Design Glossary - S

Skirting Board:

Wooden board set on edge round the foot of a wall to protect the wall from kicks and scuffs.

Slate:

Slate is a form of metamorphic rock. It is easily split into layers that provide a rugged rustic look. It has good abrasion resistance and high durability if it has been correctly cut. It is impervious to water, cold hard and noisy under foot and can be slippery. A non-slip variety is available.

Slatted:

Made of thin/narrow strips of wood.

Sled Base:

A furniture support which glides across the floor when dragged. The weight of the furniture is distributed across the floor along two runners which rest parallel on the floor, rather than distributed as per the traditional four legs.

Sliding Glass Windows:

Sometimes known as ranch sliders, aluminium or timber framed windows that slide over each other. Often forming a door or picture window.

Sling:

In furniture this is a band or strap of fabric or leather which is attached partially to the rigid furniture frame.

Stamping:

(paint effects) designs can be converted into rubber stamps or proprietary stamps can be purchased to achieve a look similar to stencilling but is much faster to perform. Stamping can be used to add pattern to walls, by dipping into paint or translucent glaze (or painting onto the stamp) and applying pressure to the stamp onto the wall. It provides a handmade slightly random look.

Stamping

Standard Tape:

This is a narrow heading tape about 2.5cm in width that forms simple gathers. It has one row of hook suspension pockets. It is used where there is a valance or pelmet and the curtain heading will not be visible and for small informal curtains and sheers.

Starch Paste:

(wallcovering) made from maize, corn, potato or wheat. It is in a powdered form, made to paste by adding water. It has a fungicide added during manufacture. It has a tendency to mark the wallpaper so it is not commonly used. There are three types available – cold water, hot water and dextrine (stains more than others, rarely used).

Stencilling:

Stencilling is a form of decoration a way of adding colour and pattern to surfaces. A stencil is an impervious material perforated with a design or lettering through which a substance can be forced onto the surface behind. (Stencil plate) Paint is dabbed over the stencil with a stencil brush which provides a stippled effect.

Stile:

An upright member in framing or panelling.

Stippling:

(paint effects) is achieved by dabbing a stippling brush over a wet glaze or layer of paint. It creates a soft dappled grainy texture and is ideal as a wall finish.

Stop Cock:

Control tap by which gas or water supply can be shut off.

Straight Grain:

(timber) the cells run in a straight direction.

Strap Metal:

This is a thin strip of wrought iron.

Stretcher:

This is a horizontal bar which ties or braces the under framework of furniture.

Stretcher:

Brick laid parallel to length of wall.

Stringer:

Sloping board on each side of stairs carrying treads and risers.

Strobe Lights:

Stroboscopic flashing lamps, electronically synchronised.

Struck Joints:

Mortar joint in brickwork, raked back at an angle.

Structural:

Said of all parts of a building, which carry load in addition to their own weight.

Stucco:

Smooth plaster on exterior wall.

Stud:

Vertical timbers of partition framework.

Sub-Floor:

Concrete base, or boarding laid over joists on top of which the flooring is laid.

Summer (or late) Wood:

This is formed in summer to early autumn when the tree growth is slower; the timber is usually darker and harder than spring (or early) wood.

Swiss Muslin:

(dotted) (fabric) Fine sheer, usually in dotted pattern known as dotted Swiss.

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