Glossary F

Face-

Outer or exposed surface from which grade is determined.

Face Measure-

The measurement across the face of any wood part exclusive of any solid mold or rabbet.

Factory or Shop Lumber-

An industrial lumber grade primarily used for millwork. Finger jointed mouldings, windows and doors are manufactured from factory or shop lumber grades.

Fenestration-

The placement (or arrangement) and sizing of the windows and exterior doors of a building. In Greek architecture, windows began as simple openings in temples. These openings began to contain glass in the 13th century, when clear glass was available for buildings such as Westminster Abbey. Another important shift in fenestration occurred in the 20th century when large windows became important components in commercial buildings.

Fiber Board-

A broad term used to describe wood sheet material of widely varying densities manufactured of refined or partly refined wood fibers.

Fillet-

A narrow band of wood between two flutes in a wood member; a flat, square moulding separating other mouldings.

Finger Joint-

A series of fingers machined on the ends of two pieces to be joined, which mesh together and are held firmly in position by a water-resistant adhesive.

Finger Jointer-

Machinery which cuts, glues and joins the fingers in finger jointed lumber or cut-stock for mouldings and millwork.

Finish-

A term of many meanings. It can mean the "interior or exterior finish" of a structure; the "finish" or "actual" size of a piece of lumber; the protective coating given a wood member; upper or select grades of softwood lumber.

Fixed-

Refers to windows that are non-venting or inoperable.

Flashing-

A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a window or skylight.

Flat Door Panel-

A door panel consisting of a flat piece of plywood, solid wood or other material in contrast to a raised door panel.

Flitch-

A thin piece of wood, used often as a veneer.

Flute-

A long, rounded groove machined along the grain of a wood member, eg., a pilaster.

Frame-

The enclosure in which window sash or door panels are mounted.

French Door-

An interior or exterior door consisting of stiles, top and bottom rail and divided glass panels or lights; often used in pairs as a casement or terrace door.

French Casement Window-

Two casement sashes, each hinged on one stile and opening in the middle but with no center mullion. This allows a smaller rough opening to make egress since there is a large unobstructed opening.

Frieze-

A box cornice wood member surfaced four sides nailed to the wall of the structure where the soffit and building wall meet.