Deck Construction - Glossary

Anchor Bolt

A metal bolt embedded in concrete to secure a post base or footing.

Apron

A trim board installed below the decking, running to the ground for a finished look; also called skirting.

Awning

A cover or shade structure added to decks for weather protection.

Baluster

A vertical post or spindle supporting a railing.

Beam

A horizontal structural member that supports the weight of the deck and transfers loads to posts.

Bearing Capacity

The ability of soil to support the load applied by the deck’s footings.

Board Foot

A lumber measurement equivalent to 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch.

Blocking

Short wood pieces placed between joists for added stability and weight distribution.

Bracing

Diagonal supports used to strengthen the deck and prevent lateral movement.

Bridging

Cross-members installed between joists to distribute loads and reduce movement.

Cantilever

A deck section extending beyond its supporting beam or post, creating an overhang.

Cap Rail

The top horizontal member of a railing system, often providing a finished look and hand support.

Cleat

A small strip of wood or metal used for additional support or anchoring.

Composite Decking

A decking material made from wood fibers and plastic, known for durability and low maintenance.

Cupping

A type of wood warping where the edges curve upward or downward, forming a cup shape.

Crown

The upward curve or bow in a piece of lumber; the crown should always face up during installation.

Deck Board

The flat planks that form the walkable surface of a deck.

Deck Joist

Horizontal framing members that support the decking boards, typically spaced 12", 16", or 24" apart.

Drop Beam

A beam installed below the joists instead of flush with them.

Dead Load

The weight of permanent deck materials like framing and decking.

Drainage System

A system designed to channel water away from the deck and prevent pooling.

10d Nail

A common 3-inch nail used in framing; the 'd' stands for 'penny' size.

Excavation

The process of removing soil to create space for footings or piers.

Expansion Joint

A gap between boards to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Edge Banding

A decorative strip covering the edges of a deck for a polished finish; also known as picture frame.

Fascia

A horizontal trim board installed to cover the rim joist or beam for a finished look.

Flashing

A waterproof material that prevents water infiltration, usually installed between a ledger board and the house.

Floating Deck

A freestanding deck built on top of concrete blocks or pads rather than footings.

Footing

A concrete base that anchors deck posts and transfers loads to the ground.

Girder

A large beam that supports joists or additional framing; typically used in more complex deck designs.

Grade

The ground level around a deck or the quality rating of lumber.

Grain

The natural pattern or texture of wood, affecting strength and appearance.

Guardrail

A safety barrier installed along the edges of a deck to prevent falls.

Hardscape

Man-made outdoor surfaces like patios or walkways incorporated into a deck project.

Hanger

A metal bracket used to secure joists or beams to other structural components.

Handrail

A rail used for support, typically installed on staircases or along railings.

Hurricane Tie

Metal connectors that secure joists to beams, providing resistance to uplift forces.

IRC (International Residential Code)

A set of building codes that provide standards for safe deck construction.

I-Joist

Engineered wood joists designed for long spans and uniform strength.

Joist Span

The distance a joist can safely span between supports without sagging.

Joist Hanger

Metal hardware used to attach joists to beams or ledgers.

Kicker

Texas slang for a small brace or angled support used to stabilize posts or beams.

Kick Board

Another term for a stair riser.

Ledger Board

A horizontal board attached to a house that supports one side of the deck frame.

Live Load

The weight a deck must support from people, furniture, and other temporary items.

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)

Engineered wood beams made from thin layers of wood bonded together for greater strength and stability.

Moisture Barrier

A layer that protects deck components from water damage.

Miter Cut

A precise angled cut used to create clean corners in trim or railings.

Multi-Ply Beam

A beam constructed from two or more layers of lumber nailed or screwed together.

Nailer

A secondary framing member used to provide extra support or attachment points.

Notched

A cut made in a post or beam to allow for a secure fit with another structural member.

Nosing

The rounded edge of a stair tread that extends slightly beyond the riser.

Pier

A vertical concrete support for deck posts.

Ply

Refers to the number of layers in a beam, e.g., a 3-ply beam has three layers of lumber.

Post Anchor/Post Base

A metal bracket securing a deck post to a footing or pier.

Railing

A protective barrier around the perimeter of a deck, typically required by code for safety.

Rise and Run

The height (rise) and depth (run) of individual stair steps.

Rim Joist

The outermost joist that runs along the perimeter of the deck, supporting the ends of the interior joists.

Sheathing

Plywood or OSB used for structural strength, often in roof deck construction.

Skirting

Material that covers the space between the deck and the ground; also called an apron.

Sonotube

A cylindrical form used to pour concrete footings for deck posts.

Spacing (OC)

The distance between framing members measured from the center of one member to the center of the next (e.g., 16" OC).

Splice

The joint where two pieces of lumber are joined together to extend their length.

Stringer

A sloped board that supports stair treads.

Subframe

The framework beneath a deck, including posts, beams, and joists.

Toe-Nail

A method of driving nails at an angle to fasten lumber together.

Tread

The horizontal surface of a stair step.

Treated Lumber

Wood chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and moisture.

Tuff Block

A lightweight, composite deck footing designed for floating decks and easy installation.

Turnbuckle

A device used for tightening or adjusting tension in cables or braces.

Understructure

The structural framework supporting the deck, consisting of posts, beams, and joists.

Uplift

The force that can lift deck components, often caused by wind or soil movement.

Warping

A wood defect where boards bend or twist due to moisture or heat exposure.

Wedge Anchor

A metal anchor used to secure posts or other components to concrete footings or slabs.

Wrangle

Texas slang for managing a difficult or labor-intensive task, like positioning a heavy beam.

Weathering

The natural aging and deterioration of wood due to exposure to the elements.

Yard

Short for cubic yard. The volume of space measuring 3’ x 3’ x 3’. It is how volumes of dirt, sand, and other aggregates are typically measured.

Z-Flashing

A Z-shaped metal flashing that prevents water infiltration, often used above ledger boards.

ZMAX Wood-to-Wood Cap

A corrosion-resistant metal bracket used to secure beams to posts, providing a strong connection.