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I love decks. I used to love watching Paul Lafrance’s Decked Out TV show. That guy is a deck primary.
Because I’m so passionate about decks, I asked our graphics team to go all out on creating the ultimate “parts of a deck” anatomy diagram.
They delivered big time.
In fact, as you’ll see below, our graphic sets out the different parts for each aspect of building a deck. This is a super helpful diagram if you’re planning on building a deck or designing a deck.
Parts of a Deck Diagram
List of the Various Parts
Deck Foundation
- Deck Posts: Main posts to which the deck attaches.
- Intermediate Joists: Supporting joists in the middle of the deck.
- Noggins: Spacers for intermediate joists (keeps them straight and true).
- Support Beams: Beams under joists for additional support.
- Deck Board: The deck surface.
The Deck
- Clips: Secures and steadies the joists.
Deck Stairs
- Riser: The height of each step (part of the riser). See our parts of a staircase diagram here for more staircase information.
- Tread Run: Where the steps sit (part of the riser).
- Concrete Foundation: Slab on which the risers sit for solid foundation.
Deck Railing
- Top/Cap Rail: The top railing beam (handrail).
- Balustrade: Vertical boards that make up the railing. Can be spaced or have gaps. Most decks have gaps.
- Bottom Rail: The bottom horizontal support beam of the railing.
- Newel: Railing support posts.
