Flooring & Remodeling Glossary

Definitions of common terms used when planning flooring, tile, kitchen, bathroom, cabinetry and remodeling projects.

LVP

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

LVT

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wear Layer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

SPC

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

WPC

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Engineered Hardwood

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Solid Hardwood

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wood Veneer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Porcelain Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Ceramic Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Rectified Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Large-Format Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Mosaic

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Thinset

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Mud Set

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Grout

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Epoxy Grout

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Underlayment

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Moisture Barrier

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Subfloor

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Concrete Slab

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Floating Floor

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Glue-Down Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Click-Lock Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Acclimation

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Expansion Gap

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Transition Strip

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Threshold

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Bullnose

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Tile Trim

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Backer Board

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Marble

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Travertine

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Limestone

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Slate

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Quartz

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Quartzite

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Granite

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

RTA Cabinetry

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Custom Cabinetry

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Shaker Cabinet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Full Overlay

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Inset Cabinet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Soft-Close Hinge

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Soft-Close Drawer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Backsplash

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Countertop

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Waterfall Edge

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Edge Profile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Cabinet Hardware

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Baseboard

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Crown Molding

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Door Casing

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Floor Molding

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Quarter Round

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Shoe Molding

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Stair Nosing

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Tread

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Riser

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Reducer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

T-Molding

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

End Cap

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Carpet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Carpet Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Carpet Padding

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Pile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Loop Pile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Cut Pile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Berber

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wool Carpet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Laminate Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

AC Rating

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Abrasion Resistance

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Waterproof Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Water-Resistant Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Rigid Core

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Vinyl Plank

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Vinyl Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Sheet Vinyl

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

VCT

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Cork Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Rubber Flooring

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Natural Stone

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Ledger Stone

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

River Rock

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Glass Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Subway Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Decorative Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Patterned Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Encaustic-Look Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wood-Look Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Marble-Look Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Matte Finish

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Polished Finish

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Honed Finish

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Textured Finish

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Slip Resistance

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

DCOF

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

PEI Rating

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Porosity

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Sealer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Stone Sealer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Grout Sealer

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Efflorescence

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Lippage

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Tile Layout

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Running Bond

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Herringbone

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Chevron

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Stack Bond

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Basketweave

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Hexagon Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Penny Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Plank Tile

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Nominal Size

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Actual Size

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Grout Joint

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Movement Joint

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Control Joint

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Expansion Joint

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Crack Isolation Membrane

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Uncoupling Membrane

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Waterproofing Membrane

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Shower Pan

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Shower Niche

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Shower Curb

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Linear Drain

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Point Drain

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wet Area

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wet Room

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Vanity

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Vanity Top

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Medicine Cabinet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Linen Tower

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Kitchen Island

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Peninsula

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Base Cabinet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, material selection or installation. Product-specific requirements should be confirmed for the selected material and project.

Wall Cabinet

A term commonly used in flooring, tile, cab