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A specialized unit of measure for the volume of lumber. One board foot is equivalent to a volume of 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch.

A measurement of perfectly horizontal alignment. Most horizontal surfaces in a home, like floors and countertops, are intended to be level.

The difference between the named size of lumber and its true dimensions. For example, a '2x4' actually measures 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches due to surfacing at the mill.

The distance from the center of one structural member (like a stud or joist) to the center of the next. Standard spacing is usually 16 inches or 24 inches.

The incline of a roof, expressed as the inches of vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run (e.g., a 4/12 pitch).

A measurement of perfectly vertical alignment. A wall is plumb if it is at a 90-degree angle to a perfectly level floor.

When two lines or surfaces meet at a perfect 90-degree angle. In layout, the 3-4-5 rule is often used to ensure a corner is square.

A cement-based adhesive used to attach tile to a substrate. It is usually applied with a notched trowel to create ridges for better adhesion.

The additional amount of material ordered to account for cuts, breakages, and layout errors. Standard waste is typically 10-15%.