Refers to the finish floor in respect to the level of the ground outside the home or building. Above grade means above the ground level. On grade means at ground level and below grade means below the outside ground level, such as a basement.

[Read more →]

A main member in a framed floor supporting the joists which carry the flooring boards. It carries the weight of a floor or partition.

[Read more →]

Occurs when fibers from the carpet slip out of the yarn with use or sometimes after wet cleaning.

[Read more →]

Tightly curled or twisted yarn that gives carpet a textured appearance good for hiding footprints. Pronounced free-zay.

[Read more →]

Loose fiber fragments remaining from the manufacturing process that appear on a carpet surface. This condition is remedied by vacuuming and carpet use. Also known as “fuzzing” or “shedding”.

[Read more →]

Rough grain on the face of the board, resulting from absorption of moisture sufficient to expand the wood cells at the immediate surface. The result is a fuzzy feel when touched.

[Read more →]

An inconsistent coating of a material.

[Read more →]

Coatings of stain, varnish, lacquer, wax, etc., applied to wood surfaces to protect and enhance their durability or appearance.

[Read more →]

A substance used to fill the holes and irregularities in the sanded surface of wood strips to provide a smooth, durable surface, before applying the finish coats. (Primarily used with southern oak.)

[Read more →]

A rupture, small splits, or openings running parallel to the grain of the wood, caused chiefly by strains during cutting and seasoning of the wood.

[Read more →]