Definitions We Use for Estimating Deck Projects

In order to educate the homeowners and business owners we serve, High Valley Decks has created a list of terms and definitions that we use to create estimates for the projects we do. We hope you find this information helpful when you budget for your project and peruse our service estimate. If you have any questions at all, feel free to give us a call!

Measurement Terms

• Width: Measure parallel to house
• Length: Measure perpendicular to house
• Height: Tallest point of deck to ground
  

Framing Options

• Steel framing: Weatherproof, no staining required
• Pressure-treated: We only use the best Southern Pine #1
• Western red cedar: For better visuals under the deck
• Glulam and LVL: Allow more spacing between posts
  

Decking

• Good: No warranty 
• Pressure-treated pine decks 

• Better: 3-year craftsmanship warranty 
• Cedar decks 
• Composite decks 

• Best: 5-year craftsmanship warranty
• Solid PVC decks 
  

Rail Systems

• Good: No craftsmanship warranty
• Pressure-treated rail systems 

• Better: 3-year craftsmanship warranty
• Cedar rail systems 

• Best: 5-year craftsmanship warranty 
• Metal/composite rail systems 
  

Rail Parts

• Posts: Wood, composite, or aluminum (depending on rail system)
• Rail cap: The very top board to set your drink on
• Baluster: Wood, composite, and aluminum options
• Post caps: Trim piece for top of post 
• Post skirts: Trim piece for bottom of post
  

Deck Stair Terms

• Treads: The part of the stairs you stand on
• Risers: Vertical board between the horizontal treads
• Skirt: Covers the framing and edges of the treads and risers
  

Landing

• Used to make turns in stairway
• Used to break up long staircases
  

Concrete Pad

• Found at the bottom of stairway
• Constructed of concrete or other solid surface material
  

Deck Lighting

• Lighted post caps
• Riser lights
• Flush mount deck lights