Architectural Terms Beginning With "D"

Below are definitions and photographic illustrations of architectural term beginning with the letter "D".

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dado - The lower portion of a wall that's visually separated from the rest of the wall by panelling or wallpaper. Also the part of a column's pedestal between the base and the start of the shaft.

Deck - An unroofed, open platform extending from a house.

Diagonal Slating - A method of laying roofing slates with the diagonal of each slate running horizontally.

Dimension stone - A squared-off stone from a quarry that is at least two feet in width.

Dolly Varden Siding - Clapboard siding with a groove cut into the lower edge of each board to accept the upper edge of the board below it.

Dormer - A structure projecting from a sloping roof, usually holding a window or a ventilation louver.

Downspout - A vertical pipe that carries rainwater from a roof down to ground level.

Drip Edge - A wooden or metal molding attached to the eaves of a roof designed to let rainwater drip free.

Drop Arch - A pointed arch that is wider than it is tall.

Drop Ceiling - A secondary ceiling suspended from the floor above it, used to conceal pipes and ductwork and to reduce the dimensions of a room.

Drum - A multi-faceted or cylindrical structure, usually with windows or louvers, that supports a dome.

Dry-Shake Finish - A colored concrete finish created by sprinkling a mixture of sand and a colored pigment onto the surface of uncured concrete and then pressing the mixture into the concrete surface.

Dutch Door - A door separated into an upper and lower piece, each of which can be opened or closed individually.