What does lathing mean?
Lathing is a specialist woodworking term for thin, narrow strips of wood used to form lightweight structures and finished objects. The strips may be woven, as in traditional basketry, or fixed as a framework, especially beneath plaster or inside panels and frames. Because lathing usually names the material collectively, it is treated as an uncountable noun; an individual strip is generally called a lath rather than a lathing. The word is most useful when discussing basketry, furniture and panel construction, conservation, or the internal structure of composite objects. It should not be confused with laying, a common word for placing something down or causing something to lie down. Lathing also carries specific connotations of traditional craft, construction, and the hidden structural elements of an object. Its unusual pronunciation and somewhat old-fashioned sound make it an evocative term for describing the woven or latticed framework that gives an object flexibility and strength.
nounThin, narrow strips of wood used collectively as material for weaving baskets and similar lightweight objects, or for forming a supporting framework beneath plaster. The term may also refer to such a framework.
- Thin wooden strips used collectively for basketry and other lightweight construction.
- A framework of narrow wooden strips, such as lathing installed behind plaster or within a panel.
"The basketry workshop keeps bundles of willow lathing for weaving sturdy handles."
"The basketry workshop keeps bundles of willow lathing for weaving sturdy handles."
"Restorers fitted new lathing beneath the plaster before applying the final coat."
Usually uncountable in modern use; the plural is uncommon but occurs when referring to distinct types or sets of lathing.
"The supplier offered woven lathings in several thicknesses."
Behind many a woven basket is a hidden skeleton of lathing—thin wooden strips doing the heavy lifting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lathing come from?
The word is an English derivative of lath with the suffix -ing. Lath comes from Old English lǣþ, meaning a narrow strip or board, and is related to forms such as lathe, lathwork, and lathework. The specialized meaning developed in woodworking and basketmaking, where thin wooden strips were woven or arranged into frameworks and finished objects.
How lathing is actually used
The term is specialized and relatively uncommon in general speech. It usually denotes the material collectively; an individual narrow strip is generally called a lath.
Easily confused with lathing
Laying means placing or extending something horizontally, whereas lathing names thin wooden strips or the framework made from them.