abovegrade

Above-grade refers to components of a building or landscape that are located above the natural or finished ground line. It contrasts with below-grade elements, which are in contact with soil or entirely beneath the surface, such as basements or subterranean walls.

In architecture and construction, above-grade is used to describe exterior walls, floors, and features that are exposed to the open air and weather. Finished grade is a defined line; anything above that line is considered above-grade. Measurements of height, moisture control, and insulation for above-grade elements follow criteria distinct from those applied to below-grade portions, where moisture barriers and damp-proofing are often more critical.

Common above-grade materials include brick, siding, stucco, and concrete that remains above ground level, as well as other architectural finishes. Below-grade materials encompass foundations, basement walls, and underground plumbing. In site design, raised planters, decks, and terraces are considered above-grade features relative to surrounding soil.

Code and standards: Building codes classify foundations and walls as above- or below-grade, influencing design loads, moisture barriers, insulation, and fire-rated assemblies. In energy and environmental design, above-grade spaces may require different thermal and weather-exposure considerations due to exposure to outdoor conditions.

In landscaping and horticulture, “above-grade” describes raised beds and planters that elevate soil and plants above the surrounding ground level. The term helps distinguish these installations from ground-level or subsurface features.