Terms of the Trade
A gambrel roof consists of two slopes with a gabled structure at both ends.
A wood turning parting tool is a small chisel used to cut grooves into wood while it's turning.
A power tool grinder is one of several power tools used to smooth and polish different kinds of surfaces.
Membrane roofing is placed on flat roof surfaces to protect against ultraviolet rays and weathering.
A bull float is a device used to smooth the surface of newly poured concrete.
A French drain system is essentially a ditch filled with gravel to protect foundations from runoff.
This piece of lumber is an important part of flooring or decking.
Vintage and antique are two words you hear a lot when discussing DIY projects.
A torpedo level is generally a 6 to 12 inch-long level in the shape of a torpedo.
A stick-built home is a home built on-site instead of in a factory.
A camshaft is part of a vehicle's engine. It is used to open and close engine valves.
Chair rails are moldings applied on the wall a few feet from the ground.
A plumb bob is used to make sure something is plumb, or vertical.
An alternator is an electric generator.
An ohmmeter measures electrical resistance.
A hardscape is a rocky landscape.
A dormer window is a window that sticks out of a sloped roof.
A gasket is a seal which fills the space between surfaces.
A faceplate is commonly used to describe light switches and sockets.
Emulsion is a water-based paint.
Top dressing is putting a compost, sand, or soil mix on the surface of a lawn.
Learn what the top 10 DIY terms mean, and you’ll learn lots more about DIY.
A newel is a supporting pillar, or column, on a staircase.
Companion plants are plants that grow better when planted together.
A bastard file is a file with coarseness between “coarse” and “second cut.”
A hawk is a square board with a handle in the middle.
A scrub plane is used to remove wood from lumber.
A billhook is a cutting tool generally used for cutting wood, pruning, and chopping branches.
A dibble is a gardening tool used to make holes in the ground.
An anvil is a large block made of steel or iron.
A gimlet is used for drilling small holes.
A scriber is used to mark lines.
A trowel is a tool used to spread and smooth plaster.
The term "cinder block" actually refers to what's technically known as a concrete masonry unit, or CMU, that's used in building construction.
You've likely done this and not even knew it!
The use of greywater reduces the need of a fresh water supply for tasks such as crop and landscape irrigation.
Backfilling is often done when working around building foundations, underground structures, or landscaping.
A painters holiday isn't when they take a break from the work. It actually refers to a missed spot on a project when using a roller, which is detected when you can see the previous color coming through. The origin of this phrasing dates back to the 1700s when people would use pitch or tar to "paint"
Overlamping can cause a house fire, but it's easily prevented.
A casement window is a great option for ventilation.
Learn must-know DIY terms, tools, and tricks in this glossary that shouldn't be missed.
Colorant is what's used to give paint its color.
If you're weeding, pay attention to the taproot.
Use this saw if you're into cutting some serious lumber.
Tack cloth cleans off surfaces before a treatment.
This horizontal support beam is found in both residential and commercial construction.
Use these landscaping features to add height to a flat space.
Keep kerf in mind when planning wood cuts.
