In my career as a project manager for software development, I have learned that "tangible" and "highly implementable" information is the most important. While researching construction sheds, I ran into the same issue, inadequate information on the terms that are used to describe the plans of a storage building.
Why do people call these "blueprints", anyway? They are almost never blue.
This article aims to provide a glossary of terms that I've explained using everyday language to help you understand any shed plans. The terms have been grouped into six components of shed construction: the floor and foundation, walls, doors, and windows.
Floor and Foundation
Compact Gravel is a bluestone or other gravel of a size 1/2 inch.
The posts used to support the floor joists of the shed are pressure-treated 4x4 inch timber skids.
Floor Joists: Boards that are used to support the floors and ceilings in a structure. The boards that are used to support a roof, called rafters, do not constitute joists.
Rim Joists are 2x6 inch joists used to form the outer frame of the shed's floor.
Metal Clip Angles - These galvanized metal clips are used to secure the 4x4 timber skids to the joists by a 90 degree angle.
Sheathing with tongue and groove - This is a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood, or another composite material that has a 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch tongue along one edge. On the other side of the sheet, there is a "groove", which matches the size of the tongue on the adjacent sheet.
Frames for Walls
O.C. or "On Center", is the term used to describe measurements made between roof rafters, roof joists and wall studs. These measurements are stated as spans that can be divided by two, and range anywhere from 2 inches to 48 or more inches depending on design. Say, for example, that the design calls for wall studs 16 inches apart. The studs will be 16 inches from one center to the other. Construction boards like 2x4's and 2x6's usually measure 1.5 inches in thickness. The centering of studs provides 3/4 inches on each stud for nailing sheathing and siding.
Plates are boards that have been nailed along the bottom or top edge of a wall, where joists, studs and rafter rails will be installed. The plate can be a board as wide or narrow as 2x4 depending on its design.
Studs - Studs consist of 2x4 or larger boards arranged vertically, at 12, 16 or 24 inch intervals. Studs are not only strong, but they also provide an area for sheathing and siding to be nailed to.
Windows and Doors
Windows and Doors header - a 2x6 or bigger board, usually set edge to edge on plywood with a space between them. This is used as the top surface of the window or door opening. Header's main purpose is to add strength and support to the opening.
Rough Opening: The minimum required opening of windows or doors. This is usually determined by the manufacturer. The rough opening is required on drawings if a "homemade window or door" plan has been specified.
Roof
Roof framing rafters - These are 2x6 or larger boards that have been framed to form the roof structure of a building.
Ridge Board or Ridge - A center board or boards at the top or "crown", usually called "ridges". These ridge boards are used to attach the top of roof rafters, adding strength to roof frames Wilmington.
Pitch, or Roof Pitch is the distance that a roof will rise for each 12 inch length. A roof with 6/12 pitch, and 6' rafters means that the height of the roof at its center rises by 6 inches for every 12 inch length of a roof rafter. A 6/12 pitch, then, means the center of the roof rises by 6'x6" or 36".
Gable Studs - These are small studs which support the roof rafters. They must be placed at a prescribed distance. Gable is used to describe the way the top of the gable plate, which rests on the gable-stud plate, conforms to roof pitch. For a pitch of 6/12, the diagonal cut is 27 degrees.
Fascia Board: A trim board measuring 1x8 inches that is installed under the sheathing of the roof and extends beneath the sub fascia, soffit and roof overhang.
Sub Fascia: A sub fascia, which is usually 2x6 or larger, is attached to the roof rafters at the ends to cover the gaps.
Soffit is the undercovering for roof rafters. Soffit is often made from vinyl with small holes for air infiltration.
It is a great asset for anyone who wants to build a house or if you want to make s model toys, birdhouses, sheds and storage.
Understand the terms used in the development of such plans. This article may not cover all construction terms, but the information it provides should be helpful.