Knot Check

A knot check refers to a small crack or opening that develops around a knot in the wood. Knots are areas in the wood where branches or other parts of the tree have grown, and they can be harder and more dense than the surrounding wood.

Over time, as the wood dries and shrinks, the knot may become loose or dislodged, leaving a small crack or opening around it. This opening is known as a knot check. Knot checks can occur in both softwood and hardwood lumber, and can vary in size and severity.

Knot checks can affect the strength and durability of the wood, as they can provide a pathway for moisture, insects, and decay organisms to enter the wood.