Cad Quest
Cad Design Software Deck Design
Cad Quest Pro
Construction Software
Design Software 3D Fence Software
Deck Glossary


Term Definition
Beam Spans between the posts and supports the joists.
Decking Boards Floor surface of the deck nailed to the joists.
Fascia Boards that are attached around the sides of the deck floor, covering the ends of the deck boards and the perimeter joists for decorative purposes.
Footings Concrete bases embedded in the ground. They provide main support for the deck.
Joists Provide support for the decking boards, usually 16 inches on center.
Joist Hangers Metal fasteners that attach joists to ledger board.
Ledger Board The board that attaches directly to the existing structure.
Piers Concrete blocks located above the footing. Usually 6 inches high.
Posts Vertical supports that rest on piers and support the beam.
Post Anchors Metal brackets that attach the post to piers.
Rim Joist Sometimes called "perimeter joist." Butts up against the joist ends, usually on the side of the deck away from the house.
Term Definition
Tread Horizontal face of each step in a stairway.
Run The length of a step.
Rise The height of a step.
Stringer The inclined member that supports the stairway's treads. Can be solid - with the treads attached to cleats mounted on the inside face, or cut out, with treads resting on top of the cutouts.
Riser Board The board that is attached to the front of a step between treads.

© Copyright 1990-2009 Edgenet Inc. All rights reserved.
Use of this site is subject to certain Terms of Use which constitute a legal agreement between You and Edgenet, Inc.