Deck Terms and Definitions

Baluster: One of a series of vertical upright supports between the posts of deck railing.
Beam: The wood, composite, or metal boards that sit on top of the deck foundation supports.
Cantilever: Type of deck construction where the joists extend beyond the support beam.
Cap Rail: The top horizontal part of deck railing, sometimes a separate piece.
Composite Decking: Deck planks, or boards made from plastic and wood fiber.
Deck Paint: Exterior paint that is very wear resistant. Decking Wide board, usually two inches thick, attached to flooring or roofing joists acting as the floor or roof of a structure. Alternately, light gauged ribbed metal sheets used for supporting a roof or floor.
Fascia: Boards or planks placed to cover end joists.
Footing: Underground support of deck posts, commonly made of concrete.
Guardrail: Lower horizontal board between railing posts.
Joist: The wood, composite, or metal boards that support the visible planks.
Post: Vertical piece of material on top of the footing to support the beams.
Pressure Treated Wood: Wood that has undergone the high pressure treatment of chemicals in order to preserve the wood.
Railing Post: Vertical upright lumber to hold deck rails.
Span: The distance between deck supports.

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Quotes from local, prescreened deck contractors.

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Designing a Deck
A deck is a popular home improvement that not only adds to the value of your home, but also provides an extra space for enjoying the outdoors. You'll want to carefully consider the design elements that go into your deck. You must think of a deck as a new addition to your house (like a room), one in which you are planning specific use of.

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Pressure Washing Your Deck
The easiest, most effective way of cleaning dirty, grimy surfaces is with a pressure washer. They are specially designed to remove built-up mold, mildew, dirt and grime and to restore surfaces to like-new condition in a fraction of the time it would take by hand. Pressure washers come in a variety of styles, sizes and additional attachments that can be used for more than just cleaning your deck.

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Working With Deck Builders
Having a deck installed offers one perk that most home improvements don’t offer. Due to the fact that the addition is outside, you won’t have to interrupt your daily life to accommodate to the installation. You won’t have contractors and materials all over your house and you will not be losing electricity or water at any given point.

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