As experts in deck building we often use terms that you may not know, what is a joist? Post anchor? Ledger? All of these terms are important components of a typical deck. We want to make sure you know these key decking terms so you can communicate your needs, and create the perfect space.

Footings - The foundation of your deck that anchors it to the ground so it can handle the load on top and remain securely in place.

Post anchors - Metal framing connectors that attach posts to footings. They raise the base of the posts slightly above the top of the footing, protecting them from water damage.

Post - Lumber, typically 4x or 6x, set vertically to support the deck framing. Posts may be cut off below the deck surface, or rise above the surface to provide support for the railing. Posts rest on top of concrete footings.

Post wrap - A multi-piece system that wraps around a post to provide a finished, low-maintenance exterior cladding.

Framing - The structure of the deck, made of pressure-treated lumber.

Beam - Beams support the deck joists and decking.

Joist - Structural boards that run under and perpendicular to the decking as part of the decks frame. They are fastened on top of the beam or flush with the ledger to support the decking.

Rim joist - Rim joists make up the deck's perimeter and tie everything together.

Joist tape - A strong and waterproof tape that will protect your deck's substructure from water.

Bridging or Blocking - Short pieces of lumber secured between joists that strengthen the framing. These pieces prevent the joists from twisting.

Hangers - Metal fasteners that allow you to fasten the joists in place without notching the ends of the board. It secures a joist to a ledger or rim joist.

Flashing - A thin, waterproof material that is installed around critical points of your deck, such as where the deck meets the house. Flashing is essential for preventing water damage.

Ledger - A board attached to the house to support one side of the deck.

Riser - Boards covering the vertical spaces between stairway treads.

Tread - The horizontal, stepping surfaces of a stairway and is often made up of two decking boards.

Stringer - Long diagonal framing that supports stair treads. The stair treads are attached to the stringers.

Decking - The deck boards that you walk on.

Hidden fasteners - Hidden fasteners secure your deck boards from the sides and/or below, without being visible on the top surface of the deck.

Fascia - A finishing board that is attached to the perimeter of your deck to hide the ends of the decking boards and provide a clean, finished appearance. Fascia is typically made from the same material as your decking.

Skirting - A barrier surrounding the lower perimeter of your deck's substructure, which closes off and hides its underside.

Railing - The assembly is made of rails, rail posts, cap rails, post caps, and balusters.

Rail post - Rail posts are the vertical posts that top and bottom rails, and horizontal or solid infills connect to. They are typically spaced every 6, 8, or 10 feet.

Top rail - Just like it sounds, the top rail is the horizontal top railing that extends between rail posts. There are a number of top rail profiles, you can even use a deck board on top to serve as a drink rail.

Bottom rail - The bottom rail is the lower horizontal rail piece that extends between vertical rail posts and can help support vertical balusters or certain infills.

Baluster - Balusters are the smallest vertical components, positioned to fill the space between the top and bottom rails and between rail posts. Maximum baluster spacing for child safety is 4 inches.

Post cap - Deck post caps are a covering that fits over the top of the posts on a deck. They add a decorative element to your railing and can even extend your evenings on your deck if you choose solar powered light caps.