Allowing wood to adjust naturally to its environment until it reaches equilibrium moisture content (EMC).
A modified wood created through acetylation, offering exceptional rot resistance, dimensional stability, and durability for exterior use.
A water-based protective coating for decks, creating a durable, weather-resistant surface.
Hardware for positioning deck posts and elevating them off the footing to prevent water damage.
Wood dried naturally without kilns, reducing movement for certain hardwoods.
Pale yellow, naturally rot-resistant softwood valued for durability and fine grain.
Deck boards installed at an angle to the joists for aesthetics or design patterns.
A high-density tropical hardwood from South America with golden tones and excellent durability.
A vertical or horizontal element in a railing system, typically spaced ≤4" for safety.
Engineered decking made from compressed bamboo fibers, durable and eco-friendly.
A durable tropical hardwood with a mahogany-like appearance and resistance to decay.
A heavy horizontal framing member supporting joists.
A recessed area in a wall or masonry where a beam is seated.
The maximum distance a beam can span between supports without additional posts.
A reference chart showing the maximum allowable beam spans based on lumber size, species, and load conditions.
Extremely durable North American hardwood, naturally insect- and rot-resistant.
Short pieces of lumber between joists or beams to add rigidity and prevent twisting.
A tool used to straighten bowed deck boards.
The lower horizontal member of a railing assembly supporting balusters or infill.
The framework of joists and headers at the perimeter of a deck.
Angled or X-shaped supports between posts or beams for stability.
Short lumber pieces between joists to prevent twisting and increase strength.
A rounded edge on stair treads or top rails.
Where the ends of two boards meet over a joist.
Railing system using stainless steel cables for infill.
A large cylindrical concrete foundation poured into a drilled hole below the frost line to support posts or columns.
A slight upward curve in a beam to prevent sagging.
A beveled strip installed where a horizontal surface meets a vertical one, often used in waterproof deck membranes to ease the angle and improve durability.
A projecting beam or deck section supported only at one end.
The topmost horizontal member of a railing system.
Composite decking with a protective outer layer for enhanced durability.
Naturally rot-resistant decking from cedar wood.
Stair stringer with solid sides hiding the treads and risers.
A blend of wood fibers and plastic for low-maintenance decking.
A below-grade concrete base that transfers deck loads to the ground.
A dense, durable tropical hardwood ranging from yellow-brown to reddish-brown.
Upward curling of deck board edges due to uneven moisture exposure.
Precast concrete supports for decks in frost-free areas.
The structural base that supports deck posts.
The surface boards forming the walking area of a deck.
Hidden fastener used to secure decking boards to joists.
The amount a structural member bends under load.
A precast concrete deck foundation system with angled steel pins driven into soil.
Strong, straight-grained softwood often used in framing and beams.
A wide, flat top rail designed to hold drinks.
A beam positioned below the joists rather than flush.
A slightly rounded edge on deck boards to reduce splintering.
Decking made from sustainable or recycled materials.
The exposed end of wood showing growth rings.
A synthetic rubber membrane commonly used for waterproofing flat or low-slope roof decks and under-deck areas.
The moisture level where wood is in balance with its environment.
Space left between decking boards to allow for movement.
Attaching deck boards by driving screws directly through the surface.
Boards covering the ends of joists for a finished look.
Mounting railing posts to the side of the deck frame.
Waterproof material that prevents water intrusion where a deck meets a structure.
Adhesive membrane applied to joists or beams to prevent rot.
A beam installed level with joists for a uniform surface.
The depth of a footing required for frost protection, per code.
High-density hardwood with golden tones, naturally resistant to rot and insects.
Another term for a main supporting beam.
Railing with tempered glass infill for unobstructed views.
A structural beam made from layers of lumber glued together for strength and stability, often used for long spans.
The natural lines and textures visible in wood.
A safety barrier along deck edges to prevent falls.
A graspable rail for support, especially on stairs.
A joist running perpendicular to other joists, supporting their ends.
The dense, inner portion of a tree, usually more rot-resistant.
A steel screw-type foundation driven deep into the ground for stability.
Lumber from a mix of Western hemlock and fir species, often used for framing.
Systems that secure deck boards without visible screws or nails.
Extremely dense tropical hardwood, also called Brazilian Walnut.
A dense, reddish hardwood with high durability.
Metal connector that secures joists to beams, ledgers, or rim joists.
The maximum unsupported length a joist can span under load.
A waterproof adhesive tape applied to the tops of joists to prevent moisture penetration and extend framing life.
A narrow saw cut used for bending or fitting boards.
A diagonal support between posts and beams.
A large screw for heavy-duty structural fastening.
A flat platform at the top, bottom, or between flights of stairs.
Decorative framework, often used as skirting.
A horizontal board attached to a building to support joists on one side.
The weight a deck is designed to support from people, furniture, and temporary items.
A deck less than 30" above the ground requiring extra ventilation.
A dense tropical hardwood with chocolate brown tones, sustainably harvested.
Plywood designed for moisture resistance.
A dense tropical hardwood with deep reddish tones.
Southeast Asian hardwood used for decking and trim.
A corner joint made by cutting boards at an angle.
Material that prevents water intrusion into structural components.
Standard lumber dimension before planing to final size.
The measurement from the center of one framing member to the next.
Stair stringer with notches visible along the treads.
An open-framed structure providing partial shade.
A precast concrete support that rests on a footing or directly on the ground.
A perimeter design using deck boards for a finished edge.
A small hole drilled before inserting a fastener.
A vertical structural member supporting beams and framing.
Hardware that secures posts to footings while keeping them elevated.
A decorative or protective covering for a post top.
Wood treated with chemicals to resist decay and insects.
A dense tropical hardwood with a natural purple hue.
Boards cut perpendicular to growth rings for stability.
The complete assembly of rails, posts, balusters, and infill.
A naturally rot-resistant softwood with a reddish hue.
The vertical component between stair treads.
The outermost joist capping the ends of the floor joists.
The lighter, softer wood near a tree’s bark.
A power tool for driving screws.
Fitting a board to match an irregular shape.
A split in wood along the grain.
The additional load a deck must support from accumulated snow, determined by building codes and climate data.
Wood from coniferous trees, generally less dense than hardwoods.
A cardboard form used to shape poured concrete footings.
Strong, common structural lumber often pressure-treated.
Economical framing lumber used in substructures.
A diagonal framing member supporting treads and risers.
The distance between stair stringers for proper support.
A joint where a protruding “tongue” fits into a matching “groove.”
A durable tropical hardwood, golden-brown, highly resistant to decay.
Heat-treated to improve stability and decay resistance.
Exotic hardwood with distinctive dark striping.
The horizontal surface of a stair step.
A modern preservative for pressure-treated lumber.
Dense woods grown in tropical climates, prized for durability.
A water-diversion system installed under a deck.
Coating that shields wood from UV damage.
Low-maintenance decking made from vinyl.
Distortion in wood from uneven drying or exposure.
Lightweight, aromatic, naturally decay-resistant softwood.
A stair step wider on one side, used to change direction.
Materials like composites or PVC that require minimal upkeep.
