S4S stands for “Surfaced Four Sides.” In the context of woodworking and lumber, S4S refers to a type of wood that has been precisely planed and smoothed on all four sides, resulting in a uniform and consistent surface. The process involves removing any roughness, irregularities, or imperfections from the wood, creating flat, straight, and smooth edges.
S4S lumber is commonly used in various woodworking projects and construction applications. Its ready-to-use nature saves time and effort, as it eliminates the need for further surface preparation. This makes S4S lumber highly convenient for craftsmen, builders, and DIY enthusiasts, as they can focus on creating their projects without the additional steps of planing and squaring the wood.
Using S4S in Home Improvement Projects
Many use S4S lumber to make decorative molding trim that appears to be cleaner and more streamlined. When it’s specifically used for wood mouldings, it’s frequently used as flat stock trim. The flat, finished wood board makes a bold statement, often accompanying modern designs and finishing a space in a unique way.
A good way to use S4S is as wood molding around a door. This gives off an art deco feel, but much more subtly than other design options. But even though S4S wood is often heralded by wood moulding manufacturers to make elegant trim, it’s versatile enough for those creating other elements in their homes.
A fantastic example is using it to make floating wood shelves. It’s an architectural statement that looks beautiful but also serves an additional function. You can even use S4S wood to create texture on a wall. It’s easy to stain and paint as well, so the possibilities for using it as a design element are truly endless.
Finally, you can use S4S to make unique baseboards. It gives a room a sophisticated feel, especially if you take multiple lengths of lumber and stack them on top of each other for a more multidimensional effect.
Mouldings One mills premium wood mouldings at our facilities in Ohio. We serve homeowners, contractors, and architects. Browse our selection of S4S and let us know what you’re looking for, including wood species and quantity.