Glossary Of Common Terms
This is just a brief list, many more terms coming soon
Baluster: post supporting handrail: an upright post
supporting a handrail, e.g. in the banister of a staircase
Balustrade: decorative railing: a decorative railing together with its
supporting balusters,
often used at the front of a parapet or gallery
Banister: handrail on staircase: a handrail supported by
posts running up the outside edge
of a staircase; a baluster, a balustrade
Brick Mould: Outside casing around a window or door to cover the jambs
and through which
nails are driven to install the unit.
Casing: a flat, decorative moulding which covers the inside edge of the jambs
and the rough
opening between the window (or door) unit and the wall.
Clutch: a part of the balance system into which the pivot
pins are inserted or engaged
Grille: a decorative grid on the interior or exterior of the
glass, between the glass panes,
or in any combination
Head Jamb: the horizontal frame element at the top of the
window
Lumber: timber sawed and dressed for use in building
Lumber Sizing: The terms 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 refer to the thickness of the wood.
The maximum
finished dimension of these sizes are: 4/4=11/16", 5/4=1-3/32",
6/4=1-5/16", 8/4=1-23/32".
Moulding: a strip of material used as ornamental edging in building
Pivot Pin: the pin on the bottom corners of single or
double-hung sash that engages the
balance system and also
allows the sash to pivot for easy removal and installation
Rails: the horizontal elements of the sash or door
Sash: a combination of stiles, rails and glass in a window
Sashlock: the primary lock on the sash that secures the
window opening
Side Jambs: the vertical frame elements on either side of
the window
Sill: the horizontal frame element at the bottom of
the window
Spindle: pt.4 spindle-shaped piece of wood: a long thin piece
of wood that is shaped like
a spindle,
e.g. a table leg or baluster
Stiles: the vertical elements of the sash or door
Window Frame: the assembly of frame elements (side
jambs, head jamb and sill) that holds
the sash and attaches
to the rough opening
Wood Head Parting Stop: wood trim that runs
horizontally across the head jamb