Decking Calculator

Deck

In construction, Deck is a flat surface that can support weight, much like a floor but built outside, normally above ground level, and usually attached to a structure.

The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It can be made from plastic or composite. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a stairway. It is often covered by canopy or pergola to control sunlight.

The Anatomy of a Deck

1. Tread

The tread is the uppermost step of a stair that you step on and is typically constructed from two decking boards.

2. Rise / Run

Rise refers to the vertical distance between two successive steps. Run is the horizontal space that one step covers. Rise and run are used to figure out the pitch or degree of a slope or ramp. The vertical and horizontal lengths along a staircase or ramp's whole length are referred to as the total rise and total run, respectively.

3. Joist

Joists are the deck's structural planks that run perpendicular to the decking and below the decking itself. They help to spread the load of the decking uniformly over the beams. Decks also include "rim joists," which run around the outside and tie everything together. Joists are often constructed from pressure-treated lumber.

4. Beam

The beams support the deck joists and decking.

5. Fascia/Skirting

Fascia / skirting are decorative horizontal trim boards used to conceal the ends of the joist boards.

6. Support Posts

Support posts are the vertical support frames for beams.

7. Deck Footings

The footings of your deck are its basis, and they connect it to the ground so that it can bear the the weight coming from top and reamin at place.

8. Structural Rail Post

Instead of utilizing a wooden 4x4 or 6x6, a structural post is attached to the decking so that a vinyl, composite, or aluminum sleeve may be slid overtop to finish.

9. Rail Post Wrap

A multi-piece system that, when wrapped around the outside of a rail post, provides a finished cladding that requires little to no maintenance.

10. Rail Post

In a railing system, the vertical rail posts are where the top and bottom rails, as well as any horizontal or solid infills, are attached. Commonly, they are placed every 6,8 or 10 feet.

11. Top Rail

The top rail is the horizontal railing that runs along the top of a railing and connects the posts. The top rail may be either flat or arched, depending on your preference.

12. Bottom Rail

The bottom rail is the horizontal rail section below the top rail that runs between the rail posts and provides support for the vertical balusters or other infills. However, the bottom rail isn't included in all railing designs, so you'll need to decide which appearance you like.

13. Baluster

Balusters are the horizontal or vertical posts or rods that are regularly spaced between the vertical rail posts to offer strength and security to the railing. Aluminum, composite, and vinyl are just some of the materials that may be used to make balusters, which can also come in square or round shapes.

14. Infill

The gap between the horizontal top and bottom rails and the vertical posts of a railing system is filled with infill. Balusters, mesh panels, horizontal balusters, cables, and glass are all examples of infill materials.

15. Composite Rail

Composite rail is made when wood fiber, plastics, color pigments, UV inhibitors, and preservatives are heated, mixed, and extruded into railing profiles.

16. Guardrail

A railing is a building element or series of elements installed along the open sides of elevated walkways to prevent people from falling off the walkway and hitting their heads.

17. Handrail

In construction, a handrail is any horizontal or sloping rail designed to be grasped for guiding and support.