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.