Construction Terms

Front

Soffit

Back

The underside of a part of a building, such as an arch, balcony, or overhanging eaves.

Front

Foundation Wall

Back

A wall that forms a support for the upper structure and is part of the building's foundation.

Front

Bottom Plate

Back

The lowest horizontal member of a wall or building to which the vertical members are attached.

Front

Sill Plate

Back

A horizontal wooden member placed at the bottom of walls and openings in walls.

Front

Ceiling Joist

Back

A horizontal structural member used in framing to span an open space, often between beams that subsequently transfer loads to vertical members.

Front

Pitch Symbol

Back

A symbol used in architectural drawings to denote the slope of a roof.

Front

Floor Joist

Back

Horizontal structural members used to support a floor.

Front

Foundation Footing

Back

The base or enlarged lower part of a foundation wall, pier, or column designed to spread the load over a larger area.

Front

Window Apron

Back

A piece of trim or decorative element installed beneath a window sill.

Front

Brick Veneer

Back

A layer of brick used as a cladding material that does not bear load.