Compare physical samples alongside the project requirements.
Illustrative specification workspace. Blank records and samples do not establish product approval or acceptance criteria.Specify the actual product geometry to be reviewed, including edges and grooves, and state the measurement basis.
Describe the whole section
A familiar board size is a useful purchasing label but may not describe the finished section. Record nominal designation and actual finished thickness and width as separate entries. Identify eased edges, grooves, tongues, relief cuts and any special machining that affects the exposed face or fastening interface. Ask for a dimensioned section drawing when the geometry matters. A photograph can clarify appearance but cannot establish a hidden groove location or a dimension. Use one unit system consistently, with any converted dimensions clearly labelled for reference.
Define lengths and measurement conditions
State whether the order uses fixed lengths, an allowed range, a length schedule or another agreed arrangement. Explain who develops the cutting and joint layout so a quantity estimate is not mistaken for a fabrication schedule. Dimensions in wood should be associated with the specified condition and verification method, because moisture affects dimensional behavior. The specification writer should request the applicable supplier tolerances rather than supplying arbitrary universal values. Record where and how a dimension is checked and who will decide whether an observed difference is acceptable.
Review the connected parts
A profile change may affect clips, trim, transitions, exposed gaps and replacement access. Compare the complete section with the attachment details before accepting a substituted product. Ask the installer to identify any field machining needed and the documentation supporting that operation. Keep engineered support spacing and connection design with the responsible design professional. Once the geometry has been reviewed, give its drawing a revision identifier and reference that identifier in the order. A verbal description such as same as sample should not become the only record of a dimensionally important selection.
Specify the supplied shape, not just the trade size
A purchase description can identify a familiar nominal size while leaving the working geometry unresolved. State whether each dimension describes the supplied board, the visible face, the installed coverage or an interface. Those values answer different questions and should occupy separate fields in the specification.
For example, a fictional board schedule might state a measured face width of 140 mm and an installed repeat of 146 mm. That six-millimetre difference is meaningful only when the assembly definition explains it. Do not copy it into a groove dimension or assume it is an approved gap for another product. This example illustrates terminology, not a recommended profile.
Require the drawing number and revision alongside the profile name. If a hidden fastener engages a groove, the reviewer needs the interface geometry and the exact fastener requirements. A photograph can help identify which edge is being discussed, but perspective and scale prevent it from becoming a manufacturing drawing.
A dimension schedule with distinct jobs
Scroll sideways to read all columns. Keyboard: focus the table and use the arrow keys.
| Field | Describes | Review against |
|---|---|---|
| Actual thickness and width | Supplied cross-section | Current product drawing and acceptance basis |
| Installed repeat or coverage | Assembly quantity relationship | Selected joint configuration |
| Groove or rebate | Mechanical interface | Exact connection requirements |
| Edge treatment | Corner or face transition | Named drawing revision |
| Tolerance | Permitted variation | Specified measurement and acceptance method |
If the drawing is missing, retain “profile drawing required” as an open item. Do not make the specification look complete by inserting a typical groove. Use Hardwood Profiles to distinguish profile features; acceptance still belongs to the selected supply and project requirements.
Evidence & scope
General wood science context; chapters on lumber, moisture, fastening and finishing. Not a project specification or product approval.
Original planning guidance. References support their stated technical scope; examples and workflows do not establish product approval.