Construction Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on building site terms: foundation, scaffolding, mortar, beam and insulation. B1–B2 level.
Keep building your construction vocabulary.
Construction Vocabulary — FAQ
A foundation is the lowest part of a building, usually below ground, that transfers the weight of the structure safely into the ground. A strong foundation prevents the building from sinking, shifting or cracking. Common types include strip, raft and pile foundations.
Scaffolding is a temporary framework, usually made of metal poles and boards, erected around a building so that workers can safely reach and work on high or hard-to-access areas. It is dismantled once the work is complete.
Mortar is a paste of cement, sand and water used to bind bricks or blocks together when building walls. Plaster is a smooth coating applied over interior walls and ceilings to give a flat finish ready for painting. They serve different purposes on a building site.
A beam is a long, strong horizontal structural element that supports loads, such as the weight of floors, roofs or walls above. Beams transfer these loads to columns or walls. They can be made of timber, steel or reinforced concrete.
Insulation is material added to walls, roofs and floors to reduce the transfer of heat, keeping a building warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Good insulation lowers energy bills and improves comfort, and it can also reduce noise.
A beam is a horizontal structural member that carries loads across a span. A column is a vertical structural member that supports beams and transfers loads downward to the foundation. Together, beams and columns form the frame of many buildings.
Cladding is an outer layer of material fixed to the external walls of a building. It protects the structure from the weather, improves insulation and gives the building its finished appearance. Cladding can be made from materials such as timber, metal, brick or stone.
A bricklayer is a skilled construction worker who builds and repairs walls, foundations and other structures by laying bricks, blocks and stones held together with mortar. They follow plans carefully to ensure walls are level, straight and strong.
A building permit is official permission from a local authority to carry out construction or major alterations. It ensures the work meets safety, structural and zoning regulations. Building without a required permit can lead to fines and orders to undo the work.
A crane is a large machine with a long arm used to lift and move heavy materials, such as steel beams, concrete sections and equipment, to high or distant parts of a building site. Cranes make it possible to construct tall buildings efficiently and safely.