A reference to terms used in building and remodeling, beyond basic tools.
- Footing — the widened concrete base that spreads a structure’s load into the soil.
- Foundation — the structure (footings, walls, slab) that supports the building.
- Framing — the skeleton of studs, joists, and rafters that gives a building its shape.
- Header — a beam over a door or window opening that carries the load above it.
- Joist — horizontal members supporting floors or ceilings.
- Rafter — sloped members supporting a roof.
- Sheathing — panels (like plywood/OSB) attached to framing for structure and a surface.
- Sill plate — the bottom framing member anchored to the foundation.
- Top plate — the horizontal member capping a wall’s studs.
- Load-bearing wall — a wall carrying weight from above; can’t be removed casually.
- Span — the distance a beam or joist crosses between supports.
- Tributary area — the floor/roof area whose load a given support carries.
- Frost line — the depth to which ground freezes; footings go below it.
- Grade — ground level, or the slope of the ground.
- Dead load / live load — permanent structural weight vs variable occupancy/use loads.
Frequently asked questions
Footing vs foundation? The footing is the base that spreads load to soil; the foundation is the whole support structure.
What is a header? A beam over an opening that carries the load above it.
Why do footings go below the frost line? So freeze-thaw movement doesn’t heave the structure.