bead
A decorative, convex, rounded profile (often a half-circle) cut into an edge or surface of wood, typically defined by a narrow, deep channel called a quirk.
bead: a rounded edge profile cut for look and strength
A bead is a convex, usually semicircular profile routed or planed into the edge or surface of a wooden component. It is defined by a sharp, narrow groove called a quirk that separates the rounded bead itself from the flat or stepped surface beside it. The quirk is essential: it creates shadow and visual definition, making the bead read as a distinct element rather than a gradual roundover.
Beads appear on frame-and-panel doors, table edges, shelving, and molding throughout furniture and interior joinery. A bead might be 1/4 inch to 1 inch in radius, depending on the scale of the work and the wood species. They are cut using a beading bit (a router bit with a bearing and rounded flute profile) or historically with a beading plane. The quirk is often routed separately with a straight bit or V-groove bit, or it may be part of a dedicated combination profile bit that cuts both the bead and quirk in one pass.
The bead serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. Visually, it breaks up large flat surfaces and adds shadow line detail. Functionally, the rounded profile is slightly stronger than a sharp edge: it resists chipping during handling and finishing, and the quirk provides a clean stopping point for glue lines in frame construction. Beads also help conceal gaps in edge grain where endgrain finishes differently than face grain.
A single bead runs along one edge. Double or triple beads are stacked vertically for bolder detail. The bead diameter and quirk depth must be consistent; running beads by eye leads to visible wobbles. Router tables with fences and bearing-guided bits give the best control. Hand plane beading requires sharp tools and a steady stroke, and is less forgiving on figured or reversing grain.
Common problems include the quirk line not reading crisp (usually from a dull bit or poor dust clearance), the bead breaking out on grain reversals (solved by climb-feeding short distances or lowering feed speed), and inconsistent depth when routing by hand. Sand the bead after routing to smooth the bit marks, using the quirk as a visual brake to avoid rounding it away.