The present definitions of the fungal decay types, white rot, brown rot, and soft rot are somewhat vague. The definitions are based on a mixture of criteria involving morphological and chemical aspects of decay as well as taxonomic affiliation of the responsible fungal species. The present vague definitions have led some fungi being erroneously places in a wrong decay type. Furthermore, some fungi cannot be properly placed in any of the decay groups. Thus there is a need for more precise definitions. The definitions should be as simple as possible and applicable to hardwoods as well as softwoods throughout the whole or least most of the decay process. It should also be as easy as possible determine which decay type a fungus should be assigned. Characteristic features of each of the decay types is described are part of this paper. Proposals for more precise definitions are also made.

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