Booth, Sam_ Plunkett, Drew-Furniture for interior design-Laurence King Publishing (2014).pdf

184 Glossary

OSB (Orientated strand board)  A particle board formed by l ayering shavings of wood in specific directions that are then compressed and bonded with a wax and synthetic resin. Also known as ‘Sterling board’ in the UK and Ireland and as ‘Aspenite’ in the US and Canada. Oxidation  A reaction between one oxygen atom and one other element. To a designer the most common example of oxidation would be the development of rust on iron or on its alloys such as steel. Panel Usually a flat and thin piece of wood or glass set into a frame. Plywood or composites such as MDF or OSB are referred to as panel products as they fulfil this function. PAR (Planed all round) Of timber, converted from a log into long, rectangular sections and put through a planer to smooth its surface. Perforated Describes a material with small holes that can be part of a pattern over the whole surface for decoration or to let light or air through, or a series of holes designed to allow a material to be torn or folded along a precise line. Plastics There are two types of plastic: thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Thermoplastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene do not undergo a chemical change in their composition when heated and can be remoulded. Thermosetting plastics once melted and hardened remain solid and cannot be reformed. Most plastics are derived from petrochemicals but concerns about CO2 emissions have lead to the development of bio-plastics from plant materials such as starch and cellulose. Plinth In architecture a plinth is the base or platform on which a column or structure rests; in interiors it is most commonly the recessed base to a desk or kitchen unit. Plywood  A manufactured wood panel made from thin veneers of wood layered at right angles to one another for strength and stability.

Recycling The process of reusing materials in new products to avoid waste and the consumption of new materials. It differs from re-use, where a material such as a brick or steel beam is used in the original form. Designing for reuse is more sustainable than designing for recycling. Refurbish To renovate or redecorate a building or interior space, usually to redefine the space with a contemporary aesthetic or to give a new function. It differs from ‘restoration’ where the interior would be repaired and preserved in its original form. Rib In interior and furniture design, a structural element, usually a strip of plywood or timber fixed at right angles as a stiffener to a thinner panel material. Sandblasting Roughening, shaping or removing contaminates from a surface by firing a stream of fine sand under pressure. Different abrasives can be used in similar processes such as bead blasting, grit blasting and shot blasting. Scale  A scale model or drawing is a representation of an object or space larger or smaller than its actual size while maintaining relative proportions. Schedule Usually a list or inventory of items or finishes stating their position and quantity within an interior. Seasoning The controlled drying of timber to reduce the impact of dimensional changes and shrinkage. Ideally the moisture content of timber would be reduced to humidity levels relative to where it is eventually to be used. Air drying takes about one  year per 25mm or 1” of thickness; kiln dryi ng, where timber is stacked in chambers and heat is introduced, is a quicker and more controlled process. Some timbers such as beech take on a different colour tone when kiln dried as opposed to air dried. Socket  A recess into which something else will fit or revolve; or an electrical socket that receives a plug or a light bulb.

Powder coating  A finish typically applied electrostati cally as a dry powder (either thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer) that is then cured under heat. Powder coating is used to give a finish to metals and alloys such as steel and aluminium but it is also possible to powder coat materials such as MDF.

Softwood Gynosperm trees such as conifers; most evergreen trees are softwood. Most of the world’s timber production is softwood as  fast-growing trees such as spruce and pine supply the building trade with structural timber for framework.

Prefabrication The practice of assembling components or complete structures ‘off site’ in a factory and delivering the structures to the site completely assembled.

Specification Precise description or identification of a feature normally on a working drawing or written specification document that specifies the standard of workmanship and materials required in a piece of work.

Prototype  An early sample or model of a d esign idea to test how a product or structure will function and fulfil its brief.

Splashback  A protective panel at the back of a work surface in a kitchen or bar that prevents damage to a more vulnerable wall surface.