Dressed
The term "dressed product" generally refers to a building material or product that has been worked, shaped, or finished to meet a specific specification or appearance, rather than being left in its raw or rough state.
For example
- Dressed timber has been planed (and sometimes sanded) to smooth the surfaces and make it uniform in size. It’s the opposite of rough-sawn timber.
- Dressed stone has been worked to a particular shape, size, or surface finish (e.g., smooth, tooled, chamfered) for precise use in masonry. It contrasts with rubble stone, which is irregular.
- In some contexts, “dressed” metal can mean metal trimmed, ground, or otherwise finished to remove sharp edges or irregularities after cutting or casting.
Offsite residential construction, Glossary of terms, published by Buildoffsite in 2018, defines a dressed product (pre-assembled) as: ‘A generic term applying to factory pre-assembled products (usually building services) that would otherwise be assembled onsite. For example a hand basin fitted with taps and waste.’
In interior design, the term “dressed” usually means fully arranged, styled, and made visually presentable.
For example:
- A “dressed bed” has sheets, duvet, pillows, cushions, and throws arranged neatly and decoratively.
- “Dressed windows” have curtains, blinds, pelmets, or other treatments fitted and arranged.
- A “dressed room” is staged with furniture, accessories, artwork, and lighting positioned to create a finished, appealing look — often for photography, show homes, or property viewings.
- A “dressed table” is set with cloths, crockery, cutlery, and decorative items ready for a meal or event.
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