Bathroom Remodeling Glossary
Understand common bathroom remodeling terms, industry jargon, and technical vocabulary used in your Sacramento project.
Bathroom remodeling involves specialized terminology from plumbing, construction, design, and materials industries. This comprehensive glossary defines common terms you'll encounter during your Sacramento bathroom remodel. Understanding these terms helps you communicate effectively with contractors, make informed decisions, and understand estimates and contracts.
ADA Compliant
Meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility, including specific clearances, grab bar locations, and fixture heights.
Aerator
Device that screws onto faucet spout to mix air with water, reducing flow while maintaining pressure. Common for water-efficient faucets.
Backerboard / Cement Board
Water-resistant panel (typically Durock or Hardibacker) installed behind tile in wet areas as substrate. Prevents water damage to framing.
Backsplash
Protective surface on wall behind sink or vanity, typically tile or stone, preventing water damage.
Bidet
Plumbing fixture for personal hygiene, either standalone fixture or integrated toilet function.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
Measurement of exhaust fan capacity. Bathrooms typically need 50-80 CFM depending on size.
Comfort Height Toilet
Toilet with seat height of 17-19 inches (vs. standard 15 inches), easier for adults and ADA compliant.
Cultured Marble
Molded material made from marble dust and resin, often used for vanity tops and tub surrounds. Lower cost than natural stone.
Double Vanity
Bathroom vanity with two sinks, typically 60-72 inches wide. Popular in master bathrooms.
Dual-Flush Toilet
Toilet with two flush options - partial flush (0.8 gallons) for liquid waste, full flush (1.6 gallons) for solid waste. Saves water.
Escutcheon
Decorative plate covering hole in wall where plumbing fixture or pipe penetrates.
Floating Vanity
Wall-mounted vanity that doesn't touch floor, creating appearance of floating. Modern look that makes bathroom feel larger.
Frameless Shower Door
Glass shower door without metal frame around glass panels, only minimal hardware. Clean, modern appearance.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Safety device required for bathroom outlets, shuts off power if ground fault detected. Prevents electrocution.
GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
Flow rate measurement for faucets and showerheads. WaterSense certified fixtures use 2.0 GPM or less.
Grout
Material filling joints between tiles, available in sanded (for wide joints) or unsanded (for narrow joints) varieties.
Kerdi / Waterproof Membrane
Waterproofing system installed behind tile in showers, preventing water intrusion. Schluter Kerdi is popular brand.
Low-Flow Fixture
Toilet, faucet, or showerhead designed to use less water while maintaining performance. Often WaterSense certified.
Niche
Recessed shelf in shower wall for storing toiletries. Typically 12x24 inches, tiled to match shower.
Penny Tile
Small round tiles resembling pennies, typically 1-inch diameter. Popular for bathroom floors and shower pans.
PEX
Cross-linked polyethylene plumbing pipe, flexible alternative to copper. Easier to install, resistant to freezing.
P-Trap
U-shaped pipe under sink that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering bathroom.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile
Porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic, better for wet areas. Both are fired clay products.
Pressure-Balancing Valve
Shower valve that maintains consistent water temperature when other fixtures used, preventing sudden hot/cold changes.
Quartz Countertop
Engineered stone made from natural quartz and resin. Non-porous, stain-resistant, doesn't require sealing.
Rainfall Showerhead
Large diameter showerhead (8-12 inches) mounted overhead, provides rain-like water flow.
Rectified Tile
Tile with precisely cut edges allowing minimal grout lines (1/16 inch). Creates more seamless appearance.
Rough-In
Plumbing and electrical work completed before walls are closed. Includes pipes, wires, and structural framing.
Shower Pan
Waterproof base of shower, properly sloped to drain. Can be tile over mud pan, preformed base, or custom.
Sone
Unit measuring fan noise. Bathroom fans rated 1.0 sone or less are considered quiet.
Subway Tile
Rectangular tile typically 3x6 inches, classically installed in offset brick pattern. Timeless choice for bathrooms.
Thermostatic Valve
Premium shower valve maintaining precise temperature control. More expensive than pressure-balancing valves but offers better performance.
Thinset / Mortar
Adhesive for setting tile, mixed with water. Modified thinset includes polymer additives for better adhesion and flexibility.
Trim
Visible parts of plumbing fixtures (handles, spouts, showerheads) vs. rough plumbing behind walls.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Removing bathtub and installing walk-in shower in same space. Popular for accessibility and modern aesthetics.
Undermount Sink
Sink mounted underneath countertop for seamless appearance. Easier to clean than drop-in sinks.
Vanity
Bathroom cabinet and countertop combination housing sink. Can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or built-in.
Vessel Sink
Bowl-style sink sitting on top of counter rather than recessed. Contemporary look requiring taller faucets.
Walk-In Shower
Shower without curb or threshold, level with bathroom floor. Accessible and modern design.
WaterSense
EPA certification for water-efficient fixtures meeting performance standards while using less water. Look for WaterSense label.
Wet Room
Completely waterproofed bathroom with shower area open to rest of space, no enclosure. Popular in European design.
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Don't see a term defined? Our Sacramento bathroom remodeling experts are happy to explain any terminology or concepts you encounter during your project.
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