Siding is the process of flattening and squaring the opposing faces of a log, framing timber, or ship's rib. A worker removes the rounded exterior (the wane) using an adze, broadaxe, or saw, bringing the piece down to a specific dimension. The resulting flat surfaces allow the timber to be properly joined or planked over in structural framing.
Heard on the job
We need to side these oak beams down to exactly eight inches before we layout the mortises.
Insider tip
Snap chalk lines on both ends and the top surface to guide your axe cuts when siding a log by hand.