To compact, flatten with repeated blows. Tamping concrete removes the air from the mix in addition to flattening the concrete in the shuttering before levelling.

The method of producing a waterproof layer on walls and/or floor designed to prevent damp penetrating into the room.

The projecting tongue on a piece of wood that fits into a corresponding recess called a mortise, thus creating a mortise and tenon joint.

The metal connection point to which the bared ends of electric cable or flex are connected to.

Otherwise known as a hand wheel valve, this is a knob at the base of a radiator which controls the temperature.

The spiral rib around the shank of a screw.

Method of laying interlocking boards so that the projecting 'tongue' along the edge of one board slots into the groove of another.

The finishing coat applied to an undercoat or first coat, usually in reference to paint or plaster.

An electrical device used to change the voltage in an electric circuit. The voltage is usually reduced allowing electrical tools requiring a power source of less than 240v to be used.

Translucent applies to any material that only partially allows light to pass through it.

The horizontal section that divides a window frame. Also, commonly used to refer to the small window or 'fanlight' above a door.

A trap is a device that maintains a layer of water in the U-bend of a pipe to prevent sewer odours from coming up from the drain into the building. Common examples are P-traps, S-traps and bottle traps.

The horizontal part of a step or stairway.

A line drawn with a straight edge to guide you when cutting or sawing.

Protective metal or plastic conduits with a rectangular section used for covering pipes or cables that run along the surface of a wall.