Know Your Deck Terminology

Before getting started on a deck project, get familiar with the terminology.

Balusters — The vertical boards that attach to the handrails. Sometimes called spindles.
Beams — The horizontal boards that are attached to the post to help carry the weight.
Box Sill — In a building frame it is composed of a plate resting on the basement wall and a joist or header at the outer edge of the plate, as well as a soleplate for the studs resting either directly on the joists or on the rough flooring.
Decking — The boards that span the area over the joists and form the deck floor.
Foundation — Either a concrete pad or post installed on footers.
Furring Boards — Long thin strips of wood used to make existing surfaces support the finished surface, in this case the deck.
Handrails — The horizontal boards that provide safety.
Joists — Typically 2 x 8 boards that are installed perpendicular and between beams to help distribute weight and hold up the decking boards. Joists are usually installed 16 or 24 inches apart.
Rise — Rise is the height of the step
Run — Run is the depth of the step
Staircase Landing — Usually part of the decking plan.
Stringers — The boards that support stairs.
Support Posts — 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 posts that are installed to support the weight of the deck.
Treads — The top boards on a stair.