Pieces of wood used to wedge part of a structure in place during construction or to fill small gaps.

A low wall built where there is a sudden dangerous drop, for example, along the edge of a balcony, roof or bridge.

To remove fine shavings of wood with a chisel or thin slivers of wood with a knife.

A shared wall dividing two properties in a terrace of houses or between two semi-detached properties.

A thin lubricating oil that penetrates between two corroded surfaces making it easier for them to be loosened.

Piers are pillars that act as a support at various intervals along the length of a wall. They are constructed out of the same material as the wall itself and are usually square in shape. For single-skin walls, a pier needs to be included every 3m over the height of 400mm. For Flemish or English bond walls below 1.2m, a pier is not usually required.

A small hole made in timber prior to inserting a screw that acts as a guide for the screw's thread.

Detachable panels that fit around the bottom of self-assembly furniture that hide the feet and base.

A small plastic or metal sleeve inserted into holes drilled in masonry walls to provide better grip for the fixing.

Exactly vertical.

Applying mortar between the joints of bricks or blocks, and then smoothing the mortar with a pointing tool.

A heavyweight, adjustable pole that can be used to support structures during construction.

A supporting beam positioned at right angles to and below rafters.

Is the abbreviation for Polyvinyl acetate which is a synthetic resin that can be used as an adhesive or, when diluted with water, a sealer on porous surfaces.

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic material used extensively in the construction industry. Uses include insulation for electric wire, roofing sheets, and soft floor tiles. PVC is also used in rigid form to manufacture guttering, drain pipes and window frames.