Quarter-round: Also called an ovolo molding, this carpentry term refers to a convex molding in the shape of a quarter circle.

Quarter-sawing: Also called plain-sawing, this is the act of sawing wood toward or through the center of a tree trunk.

Rafter: A beam that supports a roof, usually following its pitch. The pitch of a roof is defined as the slope and inclination of its angle.

Rail: Used in cabinetry and paneling, these are horizontal strips that form a portion of the frame.

Rib: A projecting band, this trim is found on ceilings, vaults, and doors.

Sconce: Ornamental wall bracket to hold candles or electric bulbs.

Scribe-molding: A small strip of wood that can easily be bent or cut to cover up irregularities and even out surfaces. Scribe-molding is used when completing cabinetry and carpentry projects.

Section: A small-scale, often vertically sliced representation of a building, molding, or other object meant to show its interior construction or silhouette.

Skeleton Construction: The assembly of posts and beams erected prior to constructing the walls of a building.
Stiles: Used in cabinetry and paneling, these are the vertical strips that form a portion of the frame.

Thrust: The outward force of a vault, which must be counterbalanced by abutments.

Transom: A window placed above a doorway or the upper panel of a window.

Truss: Beams or posts assembled in a triangular manner to provide extra strength for a wide expanse of roof or ceiling.

Vault: A roof constructed using the arch principles of architecture. Ribbed vaults have a framework of ribbed masonry for light frameworks. Barrel vaults have partially cylindrical shapes, and groin vaults occur where barrel vaults encounter one another at right angles.

Wainscot: Usually a paneled, wooden lining used as a decorative element on interior walls.

Zax: A tool similar to a hatchet used for preparing roofing tiles and slates.

This final installment of the Renovator's Place Home Improvement Dictionary takes you all the way from A to Z. Since it was impossible to include every remodeling term or topic, this dictionary covers the basics and includes a few odd words you may not have heard before.

Now we invite you to write to us with your favorite definitions of all topics related to home improvement. As time permits, entries directly related to the content at Renovator's Place may be included in our Home Improvement Dictionary.