Deck Planning 101
Deck Basics
Get to know the building blocks of a Trex® deck. Rollover the letters to see descriptions for each part.
Top rail: The horizontal member installed on edge, attached to the tops of the balusters as well as the posts.
Post Cap: A decorative cap attached to the top of the post to protect the post from the weather.
Baluster: A vertical railing member, filling the area between the posts.
Railing Post: A vertical member that supports the railing.
Bottom Rail: The horizontal member, installed on edge, attached to the bottom of the balusters, as well as the post. The Bottom Rail is not required if the balusters extend to and are attached to the Rim Joist.
Post skirt: A piece of trim that covers post cutouts in decking allowing for faster installation.
Decking: The decking boards that serve at the walking surface.
Joist: Dimensional lumber, set on edge, which supports decking.
Rim Joist: A board fastened to the end of the joists, typically opposite of the ledger.
End Joist: The joists at the end of a series of parallel joists.
Beam: Supported by posts, the beam is the main horizontal support for the deck.
Post: Vertical supports that rest of footing and support the beam.
Footing: The below-ground support of a deck's post, usually made from concrete.
Tread: The walking surface of each step in the stairway.
Riser: A board attached to the vertical front of a step between treads.
Stringer: The support frame of stairs where the risers and treads attach to.
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