Definition

Noun: - A thin strip of wood or material: A furring strip is a long, narrow piece of wood or another material, typically used in construction to create a level surface or to provide a space for insulation, wiring, or plumbing behind a finished wall or ceiling.

Usage

Furring strips are attached to an uneven wall or ceiling frame. Wallboard (such as drywall or plasterboard) is then attached to these strips, resulting in a flat, even surface ready for finishing. - The masonite siding was installed over furring strips to allow for air circulation behind it. - We nailed furring strips to the concrete basement walls before hanging the drywall.

Advanced Usage

• Creating a cavity: Furring strips are often used to create a shallow cavity or "furring space" between the structural wall and the interior finish. This space can be used for running utilities or adding insulation.
  • The electrician ran the new cables through the gap provided by the furring strips.

Variants and Related Words

• Furring (noun): The technique or material of using strips to level a surface. It can also refer collectively to the strips themselves.
  • The furring on the exterior wall created a rain screen.
• Batten (noun): A strip of wood, similar to a furring strip, often used for similar leveling purposes or as a base for attaching other materials.
• Cleat (noun): A strip or block fastened to a surface to support or strengthen another component; can serve a similar function in some contexts.

Synonyms

• Strapping: A term often used interchangeably in construction for thin strips of wood used for framing or leveling.
• Lath: A thin, narrow strip of wood, historically used as a base for plaster, serving a conceptually similar preparatory function.

Noun

1. strip used to give a level surface for attaching wallboard