Deck Terms

Deck Definition:
Use this deck glossary by finding the decking terminology in the list below and reading the deck definition for that decking term.

Composite Decking: Decking made of composite materials, or composite decking, is created by the infusion of plastic wood and fibers. The combination of these and other chemicals forms a decking profile which requires less maintenance and generally has a shorter life span than natural wood.

Expansion and Contraction: When put in a warm setting, or when heated, deck boards will expand. When in a cool environment, deck boards will contract. When spacing deck boards, this disparity needs to be taken into account.

Deck Fastener: Deck term for screws, nails, bolts, and other devices that connect decking materials together.

Grade: The grade of a piece of a lumber designation which indicates the amount of general flaws and/or knots found in a piece of wood decking.

Inset: A specific area of the deck boards that has been cut out to make room for decorative items and certain and landscape elements like trees, or bushes.

Joist: This system of sub-deck structural elements is to be built and completed underneath the deck boards. A joist is meant to adequately support your deck, these horizontal frame members are usually built with 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 lumber.

Linear Feet: The total length of lumber that you need for your deck. For example, eight 12-foot-long 2x4s would result in 144 lineal feet.

Net Dimensions: After a piece of decking with nominal dimensions of 2"x4" has been finished by either sanding or planing, the decking's actual, or net dimensions will be determined (1 1/2" x 3 1/2").

Nominal Dimensions: This is the name given to a pre-finished piece of decking and lumber, in general. For example, 2x4 is the label for a pre-finished / rough-cut piece of decking that has a size of roughly 2"x4".

Post Cap: This piece of decking material is meant to be to cover and protect a deck post's wood grain. There can be many variations of post caps and many are decorative.

Pressure Treated Decking: Decking that has been treated under extremely high pressures with chemicals. Pressure treated decking is treated with chemicals to keep it from rotting as quickly. It will still rot and if it's cheap lumber it will still rot quickly, just not as quickly.