🧱 Materials

• 2x4 too bai FOR ▶ EN
  2x4 dohs por KWAH-troh ▶ ES

  Standard framing board about two by four inches, the workhorse of wood framing.

  Cut me ten 2x4s at ninety-two and five-eighths for studs. — Córtame diez 2x4 a noventa y dos y cinco octavos para los montantes.

  Also: barrote (MX) · dos por cuatro (general)

• 4x4 for bai FOR ▶ EN
  4x4 KWAH-troh por KWAH-troh ▶ ES

  Square post lumber about four by four inches, used for posts and shoring.

  Set the fence posts with treated 4x4s. — Pon los postes de la cerca con 4x4 tratados.

  Also: polín (MX) · cuatro por cuatro (general)

• aggregate A-gri-guet ▶ EN
  agregado ah-greh-GAH-doh ▶ ES

  The rock and sand mixed into concrete that gives it body and strength.

  This slab calls for three-quarter-inch aggregate. — Esta losa lleva agregado de tres cuartos de pulgada.

  Also: árido (general)

• anchor bolt ANG-ker BOULT ▶ EN
  ancla AHN-klah ▶ ES Safety-critical

  J-shaped or headed bolt set in wet concrete to tie the sill plate or a column down.

  Set the anchor bolts every six feet before the concrete sets up. — Coloca las anclas cada seis pies antes de que fragüe el concreto.

  Also: ancla de cimentación (MX) · perno de anclaje (general)

• angle iron AN-gul AI-urn ▶ EN
  ángulo AHN-goo-loh ▶ ES

  Steel bar bent into an L shape, used for lintels, frames, and bracing.

  Set a piece of angle iron over the opening to carry the brick. — Pon un tramo de ángulo sobre el claro para cargar el ladrillo.

• baseboard BAYS-bord ▶ EN
  zoclo SOH-kloh ▶ ES

  Trim board that runs along the bottom of the wall at the floor.

  Install the baseboard after the flooring goes in. — Pon el zoclo después de que entre el piso.

  Also: zócalo (general) · moldura de piso (PR)

• batt insulation BAT in-siu-LEI-shon ▶ EN
  colchoneta aislante kol-choh-NEH-tah ais-LAHN-teh ▶ ES

  Pre-cut blanket of insulation sized to fit between studs or joists.

  Friction-fit the batt insulation, don't compress it. — Ajusta la colchoneta aislante a presión, no la aplastes.

  Also: colchoneta (MX) · manta aislante (general)

• beam BEEM ▶ EN
  viga VEE-gah ▶ ES

  Heavy horizontal member that carries loads across an opening.

  It takes four guys to lift that beam onto the posts. — Se ocupan cuatro para subir esa viga a los postes.

• black pipe BLAK PAIP ▶ EN
  tubo negro TOO-boh NEH-groh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Threaded steel pipe used for gas lines and sprinkler mains.

  Dope the threads on the black pipe and pressure-test the gas line. — Ponle pasta a las cuerdas del tubo negro y prueba la línea de gas con presión.

  Also: tubo de acero al carbón (MX) · tubería negra roscada (general)

• board BORD ▶ EN
  tabla TAH-blah ▶ ES

  Flat piece of sawn lumber, thinner than a plank.

  Nail a board across the opening so nobody steps through. — Clava una tabla atravesada en el hueco para que nadie se vaya de largo.

• bolt BOULT ▶ EN
  perno PEHR-noh ▶ ES

  Threaded steel rod with a head that pairs with a nut to clamp parts together.

  Snug all the bolts, then come back and torque them. — Aprieta todos los pernos a mano y luego regresa a darles torque.

  Also: tornillo de máquina (MX) · perno de acero (general)

• brick BRIK ▶ EN
  tabique tah-BEE-keh ▶ ES

  Fired clay unit laid in mortar for walls and veneer.

  Stock the scaffold with brick before the masons show up. — Surte el andamio de tabique antes de que lleguen los albañiles.

  Also: tabique (MX) · ladrillo (general)

• carpet KAR-pet ▶ EN
  alfombra al-FOM-brah ▶ ES

  Soft floor covering stretched over pad and hooked on tack strip.

  Roll the carpet in tomorrow, the trim has to be painted first. — Metan la alfombra mañana, primero hay que pintar las molduras.

  Also: moqueta (general)

• carriage bolt KE-rich BOULT ▶ EN
  tornillo de carrocería tor-NEE-yoh deh kah-rroh-seh-REE-ah ▶ ES

  Bolt with a smooth round head and square shoulder that pulls into wood so it can't spin.

  Run carriage bolts through the ledger so nothing catches on the walkway. — Mete tornillos de carrocería por la solera para que nada se atore en el pasillo.

  Also: tornillo coche (MX) · perno de cabeza redonda (general)

• cast iron pipe KAST AI-ern PAIP ▶ EN
  tubo de fierro fundido TOO-boh deh FYEH-rroh foon-DEE-doh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Heavy black drain pipe joined with rubber couplings and bands, quiet but brittle.

  Support the cast iron pipe on both sides before you cut it. — Apuntala el tubo de fierro fundido de los dos lados antes de cortarlo.

  Also: tubo de fierro colado (MX) · tubería de hierro fundido (general)

• caulk KOK ▶ EN
  sellador de juntas seh-yah-DOR deh HOON-tahs ▶ ES

  Flexible paste squeezed from a tube to fill gaps and joints before paint.

  Caulk every trim joint and tool it with your finger. — Ponle sellador de juntas a cada unión de moldura y alísalo con el dedo.

  Also: cáulk (MX) · masilla de sellado (general)

• cement si-MENT ▶ EN
  cemento seh-MEN-toh ▶ ES

  The gray powder that binds sand and gravel together to make concrete or mortar.

  Grab two more bags of cement off the pallet. — Agarra dos sacos más de cemento de la tarima.

  Also: cemento portland (general)

• cement board si-MENT BORD ▶ EN
  panel de cemento pah-NEL deh seh-MEN-toh ▶ ES

  Hard cementitious panel used as tile backer in wet areas.

  Cement board goes on the shower walls, not green board. — En los muros de la regadera va panel de cemento, no tablaroca verde.

  Also: durock (MX) · placa de fibrocemento (general)

• ceramic tile se-RA-mik TAIL ▶ EN
  azulejo ah-soo-LEH-hoh ▶ ES

  Glazed clay tile, softer than porcelain, mostly used on walls and backsplashes.

  Score and snap the ceramic tile, no need for the wet saw. — Raya y truena el azulejo, no hace falta la cortadora de agua.

  Also: azulejo (MX) · cerámica (general)

• chicken wire CHIK-en wair ▶ EN
  tela de gallinero TEH-lah deh gah-yee-NEH-roh ▶ ES

  Light hexagonal wire mesh used as lath for stucco and plaster.

  Staple chicken wire over the paper before the scratch coat. — Engrapa la tela de gallinero sobre el papel antes del repellado.

• concrete block KON-kriit BLOK ▶ EN
  block BLOK ▶ ES

  Hollow cement unit laid in mortar to build walls, usually eight by eight by sixteen.

  Bring another cube of concrete block to the north wall. — Trae otro cubo de block al muro norte.

  Also: block (MX) · bloque de concreto (general)

• concrete mix KON-kreet MIKS ▶ EN
  mezcla de concreto MES-klah deh kon-KREH-toh ▶ ES

  Cement, sand, and gravel already blended, usually in a bag, that you just add water to.

  Two bags of concrete mix per post hole, no more. — Dos sacos de mezcla de concreto por cada pozo de poste, no más.

  Also: concreto en saco (MX) · hormigón premezclado (general)

• conduit KON-du-it ▶ EN
  tubo conduit TOO-boh kon-DWEET ▶ ES

  Metal or plastic tube that protects electrical wire and gets bent to route it.

  Strap the conduit every ten feet and within three of the box. — Abraza el tubo conduit cada diez pies y a menos de tres de la caja.

  Also: tubo conduit (MX) · canalización eléctrica (general)

• construction adhesive kons-TROK-shon ad-JII-siv ▶ EN
  adhesivo de construcción ahd-eh-SEE-boh deh kons-trook-SYON ▶ ES

  Thick glue in a caulk tube that bonds subfloor, panels, and trim.

  Run a bead of construction adhesive on every joist before the subfloor goes down. — Corre un cordón de adhesivo de construcción en cada vigueta antes de poner el contrapiso.

  Also: pegamento de construcción (MX) · adhesivo estructural (general)

• copper pipe KO-per PAIP ▶ EN
  tubo de cobre TOO-boh deh KOH-breh ▶ ES

  Rigid metal water pipe joined by soldering or press fittings.

  Clean and flux the copper pipe before you sweat that joint. — Limpia y ponle fundente al tubo de cobre antes de soldar esa junta.

  Also: cobre tipo m (MX) · tubería de cobre (general)

• CPVC si-pi-vi-SI ▶ EN
  tubo de CPVC TOO-boh deh seh-peh-beh-SEH ▶ ES

  Tan plastic pipe rated for hot and cold potable water lines.

  Hot side has to be CPVC, regular PVC will fail on it. — El lado caliente tiene que ser de CPVC, el PVC normal se echa a perder.

  Also: cpvc para agua caliente (MX) · tubería de cpvc (general)

• crown molding KRAUN MOHL-ding ▶ EN
  moldura de techo mohl-DOO-rah deh TEH-choh ▶ ES

  Decorative trim installed at the angle where the wall meets the ceiling.

  Cope the inside corners on the crown molding, don't miter them. — Perfila las esquinas interiores de la moldura de techo, no las cortes a inglete.

  Also: cornisa (general)

• curing compound KIU-ring KOM-paund ▶ EN
  curador de concreto koo-rah-DOR deh kon-KREH-toh ▶ ES

  Liquid sprayed on fresh concrete to seal in moisture while it cures.

  Spray the curing compound as soon as the bleed water is gone. — Rocía el curador en cuanto se vaya el agua de sangrado.

  Also: curacreto (MX) · membrana de curado (general)

• deck screw DEK SKRUU ▶ EN
  tornillo para deck tor-NEE-yoh PAH-rah DEK ▶ ES

  Coated exterior screw that holds decking down without rusting out.

  Two deck screws per joist, and keep the spacing even. — Dos tornillos para deck por vigueta, y deja la separación pareja.

  Also: pija para terraza (MX) · tornillo para exterior (general)

• downspout DAUN-spaut ▶ EN
  bajante bah-HAHN-teh ▶ ES

  Vertical pipe that carries gutter water down and away from the foundation.

  Kick the downspout out four feet so it doesn't dump on the footing. — Saca la bajante cuatro pies para que no descargue sobre la zapata.

  Also: tubo de bajada (MX) · bajante pluvial (general)

• drywall DRAI-uol ▶ EN
  tablaroca tah-blah-ROH-kah ▶ ES

  Gypsum panel screwed to framing to make interior walls and ceilings.

  Stock the second floor with half-inch drywall today. — Sube tablaroca de media pulgada al segundo piso hoy.

  Also: tablaroca (MX) · panel de yeso (general)

• drywall screw DRAI-uol SKRUU ▶ EN
  tornillo para tablaroca tor-NEE-yoh PAH-rah tah-blah-ROH-kah ▶ ES

  Black bugle-head screw that fastens drywall sheets to studs.

  Set the drywall screws just below the paper, don't blow through it. — Deja los tornillos para tablaroca apenas debajo del papel, no lo revientes.

  Also: pija para tablaroca (MX) · tornillo para panel de yeso (general)

• epoxy i-POK-si ▶ EN
  epóxico eh-POK-see-koh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Two-part chemical adhesive that cures rock hard, used to set anchors and patch concrete.

  Blow the hole clean before you shoot epoxy in it. — Sopla bien el barreno antes de meterle epóxico.

  Also: resina epóxica (MX) · adhesivo epoxi (general)

• expanded metal eks-PAN-ded MEH-tal ▶ EN
  metal desplegado meh-TAHL des-pleh-GAH-doh ▶ ES

  Sheet metal cut and stretched into a diamond mesh, used for guards and lath.

  Cover the window opening with expanded metal for security. — Tapa el hueco de la ventana con metal desplegado por seguridad.

• fiberglass insulation FAI-ber-glas in-siu-LEI-shon ▶ EN
  aislante de fibra de vidrio ais-LAHN-teh deh FEE-brah deh BEE-dryoh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Fluffy glass-fiber material stuffed in walls and attics to slow heat loss.

  Wear a long-sleeve shirt and a mask, fiberglass insulation itches bad. — Ponte camisa de manga larga y cubrebocas, el aislante de fibra de vidrio pica feo.

  Also: fibra de vidrio (MX) · lana de vidrio (general)

• finish nail FI-nish NEIL ▶ EN
  clavo de acabado KLAH-boh deh ah-kah-BAH-doh ▶ ES

  Thin nail with a tiny head that sinks below the surface on trim work.

  Use finish nails on the casing so the holes disappear with putty. — Usa clavos de acabado en el marco para que los hoyitos se tapen con masilla.

  Also: puntilla (MX) · clavo sin cabeza (general)

• flagstone FLAG-stoun ▶ EN
  laja LAH-hah ▶ ES

  Flat natural stone slabs laid for patios, paths, and wall caps.

  Dry-fit the flagstone before you butter anything. — Acomoda la laja en seco antes de echarle mezcla.

  Also: laja (MX) · piedra laja (general)

• flat bar FLAT bar ▶ EN
  solera soh-LEH-rah ▶ ES

  Flat rectangular strip of steel used for straps, braces, and repairs.

  Weld a piece of flat bar across the gate frame to square it up. — Suéldale un tramo de solera atravesado al marco del portón para escuadrarlo.

• flex conduit FLEKS KON-du-it ▶ EN
  conduit flexible kon-DWEET fleks-EE-bleh ▶ ES

  Bendable spiral conduit used for short runs to motors, fixtures, and equipment.

  Use flex conduit for the last six feet into the unit. — Usa conduit flexible en los últimos seis pies hasta la unidad.

  Also: manguera licuatite (MX) · tubo flexible metálico (general)

• fly ash FLAI ASH ▶ EN
  ceniza volante seh-NEE-sah boh-LAHN-teh ▶ ES

  Fine byproduct powder blended into concrete to replace some cement and improve flow.

  This mix design has twenty percent fly ash, so it sets slower. — Este diseño de mezcla trae veinte por ciento de ceniza volante, por eso fragua más lento.

  Also: cenizas volantes (general)

• form release FORM ri-LIIS ▶ EN
  desmoldante des-mol-DAHN-teh ▶ ES

  Oil or spray put on forms so the concrete does not stick when you strip them.

  Wipe form release on the plywood before you set the panels. — Pásale desmoldante al triplay antes de parar los tableros.

  Also: diesel de cimbra (MX) · agente desmoldante (general)

• framing nail FREI-ming NEIL ▶ EN
  clavo de estructura KLAH-boh deh es-trook-TOO-rah ▶ ES

  Heavy nail, usually 16d, used in a gun to nail studs, plates, and joists.

  Load a fresh strip of framing nails, the gun is dry. — Mete otra tira de clavos de estructura, la pistola ya está vacía.

  Also: clavo para pistola (MX) · clavo de armazón (general)

• furring strip FUR-ing strip ▶ EN
  listón lees-TOHN ▶ ES

  Thin narrow strip of wood nailed up to level a surface or give something to fasten to.

  Fur out the block wall with furring strips before you hang the drywall. — Forra el muro de block con listones antes de colgar la tablaroca.

• gravel GRA-vel ▶ EN
  grava GRAH-bah ▶ ES

  Crushed or washed stone used for base, drainage, and concrete.

  Spread four inches of gravel before we set the forms. — Riega cuatro pulgadas de grava antes de poner las cimbras.

  Also: grava (MX) · piedra triturada (general)

• green board GRIIN BORD ▶ EN
  tablaroca verde tah-blah-ROH-kah BEHR-deh ▶ ES

  Moisture-resistant drywall for bathrooms and other damp rooms.

  Hang green board on the bathroom ceiling and regular rock everywhere else. — Pon tablaroca verde en el plafón del baño y tablaroca normal en lo demás.

  Also: tablaroca resistente a la humedad (MX) · panel de yeso hidrófugo (general)

• grout GRAUT ▶ EN
  lechada leh-CHAH-dah ▶ ES

  Soupy cement material poured or packed into joints, cells, and tile lines.

  Grout the block cells solid where the anchor bolts land. — Rellena de lechada las celdas del block donde caen las anclas.

  Also: boquilla (MX) · mortero de relleno (general)

• gutter GO-ter ▶ EN
  canalón kah-nah-LOHN ▶ ES

  Metal channel hung at the eave to catch roof water and carry it to the downspout.

  Give the gutter a quarter-inch of fall every ten feet. — Dale al canalón un cuarto de pulgada de caída cada diez pies.

  Also: canaleta (MX) · canalón de lluvia (general)

• hardwood flooring JARD-uud FLOR-ing ▶ EN
  duela de madera DWEH-lah deh mah-DEH-rah ▶ ES

  Solid wood strips nailed to the subfloor and sanded and finished in place.

  Let the hardwood flooring acclimate in the house for a week first. — Deja que la duela de madera se aclimate una semana dentro de la casa.

  Also: duela (MX) · piso de madera sólida (general)

• house wrap JAUS RAP ▶ EN
  membrana para muro mem-BRAH-nah PAH-rah MOO-roh ▶ ES

  Breathable sheet stapled over sheathing to keep water out and let vapor escape.

  Shingle-lap the house wrap so water sheds over the course below. — Traslapa la membrana para muro hacia abajo para que el agua escurra sobre la hilada de abajo.

  Also: tyvek (MX) · membrana envolvente (general)

• I-beam AI-beem ▶ EN
  viga IPR VEE-gah ee-peh-EH-rreh ▶ ES

  Steel beam shaped like a capital I that carries heavy structural loads.

  The crane sets the I-beam across the basement tomorrow. — La grúa monta la viga IPR sobre el sótano mañana.

  Also: viga de acero (general)

• joint compound YOINT KOM-paund ▶ EN
  pasta para juntas PAHS-tah PAH-rah HOON-tahs ▶ ES

  White mud spread over drywall seams and screw heads, then sanded smooth.

  Thin the joint compound a little, it's dragging on the knife. — Aguada un poco la pasta para juntas, se está arrastrando en la espátula.

  Also: pasta (MX) · masilla para juntas (general)

• joist JOIST ▶ EN
  vigueta vee-GEH-tah ▶ ES

  Horizontal framing member that carries a floor or ceiling.

  Block between the joists before you lay the subfloor. — Ponle bloqueo entre las viguetas antes de tender el contrapiso.

• junction box YONK-shon BOKS ▶ EN
  caja de conexiones KAH-hah deh koh-nek-SYOH-nes ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Metal or plastic box that holds wire splices and keeps them accessible.

  Every splice has to land in a junction box with a cover, no exceptions. — Cada empalme tiene que quedar en una caja de conexiones con tapa, sin excepción.

  Also: caja de registro (MX) · caja de empalmes (general)

• lag screw LAG SKRUU ▶ EN
  tirafondo tee-rah-FON-doh ▶ ES

  Heavy screw with a hex head, driven with a wrench into wood for structural connections.

  Pre-drill before you run those half-inch lag screws. — Barrena primero antes de meter esos tirafondos de media pulgada.

  Also: tornillo tirafondo (MX) · tornillo de cabeza hexagonal para madera (general)

• laminate LA-mi-neit ▶ EN
  piso laminado PEE-soh lah-mee-NAH-doh ▶ ES

  Click-together floor plank with a printed wear layer over a fiberboard core.

  Leave a quarter-inch gap at the wall so the laminate can move. — Deja un cuarto de pulgada de holgura en el muro para que el piso laminado se mueva.

  Also: piso flotante (MX) · laminado (general)

• lime LAIM ▶ EN
  cal KAHL ▶ ES Safety-critical

  White powder added to mortar and plaster to make it workable, also used to treat soil.

  Add a scoop of lime so the mortar spreads easier. — Échale una palada de cal para que la mezcla corra mejor.

  Also: cal hidratada (general)

• lumber LUM-ber ▶ EN
  madera mah-DEH-rah ▶ ES

  Wood cut into boards and framing members for construction.

  The lumber for the second floor gets delivered Thursday. — La madera del segundo piso llega el jueves.

• lumber wrap LOM-ber RAP ▶ EN
  plástico para madera PLAHS-tee-koh PAH-rah mah-DEH-rah ▶ ES

  Printed plastic sheeting that comes over a lumber bundle to keep it dry.

  Save the lumber wrap, we'll cover the stack with it tonight. — Guarda el plástico para madera, con eso tapamos la estiba en la noche.

  Also: plástico de la tarima (MX) · envoltura de madera (general)

• LVL el-vee-EL ▶ EN
  viga laminada VEE-gah lah-mee-NAH-dah ▶ ES

  Engineered beam made of glued wood veneers, stronger than solid lumber.

  The plans call for a double LVL over the garage door. — Los planos piden viga laminada doble sobre la puerta del garaje.

• MDF em-dee-EF ▶ EN
  MDF eh-meh-deh-EH-feh ▶ ES

  Smooth dense fiberboard sheet used for paint-grade trim and cabinets.

  The baseboard package is all MDF since it's getting painted. — Todo el zoclo es de MDF porque va pintado.

• metal roofing panel ME-tal RUU-fing PA-nel ▶ EN
  lámina para techo LAH-mee-nah PAH-rah TEH-choh ▶ ES

  Long ribbed or standing-seam metal sheet screwed or clipped down as roof cover.

  Set the first metal roofing panel square, everything follows it. — Pon la primera lámina para techo bien a escuadra, todo lo demás la sigue.

  Also: lámina acanalada (MX) · panel metálico de cubierta (general)

• mortar mix MOR-ter MIKS ▶ EN
  mortero mor-TEH-roh ▶ ES

  Cement and sand blend used to stick block, brick, and stone together.

  Keep the mortar mix stiff enough that it holds a ridge. — Deja el mortero bien espeso para que aguante la cresta.

  Also: mezcla (MX) · mortero de albañilería (general)

• nail NEIL ▶ EN
  clavo KLAH-boh ▶ ES

  Straight metal fastener driven with a hammer or gun to hold wood together.

  Pull that bent nail and start a fresh one. — Saca ese clavo doblado y empieza uno nuevo.

  Also: clavo de acero (general)

• nut NOT ▶ EN
  tuerca TWEHR-kah ▶ ES

  Threaded block that spins onto a bolt to lock the connection.

  Hand-start every nut so you don't cross the threads. — Empieza cada tuerca a mano para que no se barra la cuerda.

  Also: tuerca hexagonal (general)

• OSB oh-es-BEE ▶ EN
  OSB oh-eh-seh-BEH ▶ ES

  Sheet made of pressed wood strands, a cheaper alternative to plywood for sheathing.

  Sheathe the walls with OSB and save the plywood for the roof. — Forra los muros con OSB y deja el triplay para el techo.

• paint PEINT ▶ EN
  pintura peen-TOO-rah ▶ ES

  Liquid coating rolled or sprayed on for color and protection.

  Box the paint from all five gallons so the color matches. — Revuelve la pintura de las cinco cubetas para que empate el color.

  Also: pintura vinílica (general)

• particle board PAR-tih-kul bord ▶ EN
  aglomerado ah-gloh-meh-RAH-doh ▶ ES

  Cheap sheet made of pressed sawdust and glue, used indoors only.

  Don't let the particle board get wet or it will swell up. — No dejes que se moje el aglomerado porque se esponja.

• paver PEI-ver ▶ EN
  adoquín ah-doh-KEEN ▶ ES

  Precast concrete or stone unit set on sand for patios, driveways, and walks.

  Pull pavers off three different pallets so the color blends. — Saca adoquines de tres tarimas distintas para que se revuelva el color.

  Also: adopasto (MX) · adoquín de concreto (general)

• pea gravel PII GRA-vel ▶ EN
  gravilla grah-BEE-yah ▶ ES

  Small round stone about the size of a pea, used for drainage and walkways.

  Backfill the trench with pea gravel around the pipe. — Rellena la zanja con gravilla alrededor del tubo.

  Also: gravilla (MX) · grava fina (general)

• PEX tubing PEKS TUU-bing ▶ EN
  tubería PEX too-beh-REE-ah PEKS ▶ ES

  Flexible plastic water tubing crimped onto fittings instead of glued or soldered.

  Run the PEX tubing through the joists and keep it off the sharp edges. — Pasa la tubería PEX por las viguetas y no la dejes en las orillas filosas.

  Also: manguera pex (MX) · tubo de polietileno reticulado (general)

• plank PLANK ▶ EN
  tablón tah-BLOHN ▶ ES

  Thick wide board, used for scaffolds, walkways, and heavy decking.

  Lay two planks across the scaffold frames. — Tiende dos tablones sobre los marcos del andamio.

• plastic anchor PLAS-tik ANG-ker ▶ EN
  taquete tah-KEH-teh ▶ ES

  Plastic sleeve pushed into a drilled hole so a screw can bite in drywall or masonry.

  Those shelves need plastic anchors, the screws won't hold in drywall alone. — Esas repisas necesitan taquetes, los tornillos no agarran solos en la tablaroca.

  Also: taquete de plástico (MX) · tarugo (general)

• plywood PLAI-wood ▶ EN
  triplay TREE-plai ▶ ES

  Sheet of wood made of thin layers glued together, used for sheathing and forms.

  We need twenty sheets of half-inch plywood for the roof deck. — Ocupamos veinte hojas de triplay de media pulgada para el techo.

  Also: madera contrachapada (general) · plywood (GT)

• pressure-treated lumber PRESH-ur TREE-ted LUM-ber ▶ EN
  madera tratada mah-DEH-rah trah-TAH-dah ▶ ES

  Lumber treated with chemicals so it resists rot and insects outdoors.

  Anything touching concrete has to be pressure-treated lumber. — Todo lo que toque el concreto tiene que ser madera tratada.

• primer PRAI-mer ▶ EN
  sellador primario seh-yah-DOR pree-MAH-ryoh ▶ ES

  First coat that seals the surface so the paint sticks and covers evenly.

  Primer on all the patches first or they'll flash through. — Primero sellador primario en todos los resanes o se van a marcar.

  Also: sellador (MX) · imprimante (general)

• PVC pipe pi-vi-SI PAIP ▶ EN
  tubo de PVC TOO-boh deh peh-beh-SEH ▶ ES

  White plastic pipe glued together for drain, waste, and vent lines.

  Dry-fit the PVC pipe before you glue a single joint. — Arma el tubo de PVC en seco antes de pegar una sola junta.

  Also: tubo de pvc sanitario (MX) · tubería de pvc (general)

• rebar REE-bar ▶ EN
  varilla bah-REE-yah ▶ ES

  Steel reinforcing bar embedded in concrete to add tensile strength.

  Tie the rebar on 12-inch centers before the pour. — Amarra la varilla a cada 12 pulgadas antes del colado.

  Also: barra de refuerzo (general) · cabilla (PR)

• retaining wall block ri-TEI-ning UOL BLOK ▶ EN
  block para muro de contención BLOK PAH-rah MOO-roh deh kon-ten-SYON ▶ ES

  Interlocking concrete unit stacked to hold back dirt on a slope.

  Set the first course of retaining wall block dead level on compacted base. — Asienta la primera hilada de block para muro de contención bien a nivel sobre base compactada.

  Also: bloque de muro de contención (general)

• ridge vent RICH VENT ▶ EN
  ventila de cumbrera ben-TEE-lah deh koom-BREH-rah ▶ ES

  Vented cap along the peak of a roof that lets hot attic air out.

  Cut the deck back an inch each side before you set the ridge vent. — Recorta la cubierta una pulgada de cada lado antes de poner la ventila de cumbrera.

  Also: ventilación de caballete (MX) · ventilación de cubierta (general)

• rigid foam RI-yid FOUM ▶ EN
  poliestireno rígido poh-lee-es-tee-REH-noh RREE-hee-doh ▶ ES

  Stiff foam board used for continuous insulation on walls, roofs, and slabs.

  Two inches of rigid foam goes under the slab before the vapor barrier. — Van dos pulgadas de poliestireno rígido debajo de la losa antes de la barrera de vapor.

  Also: unicel (MX) · placa de poliestireno (general)

• rivet RI-vet ▶ EN
  remache rreh-MAH-cheh ▶ ES

  Fastener set with a gun that permanently pins two pieces of thin metal together.

  Three rivets per seam on the downspout. — Tres remaches por junta en la bajante.

  Also: remache pop (general)

• roll roofing ROUL RUU-fing ▶ EN
  rollo asfáltico RROH-yoh as-FAL-tee-koh ▶ ES

  Wide roll of asphalt material used on low-slope roofs and as a valley layer.

  The shed gets roll roofing, the pitch is too flat for shingles. — El cobertizo lleva rollo asfáltico, la pendiente está muy baja para teja.

  Also: impermeabilizante prefabricado (MX) · manto asfáltico (general)

• romex ROU-meks ▶ EN
  cable romex KAH-bleh ROH-meks ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Flat plastic-jacketed house wiring cable with two or three conductors and a ground.

  Staple the romex within eight inches of every box. — Engrapa el cable romex a menos de ocho pulgadas de cada caja.

  Also: cable dúplex (MX) · cable nm (general)

• roofing nail RUU-fing NEIL ▶ EN
  clavo para techo KLAH-boh PAH-rah TEH-choh ▶ ES

  Short nail with a wide flat head that holds shingles and felt down.

  Six roofing nails per shingle on this pitch, no shortcuts. — Seis clavos para techo por cada teja en esta pendiente, sin atajos.

  Also: clavo de cabeza ancha (MX) · clavo para cubierta (general)

• safety mesh SEIF-ti MESH ▶ EN
  malla de seguridad MAH-yah deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Orange netting or fabric hung at edges and openings to warn and catch people.

  Nobody works that edge until the safety mesh is up and tied off. — Nadie trabaja esa orilla hasta que la malla de seguridad esté puesta y amarrada.

  Also: malla naranja (MX) · malla de protección (general)

• sand SAND ▶ EN
  arena ah-REH-nah ▶ ES

  Fine washed grit used in concrete, mortar, and as a leveling bed.

  We need one more yard of sand for the paver bed. — Nos falta una yarda más de arena para la cama de los adoquines.

  Also: arena de río (MX) · arena fina (general)

• sandpaper SAND-pei-per ▶ EN
  lija LEE-hah ▶ ES

  Abrasive paper or disc rated by grit, used to smooth wood, mud, and metal.

  Switch to one-twenty sandpaper for the final pass. — Cámbiate a lija del ciento veinte para la última pasada.

  Also: papel de lija (general)

• screw SKRUU ▶ EN
  tornillo tor-NEE-yoh ▶ ES

  Threaded fastener driven with a drill or screwdriver to hold material together.

  Back that screw out, it stripped. — Saca ese tornillo, ya se barrió.

  Also: tornillo autorroscante (general)

• sealant tape SII-lant TEIP ▶ EN
  cinta selladora SEEN-tah seh-yah-DOH-rah ▶ ES

  Sticky butyl or foil tape that waterproofs seams, flashing, and window flanges.

  Run sealant tape over the window flange before the wrap laps it. — Pasa cinta selladora sobre la aleta de la ventana antes de que la membrana la traslape.

  Also: cinta butílica (MX) · cinta impermeabilizante (general)

• sealer SII-ler ▶ EN
  sellador seh-yah-DOR ▶ ES

  Clear coating that closes the surface of concrete, wood, or stone against water.

  Put sealer on the driveway once it's twenty-eight days old. — Ponle sellador a la cochera cuando cumpla veintiocho días.

  Also: sellador para concreto (MX) · impermeabilizante transparente (general)

• self-tapping screw self-TA-ping SKRUU ▶ EN
  tornillo autorroscante tor-NEE-yoh ow-toh-rros-KAHN-teh ▶ ES

  Screw with a drill point that cuts its own hole in metal.

  Use self-tapping screws on the metal studs, no pilot hole needed. — Usa tornillos autorroscantes en los postes de metal, no necesitas barrenar.

  Also: pija punta de broca (MX) · tornillo autoperforante (general)

• sheet metal SHEET MEH-tal ▶ EN
  lámina LAH-mee-nah ▶ ES

  Thin flat metal used for ductwork, flashing, and roofing panels.

  The shop is bending the sheet metal for the chimney cap. — En el taller están doblando la lámina para el remate de la chimenea.

• shim SHIM ▶ EN
  calza KAHL-sah ▶ ES

  Thin wedge slipped behind or under a piece to level or plumb it.

  Shim the door jamb until the gap is even all the way around. — Ponle calzas al marco de la puerta hasta que la separación quede pareja todo alrededor.

• shingle SHIN-gol ▶ EN
  teja asfáltica TEH-hah as-FAL-tee-kah ▶ ES

  Asphalt roofing unit nailed in overlapping courses to shed water.

  Stagger the shingle joints at least six inches course to course. — Corre las juntas de la teja asfáltica al menos seis pulgadas de hilada a hilada.

  Also: teja de asfalto (MX) · shingle (general)

• shop rag SHOP RAG ▶ EN
  trapo de taller TRAH-poh deh tah-YEHR ▶ ES

  Cloth kept on hand for wiping tools, spills, glue, and hands.

  Keep a wet shop rag in your pouch when you're grouting. — Trae un trapo de taller mojado en el cinturón cuando estés emboquillando.

  Also: franela (MX) · trapo de limpieza (general)

• silicone SI-li-koun ▶ EN
  silicón see-lee-KOHN ▶ ES

  Rubbery waterproof sealant used around tubs, sinks, glass, and metal.

  Silicone the tub edge, caulk won't hold there. — Ponle silicón a la orilla de la tina, el sellador normal no aguanta ahí.

  Also: silicón (MX) · sellador de silicona (general)

• spray foam SPREI FOUM ▶ EN
  espuma en aerosol es-POO-mah en ah-eh-roh-SOL ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Expanding foam sprayed into cavities and gaps to insulate and seal air leaks.

  Hit every penetration with spray foam before the inspector comes. — Séllale todas las perforaciones con espuma en aerosol antes de que venga el inspector.

  Also: espuma de poliuretano (MX) · espuma expansiva (general)

• square tubing SKWAIR TOO-bing ▶ EN
  PTR peh-teh-EH-rreh ▶ ES

  Hollow square steel tube used for railings, gates, and light structures.

  Frame the gate out of inch-and-a-half square tubing. — Arma el portón con PTR de pulgada y media.

  Also: tubo cuadrado (general)

• stain STEIN ▶ EN
  tinte para madera TEEN-teh PAH-rah mah-DEH-rah ▶ ES

  Colored finish that soaks into wood instead of laying on top like paint.

  Wipe the stain back after five minutes or it'll turn blotchy. — Limpia el tinte para madera a los cinco minutos o va a quedar manchado.

  Also: tinta para madera (MX) · tinte de madera (general)

• staple STEI-pul ▶ EN
  grapa GRAH-pah ▶ ES

  U-shaped wire fastener shot from a gun to hold paper, wire, and insulation.

  Staple the house wrap every foot along the studs. — Engrapa la membrana con grapas cada pie a lo largo de los postes.

  Also: grapa metálica (general)

• steel plate STEEL playt ▶ EN
  placa PLAH-kah ▶ ES

  Thick flat piece of steel used for bases, connections, and covering trenches.

  Weld the post to the steel plate and bolt it to the footing. — Suelda el poste a la placa y atorníllala al cimiento.

• steel stud STEEL stud ▶ EN
  poste metálico POHS-teh meh-TAH-lee-koh ▶ ES

  Light-gauge steel channel used instead of wood studs for interior walls.

  All the office walls get framed with steel studs. — Todos los muros de las oficinas se arman con postes metálicos.

• stud STUD ▶ EN
  poste POHS-teh ▶ ES

  Vertical framing member inside a wall, usually a 2x4 or 2x6.

  Frame the wall with studs sixteen inches on center. — Arma el muro con postes a cada dieciséis pulgadas.

• subfloor panel SOB-flor PA-nel ▶ EN
  panel de contrapiso pah-NEL deh kon-trah-PEE-soh ▶ ES

  Tongue-and-groove structural sheet nailed to joists to form the floor deck.

  Glue and nail every subfloor panel so the floor doesn't squeak. — Pega y clava cada panel de contrapiso para que el piso no rechine.

  Also: triplay de contrapiso (MX) · tablero de entrepiso (general)

• tar paper TAR PEI-per ▶ EN
  papel alquitranado pah-PEL al-kee-trah-NAH-doh ▶ ES

  Asphalt-saturated felt rolled over the deck as a water layer under shingles.

  Roll fifteen-pound tar paper before the shingles go up. — Extiende papel alquitranado de quince libras antes de subir la teja.

  Also: papel de brea (MX) · fieltro asfáltico (general)

• texture TEKS-cher ▶ EN
  textura teks-TOO-rah ▶ ES

  Sprayed or troweled finish that gives walls and ceilings a pattern instead of flat.

  Match the texture on the patch or it'll stand out after paint. — Empata la textura en el resane o se va a notar después de pintar.

  Also: texturizado (MX) · acabado texturizado (general)

• THHN wire ti-eich-eich-EN UAIR ▶ EN
  cable THHN KAH-bleh teh-ah-cheh-ah-cheh-EH-neh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Single insulated conductor pulled through conduit, color coded by function.

  Pull three number twelve THHN wires plus a green ground. — Jala tres cables THHN del número doce más una tierra verde.

  Also: cable thw (MX) · conductor individual (general)

• thinset ZIN-set ▶ EN
  pegazulejo peh-gah-soo-LEH-hoh ▶ ES

  Cement-based adhesive troweled on to stick tile to the floor or wall.

  Mix the thinset and let it slake for ten minutes. — Bate el pegazulejo y déjalo reposar diez minutos.

  Also: pegazulejo (MX) · adhesivo para loseta (general)

• tie wire TAI wair ▶ EN
  alambre recocido ah-LAHM-breh reh-koh-SEE-doh ▶ ES

  Soft black wire used to tie rebar together and secure forms.

  Bring another roll of tie wire, we're still tying the footing steel. — Trae otro rollo de alambre recocido, todavía estamos amarrando el acero del cimiento.

• tile TAIL ▶ EN
  loseta loh-SEH-tah ▶ ES

  Hard flat unit set in adhesive to finish floors, walls, and showers.

  Lay out the tile dry so we don't end with a sliver at the door. — Acomoda la loseta en seco para no terminar con una tirita en la puerta.

  Also: loseta (MX) · baldosa (general)

• tongue and groove TUNG and GROOV ▶ EN
  machihembrado mah-chee-em-BRAH-doh ▶ ES

  Boards with a ridge on one edge and a slot on the other so they lock together.

  The porch ceiling gets tongue and groove pine. — El techo del porche lleva pino machihembrado.

• track TRAK ▶ EN
  canal kah-NAHL ▶ ES

  U-shaped steel channel screwed to floor and ceiling to hold the metal studs.

  Shoot the track to the slab on your layout line. — Fija el canal a la losa sobre tu línea de trazo.

• trim TRIM ▶ EN
  moldura mohl-DOO-rah ▶ ES

  Finish boards that dress up edges around doors, windows, and walls.

  The painter comes after we install all the trim. — El pintor entra después de que instalemos toda la moldura.

• underlayment on-der-LEI-ment ▶ EN
  base de piso BAH-seh deh PEE-soh ▶ ES

  Thin layer laid over the subfloor or deck to give the finish material a smooth base.

  Roll out the underlayment before you snap your first row of plank. — Extiende la base de piso antes de trazar la primera hilera de duela.

  Also: base para piso flotante (MX) · capa de soporte (general)

• vapor barrier VEI-por BE-rrier ▶ EN
  barrera de vapor bah-RREH-rah deh bah-POR ▶ ES

  Plastic sheet that blocks moisture from moving through a floor, wall, or slab.

  Lap the vapor barrier a foot at every seam and tape it. — Traslapa la barrera de vapor un pie en cada junta y séllala con cinta.

  Also: plástico negro (MX) · membrana de polietileno (general)

• vinyl plank VAI-nil PLANK ▶ EN
  duela de vinil DWEH-lah deh bee-NEEL ▶ ES

  Waterproof plastic floor plank that clicks or glues down and looks like wood.

  Vinyl plank in the bathroom, it can handle the water. — Duela de vinil en el baño, esa aguanta el agua.

  Also: piso vinílico (MX) · tablón de vinilo (general)

• washer UA-sher ▶ EN
  rondana rron-DAH-nah ▶ ES

  Flat metal ring under a nut or bolt head that spreads the clamping load.

  Don't forget the washer, it'll crush the wood without it. — No olvides la rondana, sin ella se machuca la madera.

  Also: rondana (MX) · arandela (general)

• wedge anchor UECH ANG-ker ▶ EN
  taquete de expansión tah-KEH-teh deh eks-pahn-SYON ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Steel anchor hammered into a drilled hole in cured concrete that grips when you tighten the nut.

  Drill three and a quarter deep for those half-inch wedge anchors. — Barrena tres y cuarto de hondo para esos taquetes de expansión de media.

  Also: taquete metálico (MX) · anclaje de cuña (general)

• wire mesh WAIR mesh ▶ EN
  malla electrosoldada MAH-yah eh-lek-troh-sol-DAH-dah ▶ ES

  Welded grid of steel wire laid in slabs to control cracking.

  Pull the wire mesh up into the middle of the slab as you pour. — Sube la malla electrosoldada a la mitad de la losa mientras cuelas.

• wire nut UAIR NOT ▶ EN
  capuchón para cable kah-poo-CHOHN PAH-rah KAH-bleh ▶ ES Safety-critical

  Threaded plastic cap twisted onto stripped wire ends to join and insulate them.

  Tug every wire nut after you twist it to make sure it grabbed. — Jala cada capuchón para cable después de enroscarlo para ver que agarró.

  Also: conector de tuerca (MX) · conector de torsión (general)

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