Visual reference library
Compare visible wood symptoms and assembly details. Use visual observations to frame an investigation without treating appearance as a diagnosis.
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Wood checking versus splitting: what to document
Wood cupping, bowing, crook and twist explained
Investigating stains on exterior hardwood
Investigating loose hardwood connections
Build a moisture investigation around locations and repeat readings
Separate finish appearance from the underlying condition
Create an evidence record that survives the repair
Choose repair or replacement with an explicit decision record
Record and method references
Keep four kinds of information separate
Observation: What you can directly see or measure.
Hypothesis: A possible explanation to investigate.
Evidence: A record that tests the explanation.
Decision: A documented action by the responsible person.
Describe the direction of distortion
Cup: Curvature across a board’s width.
Bow: Curvature along the face length.
Crook: Curvature along an edge.
Twist: Corners depart from one plane.
Three scales make a useful photo record
Overview: Show the component within its surroundings.
Context: Show neighboring boards, supports and water paths.
Detail: Show the feature with a safe, visible scale.
Repeat: Use the same location and preserve original files.