What is the term for a board nailed horizontally to stakes placed outside the corners of a building?

The correct term for a board nailed horizontally to stakes placed outside the corners of a building is indeed a batter board. Batter boards serve a critical role in the construction process, primarily when laying out the foundation of a structure. They help create an accurate and stable reference point for measuring and forming the foundation layout, ensuring that all corners are square and properly aligned.

Batter boards are particularly useful as they allow builders to establish the precise dimensions and location of the construction site without interfering with the excavated area. They are typically placed at a fixed height above the ground, which aids in maintaining the elevation for the footings and the overall level of the building.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different components or concepts in construction. A corner post is primarily a vertical member used to support the structure and define corners, while a footing board might refer to forms used to create the foundation’s footing. A threshold board usually denotes a component at the bottom of a doorway to provide a surface to step over and is not related to the layout of a building’s corners.

Understanding these definitions is crucial for anyone involved in residential construction, as it enhances clarity and precision in setting up foundational elements.