Decks terms, defined
Plain definitions of the deck words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for deck builders. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.
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DecksDeck guardA guard is the railing system along the open sides of a deck, porch or stair that keeps people from falling off.DecksDeck joistDeck joists are the parallel boards that run between the ledger or beams and carry the deck boards.DecksDeck postDeck posts are the vertical supports that carry the beams down to the footings.DecksDeck stainingDeck staining is cleaning, preparing and applying a penetrating or film forming stain to a wood deck to protect it from sun and water.DecksDeck stairsDeck stairs are the exterior steps from a deck down to grade, with stringers, treads, often risers and a handrail.
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DecksFlashing tapeFlashing tape is a self-adhering membrane used to seal around windows and doors, over ledgers and on top of deck joists to keep water out of the wood.Shared with CarpentryFloor joistFloor joists are the horizontal framing members, set on edge in parallel rows, that hold up a floor.Shared with ConcreteFootingA footing is the wide concrete base at the bottom of a foundation wall, column or post that spreads the load onto the soil.Shared with ConcreteFrost lineThe frost line is how deep the ground freezes in a given area.
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Shared with CarpentryHandrailA handrail is the rail you hold while going up or down stairs, separate from the guard that keeps you from falling off an open side.DecksHidden deck fastenersHidden fasteners are clips or screws that attach deck boards from the side or underneath, so no screw heads show on top.
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Shared with FencingPost holeA post hole is the hole dug for a fence or deck post, usually backfilled with concrete, gravel or tamped soil to hold the post plumb.Shared with CarpentryPressure-treated lumberPressure-treated lumber is wood forced full of preservative under pressure so it resists rot and insects, for use outdoors and in contact with concrete or soil.
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Shared with General ContractorSetbackA setback is the minimum distance a building or structure must stay from a property line, street or other feature under local zoning.Shared with CarpentryStair rise and runRise is the height of each step and run, or tread depth, is its depth.Shared with CarpentryStair stringerStringers are the notched or housed boards on each side, and sometimes the middle, of a stair that carry the treads and risers.
More for deck builders: free deck tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.