HARDBOARD:
A generic term for a smooth or textured grainless panel manufactured primarily from compressed wood fibres. Used as exterior cladding.

HARDNESS:
The degree of pressure a material will withstand without becoming deformed or scratched.

HARDWOOD:
Trees that have broad leaves (in contrast to conifer or softwoods). The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood. Examples are: oak, maple, ash, beech, walnut, and hickory.

HIDING POWER:
The ability of paint or stain to obscure the surface over which it has been applied. Hiding power is provided by the paint's pigment, and is affected by how thickly the paint tends to apply, and how well brush marks flow out.

HUE:
The basis of a colour, e.g., whether it is a red or green. Lighter or darker variations are still the same hue. Thus, a light red and a deep red are of the same hue.