Timber Decking Terminology Guide

While decks are a popular DIY project, for a lot of people the different names used for the timber components in a deck can be confusing. Here we explain the key timber pieces used when building a simple timber deck.

Posts

Posts are the vertical pieces of timber in a deck and have a square end-section (when you look at the top of the post). They support the structure of the deck. If they are H4 treated, they can be concreted directly in the ground. If H3 is treated, then they must be installed in a mounting bracket or stirrup bolted to or concreted into the ground.

Bearers

Bearers bear the weight of the deck. They are usually fitted into notches cut into the posts and then bolted in place. Run your bearers in the same direction as you want your decking boards to run. Bearers can be H3 treated as they shouldn’t be in contact with the ground to ensure good airflow around the deck and preventing moisture build up.

Joists

Onto the bearers go the joists. Their job is to support the decking boards. These are usually set at 450 centres which means there is a 450mm span from the centre of one joist to the centre of the next joist. To make sure you choose the right timber size, length and grade for your joists, always refer to the relevant span tables. You can find span tables for single-span decking joists in our Timberlink Green Product Guide.

Decking Boards

The final component of a deck’s construction is the decking boards. Fixed to the joists and running parallel to the bearers, decking boards provide a surface to walk on and lock the joists together. When fixing any treated pine into place always use zinc galvanized or stainless-steel fixings. If you don’t they will corrode and compromise the look and strength of your deck.

*Information supplied courtesy of Timberlink