No matter what industry or field that you work in, you will more than likely have your own nomenclature and industry-specific lingo that you use on a daily basis and one that you will (after time) assume everyone else knows as well.
Here at Chicago Roof Deck + Garden we have decided to put together a quick reference guide to some of the terminology we use most often in the roof deck and garden construction industry.
Parapet Wall
"A parapet is a barrier which is an extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, walkway or other structure."
Most buildings here in Chicago have a parapet wall and, because of this, we frequently attach our pergola posts or screening to these walls.
Pergola
"A pergola is a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice."
Veranda
Defined as a "roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor", a veranda is similar to a pergola with one major exception: the top is completely closed.
Trellis
"An architectural structure, usually made from an open framework or lattice of interwoven or intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo or metal that is normally made to support and display climbing plants, especially shrubs."
A trellis can either be freestanding or attached to a wall.
Ipe
"A type of wood of the genus Tabebuia, similar to teak, used for outdoor decking and furniture."
Ipe comes from the Brazilian walnut tree and is very dense making it ideal for outdoor construction.
Synlawn
Short for synthetic lawn, "Synlawn" is an incredible product and a great example of how far synthetic turf options have come in just the past decade. Modern versions closely resemble natural grass aesthetically and tactilely, making it ideal for covering roof deck areas cost-effectively.