| A | B |
|---|
| backed out | refers to the back of casing material being hollowed out on the back side to give the molding flexibility, producing a tight fit even if there is unevenness between the jamb and the wall. |
| backer block | Wood blocks used with wood I-joists to provide a flat, flush surface for attachment of top- or face-mounted joist hangers or other structural elements by filling the space between the outside edge of the I-joist flange and the web of the adjoining I-joist. |
| backer rod | Foam material placed in a keyway before raising a tilt-up wall panel to prevent moisture from seeping between the wall panel and footing. |
| backfill | Soil or gravel used to fill the space between a completed foundation wall and the excavated areas on one or both sides of the wall. |
| backing 1 | Pieces nailed over the top wall plates to provide a nailing surface for the edges of ceiling finish materials. |
| backing 2 | Process of beveling each side of the top edge of a hip rafter so the ends of the roof sheathing will not be pushed up and out of line with the rest of the roof. |
| backing 3 | Pieces nailed between studs to provide a surface for fastening plumbing fixtures. Also, pieces nailed behind studs to provide a surface for corner nailing. |
| back priming | Painting or treating with a sealer the backs of wood siding materials before they are nailed to walls. |
| backsplash | Pieces that extend up from a countertop and are fastened to the wall. |
| balanced beam | Glulam beams that are symmetrical in lumber quality and are primarily used for cantilevered or continuous span applications where either the top or bottom of the member may be stressed in tension. |
| ball-bearing butt hinge | Butt hinge with ball bearings at the knuckle joints to prevent wear. Used most often on heavy doors in public buildings. |
| balloon framing | Framing method in which studs extend from the sill plate to the roof. Second floor joists are fastened to the studs, but they receive their main support from a ribbon notched into and fastened to the studs. |
| baluster | Upright piece that extends between the handrails and the treads. Also called banister. |
| balustrade railing | Railing with newel posts at both ends and balusters in between. |
| bark | Surface covering of a tree trunk. Consists of an outer layer of dead, dry tissue and a thin inner layer of living tissue. |
| barrel | Rounded hollow section located between the leaves of a hinge that holds the pin. Also called the knuckle. |
| barricade | Structure set up around a construction job to prevent unauthorized person from entering working areas. Covered barricades also protect the public from falling objects. |
| baseboard | Molding placed at the base of a wall and fitted to the floor. Also called base molding. |
| base cabinet | Cabinet placed against a wall and resting on the floor. |
| base cap | Small decorative molding sometimes nailed at the top of a baseboard. |
| basement | The lowest story of a building, which is partly or completely below the ground. |
| base shoe | Strip of molding nailed at the joint between a baseboard and the floor. |
| batch plant | Facility where ready-mixed concrete is mixed to specification, then discharged into transit-mix trucks for delivery to a job site. |
| batten | Thin, narrow strip of lumber usually used to cover the joint between wider boards. |
| batterboard | Level board nailed to stakes driven into the ground. String is attached to batterboards to identify property lines, building lines, and pier locations. |
| battered foundation | Foundation with inside sloped walls to provide a wide base. |
| batt insulation | Sections of fiberglass material, usually 48" long, placed between studs. |
| bay window | Window projecting from a wall. Creates a recessed area that is square, rectangular, or polygonal in shape. |
| beam hanger | Metal strap used to support beams that butt against a girder or another beam. |
| beam pocket | Opening in a concrete wall to receive the end of a wood or steel beam so the top of the beam is at the same level as the top of the wall. |
| bearing pile | Pile that penetrates through layers of unstable soil until it reaches firms, bearing soil. |
| bed molding | Molding placed over a frieze board and against the cornice soffit. May be placed between the rafters when the frieze board is notched into the rafters of an open cornice. |
| bedrock | Solid layer of rock beneath the earthen materials. |
| belled caisson | Concrete caisson flared at its bottom to provide a greater bearing area. |
| bents | Structural, interconnected system of timbers contained in a timber frame wall. |
| berm | Raised earth embankment. |
| bevel | Angled surface across the edge of a piece of material. |
| bevel siding | Tapered siding board that laps over the board below. |
| bibb | Threaded faucet for a hose attachment. |
