Seasoning The process of removing the moisture from green wood to improve its workability and stability. In softwood, lumber which has been graded strictly for its appearance. In hardwood, lumber which is one grade below first and second. A broad flat piece of wood cut directly from the log, often with bark on both edges. A sliding dovetail joint is similar to a tongue and groove joint except the tongue and grove are matching dovetails.
Softwoods Generally lumber from a conifer such as pine or cedar.
The name softwood does not refer to the density of the wood. There are some hardwoods, such as Balsa, which are softer than some softwoods, like Southern Yellow Pine. Sound A term referring to a board which has no or very few defects which will effect its strength. The ratio of the weight of wood to an equal volume of water. The higher the specific gravity, the heavier the wood.