove it while keeping the tree-shaped edge beneath.

A bark-on edge is different from a clean live edge. Ask whether bark is sound, removable or included only for transport and display.

More terms

Slab

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

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.