Design Glossary
A
Above Grade – Refers to flooring installed above ground level, such as on upper floors of a building.
Abrasion Resistance – The ability of a flooring material to withstand wear and tear caused by foot traffic or friction.
Acclimation – The process of allowing flooring materials to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the installation environment, typically for 48-72 hours.
Acoustics – The science of sound, often considered in flooring to reduce noise transmission.
Adhesive – A substance used to bond or stick flooring materials to the subfloor.
Aggregate – A mixture of sand, stone, or gravel used in concrete flooring or terrazzo.
Air Quality – Refers to the level of indoor air pollution, which can be affected by flooring materials and adhesives.
Allowance – A budgeted amount set aside in an estimate for items like fixtures or finishes when final selections haven’t been made.
Aluminum Oxide – A durable finish applied to hardwood floors to enhance scratch resistance.
Angle Cuts – Cutting materials like tile or wood flooring at an angle to fit into irregular spaces or create design effects.
Aqua Defense – A waterproofing membrane by Mapei, used to protect showers, tub surrounds, and other wet areas from moisture damage.
B
Backer Board – A layer of material, usually cement-based, used as an underlayment for tile flooring. It provides a stable, flat surface Backing The bottom layer of carpet or resilient flooring that provides stability and support.
Back Layer – The bottom layer of a flooring product, often used for added durability or moisture resistance.
Backsplash – A protective and decorative surface on the wall behind countertops, sinks, and stoves, typically made of tile, stone, or glass.
Baseboard – A narrow board that runs along the bottom of the walls in a room to cover the joint between the wall and the floor.
BCF Fiber – Bulked Continuous Filament, a type of synthetic fiber used in carpet manufacturing.
Berber – A type of loop-pile carpet, often made from wool or nylon, known for its durability and textured appearance.
Beveled Edge – An angled edge on flooring, countertops, or tile for aesthetic or functional purposes.
Binder – A substance in flooring that holds materials together, often used in carpet and tile manufacturing.
Binding – A method of finishing the edges of carpet or rugs to prevent fraying. Flooring
Blending Matching different lots of natural materials (like wood or stone) to ensure color consistency in installations.
Blinds – Window coverings made of slats (horizontal or vertical) that can be adjusted to control light and privacy.
Bond Breaker – A material used to prevent adhesion between two surfaces, often used in concrete flooring.
Bowing – A warping or curving of flooring materials, often caused by moisture or improper installation.
Broadloom Carpet – A carpet that is woven in wide rolls, typically 12 feet wide, and then cut to fit the roomʼs dimensions.
Buckling – A common flooring problem where planks or tiles lift or warp due to moisture, improper installation, or lack of expansion space.
Bullnose – A tile or trim piece with a rounded edge, often used to finish edges or transitions.
Bullnose Tile – A tile with a rounded edge, often used for finishing corners or edges.
C
Carpet Backing – The bottom layer of carpet that provides stability and support.
Carpet Pile – The visible surface of carpet, made up of loops or cut fibers.
Carpet Pad – A foam or fiber layer beneath carpet to provide cushioning, insulation, and longevity.
Carpet Stretch – The process of tightening carpet to remove wrinkles or looseness, often done during installation or repair.
Carpet Tile – Modular carpet squares that can be installed individually or in patterns.
Caulking – A waterproof filler used to seal joints and gaps in flooring, walls, and countertops.
Cellular Shades – Window coverings made of pleated fabric that folds up like an accordion, providing insulation and light control.
Ceramic Tile – A durable clay-based tile commonly used for floors, walls, and backsplashes.
Chatter Marks – Small, irregular marks on the surface of flooring, often caused by improper sanding or finishing.
Clear-Poly Roll – A clear polyethylene sheet used as a moisture barrier or vapor retarder under flooring.
Composite Faux Shutters – Window shutters made of engineered materials designed to mimic real wood while being more durable in humid conditions.
Contact Adhesive – A type of adhesive that bonds on contact, often used for laminate or veneer applications.
Cork Flooring – Flooring made from the bark of cork oak trees. Itʼs renewable, environmentally friendly, and offers a soft, cushioned surface.
Cove Base – A curved or straight baseboard, typically made of vinyl or rubber, used in moisture-prone or commercial areas.
Cross-Ply Construction – A method of layering wood or engineered flooring for added stability and resistance to warping.
Cupping – A condition where the edges of wood flooring planks curl upward, often due to moisture imbalance.
Cushion Backing – A layer of cushioning material applied to the back of carpets or vinyl flooring to provide additional comfort, insulation, and noise reduction.
Cut and Loop – A carpet style that combines both cut and looped fibers to create a textured pattern.
Cut Pile – A type of carpet where the loops are cut to create a soft, plush surface.
D
Deck Mud – A mixture of sand, cement, and water used to create a level surface for tile installation, often used in shower pans.
Decorative Layer – The top layer of laminate or engineered flooring that provides the visual appearance.
Delamination – The separation of layers in laminated flooring or engineered wood.
Demolition (Demo) – The process of tearing out old materials such as flooring, walls, or cabinetry to prepare for a remodel.
DensShield – A brand of water-resistant backer board used for tile installations in wet areas like showers and tub surrounds.
Density – A measure of the compactness of a material, often used to describe the durability of carpet or foam underlayment.
Dimensional Stability – The ability of a flooring material to resist changes in size or shape due to temperature or humidity.
Distressed Hardwood Flooring – Hardwood flooring that has been intentionally aged or textured for a rustic appearance.
DIY Materials & Tools – Products such as grouts, setting materials, trowels, sponges, and sealants used for self-installation projects.
Drain Grate – A cover for a shower or floor drain, often made of metal or plastic, designed to allow water to flow through while catching debris.
Drain Kit – A complete set of components for installing a shower or floor drain, including the drain body, grate, and sealing components.
Drywall – A gypsum-based material used for constructing interior walls and ceilings.
Durability – The ability of materials to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.
E
Efflorescence – A white, powdery residue that can appear on concrete or tile surfaces due to moisture.
End Cap/Molding – A trim piece used to finish the edges of flooring at transitions or doorways.
Engineered Hardwood – A wood product made by layering plywood or other wood materials to create a more stable and durable surface than solid hardwood.
Epoxy Adhesive – A strong, waterproof adhesive used for bonding tiles or other flooring materials.
Epoxy Grout – A waterproof, stain-resistant grout ideal for high-moisture areas.
Estimate – A written calculation of the total cost of a remodeling project, including labor, materials, and other expenses.
Expansion Gap – A space left around the perimeter of a floor to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
Expansion Joint – A gap left between materials like tile or vinyl planks to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
F
Face Weight – The weight of the carpet pile per square yard, often used to measure carpet quality.
Faucet Cutout – A pre-cut hole in countertops for plumbing fixtures.
Felt – A type of material often used as a backing for Rugs. It is installed using a permanent adhesive.
Fiberboard Core – The middle layer of some engineered flooring products, made from compressed wood fibers.
Fiberglass – A material used in some flooring products that offers strength, durability, and resistance to moisture.
Finish – A protective coating applied to flooring materials to enhance durability and appearance.
Flat Weave – A type of carpet or rug with a flat, woven surface, often used in low-pile applications.
Flange – A flat rim or collar used to secure plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or shower drains, to the floor.
Floating Floor – A flooring installation where planks or tiles interlock without being nailed or glued to the subfloor.
Flooring – A material used to cover the surface of a floor to provide a smooth, level, and durable walking surface.
Foam Inner Core – The middle layer of some flooring products, providing cushioning and insulation.
Foot Traffic – The amount of use a floor receives, which affects the choice of flooring material.
Footings – The concrete base placed in the ground to support a buildingʼs foundation.
Frieze – A type of carpet with highly twisted yarns, known for its durability and textured appearance.
Furring Strips – Thin strips of wood or metal used to level a surface before applying wall materials.
G
Glazed Tile – A tile with a glossy, protective coating applied during manufacturing.
Glueless Click-Lock – A type of flooring installation where planks or tiles snap together without adhesive.
Gloss Level – The shine or reflectivity of a flooring surface, ranging from matte to high-gloss.
Grade Level – Refers to whether flooring is installed above, at, or below ground level.
Grain – The natural pattern or texture of wood, visible in hardwood flooring.
Granite – A natural stone used for countertops due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Grout – A thick paste used to fill the spaces between tiles after installation, providing a finished, smooth appearance and adding strength to the installation.
Grout Cleaner – A cleaning solution designed to remove dirt, stains, and mildew from grout lines.
Guarantee – A promise or warranty ensuring that materials or installation meet specified performance standards.
H
Hand Scraped Hardwood – Hardwood flooring that has been manually scraped to create a textured, rustic appearance.
Hardness – A measure of a materialʼs resistance to indentation, often used to describe wood or stone.
Hardwood – Natural wood flooring made from solid, durable hardwood trees, such as oak, maple, or cherry.
Heat Welding – A process used in vinyl flooring installations where heat is applied to the seams to fuse them together, making the seams waterproof HEPA Filter A high-efficiency particulate air filter used in vacuums to improve air quality during flooring installation or cleaning.
Heterogeneous Sheet Flooring – A type of vinyl flooring with multiple layers, each serving a different purpose (e.g., wear layer, design layer).
Homogeneous Sheet Flooring – A type of vinyl flooring made from a single layer of material, often used in commercial settings.
Home Automation – Smart technology systems integrated into a home, such as lighting, security, and climate controls.
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, which may be affected during remodeling.
Hydronic Heating – A radiant heating system installed beneath flooring.
I
Impact Resistance – The ability of a flooring material to withstand impacts without damage.
Inlay – A decorative design embedded into flooring or tile installations using different materials.
Inset Tile Design – A decorative tile pattern within a larger tiled area, often used in showers and backsplashes.
Insulation – Material used to reduce heat or sound transfer in walls, ceilings, and floors for better energy efficiency and comfort.
Installation – The process of placing and securing flooring, cabinetry, or fixtures in a remodel.
Installation Method – The process or technique used to install flooring, such as glue-down, nail-down, or floating.
Interior Window Coverings – A broad category of window treatments, including blinds, shutters, and shades.
J
Janka Hardness – A measure of the hardness of wood, used to determine its resistance to wear and denting.
Joist – A structural component that supports floors or ceilings and spans between walls or beams.
Jute – A natural fiber used in some carpets and rugs for its softness and eco-friendliness.
K
Kerf – The width of the cut made by a saw blade, considered when cutting wood, tile, or stone.
Kickplate – A protective panel at the bottom of cabinetry or doors to prevent foot damage.
Kiln Dried – A process of drying wood in a kiln to reduce moisture content and prevent warping.
L
Lacquer – A durable finish applied to wood flooring for protection and shine.
Laminate Flooring – A synthetic flooring material made of compressed fiberboard with a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile.
Large Format Tiles (LFT) – Tiles larger than 15 inches on any side, often used for a modern, seamless look.
Leveling Compound – A cement-based mixture used to smooth uneven surfaces before installing flooring.
Linear Drain – A long, narrow drain used in walk-in showers to improve drainage efficiency.
Lippage – The difference in height between adjoining tiles that can create an uneven surface if not installed correctly.
Linoleum – A natural flooring material made from linseed oil, cork, and wood flour.
Loop Pile – A type of carpet where the fibers are looped rather than cut, known for its durability.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – A high-end vinyl flooring product designed to look like wood planks but with greater durability and moisture resistance.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – A luxury vinyl flooring product designed to resemble stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles but with increased durability and ease of maintenance.
M
Marble – A natural stone used for flooring and countertops, known for its elegance and durability.
Mastisc – An adhesive used to install tile, often preferred for its quick drying time.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) – A type of engineered wood product made by compressing wood fibers and resin. It is commonly used as a backing material or sublayer in.
Melamine – A durable resin used in some flooring products for its scratch resistance.
Millwork – Custom woodwork such as baseboards, molding, or cabinetry.
Moisture Barrier – A material layer placed beneath flooring to prevent moisture from affecting the subfloor.
Moisture Resistance – The ability of a flooring material to resist damage from moisture.
Moisture Vapor Barrier – A material layer placed beneath flooring to prevent moisture from affecting the subfloor.
Mosaic – Small tiles arranged in decorative patterns, often used in showers, backsplashes, and accent walls.
Mudbed – A layer of mortar used to create a level surface for tile installation, often used in showers and wet areas.
N
Nail-Down Installation – A method of installing hardwood flooring where the planks are nailed to the subfloor.
Natural Fibers – Fibers such as wool, jute, or sisal used in carpets and rugs for their eco-friendliness and texture.
Natural Stone – Flooring materials like marble, granite, slate, or travertine.
Newel Post – The main structural post at the bottom or top of a staircase, supporting the handrail.
Niche (Shower Niche) – A recessed shelf built into a shower wall for holding toiletries.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) – A measure of a materialʼs ability to absorb sound.
Nosing – The front edge of a stair tread that overhangs the riser.
O
Overlap Reducer – A molding used to transition between two flooring surfaces of different heights.
Overlap Stair Nose – A molding used to finish the edge of a stair tread where it meets a lower floor.
Overlay – A thin layer of material applied over an existing surface to improve appearance or durability.
P
Overlay – A thin layer of material applied over an existing surface to improve appearance or durability.
Parquet – A geometric pattern of wood flooring, often using small pieces of wood.
Particleboard – An engineered wood product made from wood particles and resin, commonly used in subfloors and underlayment.
Perimeter Adhered – A method of installing carpet where only the edges are glued down.
Plush – A type of carpet with a dense, cut pile for a soft, luxurious feel.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – A synthetic plastic polymer commonly used in flooring materials like vinyl, as it offers durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance.
Porcelain – A type of ceramic tile known for its durability and low water absorption.
Prefab (Prefabricated) – Materials or components manufactured off-site and assembled on-site.
Prefab Shower Pan – A pre-manufactured shower floor designed for easy installation.
Prefinished Flooring – Flooring that has been stained and sealed before installation.
Priming – Applying a preparatory coat before painting or finishing a surface.
Punch List – A list of incomplete or unsatisfactory work that must be addressed before a project is completed.
Q
Quarter Round – A molding, small in size, with the profile of a quarter circle, often used as base molding.
Quarter-Sawn – A method of cutting wood to create a unique grain pattern, often used in hardwood flooring.
Quartz – An engineered stone material for countertops, made from crushed quartz, resin, and pigments.
Quarry Tile – Glazed or unglazed ceramic tile made using an extrusion process, often used in high-traffic areas.
Quotation (Quote) – A formal estimate of the cost of a remodeling or installation project, often broken down into materials, labor, and other expenses.
R
Radiant-Heated Subfloor – A subfloor with built-in heating coils, pipes, or ducts to provide warmth.
Rebond Padding – Eco-friendly carpet padding made from recycled foam scraps.
Recessed Lighting – a light fixture that’s installed into the ceiling, creating a clean, unobtrusive look. It’s also known as downlights or can lights.
Reducer Molding – A molding used to transition between two flooring surfaces of different heights.
Refinish – The process of sanding and reapplying finish to hardwood flooring to restore its appearance.
Remnant – A smaller piece of carpet left over from a previous job, often sold at a discount.
Resilient Floor – Smooth-surfaced flooring made from materials like vinyl, rubber, or linoleum.
Retaining Wall – A wall designed to hold back soil or prevent erosion, often used in landscaping or outdoor remodels.
Rift-Sawn – A method of cutting wood to create a stable, straight grain pattern.
Rotary-Peel – Cut A method of cutting wood veneer for engineered flooring, which can result in cupping or warping.
Rough Cut – The initial cutting of wood or other materials that is not yet smoothed or finished.
Rubber Flooring – Flooring made from natural or synthetic rubber, known for its durability, sound absorption, and comfort underfoot.
S
Schluter Systems – A brand known for its tile installation products, including edge trims, waterproofing membranes, and underlayment systems like Schluter-DITRA.
Scoring – A technique where shallow cuts are made in the flooring material to allow it to bend or fit into a space more easily.
Scribing – The process of marking and cutting materials like countertops or flooring to fit irregular shapes or surfaces.
Sculptured Carpet – Carpet with high and low pile areas to create a textured pattern.
Seagrass – A natural fiber used in eco-friendly carpets and rugs.
Sealant – A protective layer applied to flooring to prevent water, dirt, and other substances from damaging the material.
Sealer – A protective finish applied to tile, stone, or wood to prevent stains and water damage.
Seam – The line where two pieces of sheet flooring are joined.
Self-Leveling – A type of compound that spreads out to form an even surface, used under tile, vinyl, or laminate flooring.
Shag Carpet – A deep-pile carpet with long, cut fibers, popular in the 1970s and making a comeback.
Shoe Base – A narrow molding used to cover the joint between the floor and baseboard, often used in commercial settings.
Sisal – A natural fiber used in durable carpets and rugs.
Solid Surface Countertops – A non-porous, low-maintenance material used for countertops.
Spread Rate – The coverage area of a given amount of adhesive when spread with the recommended trowel.
Stair Nosing – A molding used to finish the edge of a stair tread.
Stair Risers – The vertical board under the tread in a set of stairs.
Stair Treads – The horizontal board that forms the walking portion of a stair.
Strand Woven Bamboo – Bamboo flooring made by weaving and compressing bamboo fibers.
Subfloor – The structural foundation made from cement, plywood, or other materials that provides support beneath a floor covering like hardwood, tile, or laminate.
Substrate – A material that provides a smooth surface under a floor covering, which can refer to subfloors, underlayment, or an existing floor covering beneath a floor.
Synthetic – Man-made carpet fibers, including nylon, polyester, olefin, and Triexta.
T
T-Molding – A molding used to create an expansion space between two floors of the same thickness.
Terrazzo – A flooring material made from marble or stone chips embedded in cement.
Threshold – A molding used to transition between different flooring types or at doorways.
Tile – A floor, wall, countertop, or shower covering made from ceramic, clay, or stone, and typically cut into squares or other geometric shapes.
Tongue and Groove – Laminate or hardwood planks manufactured with a protruding tongue on one side and a corresponding groove on the other. The tongue of one plank fit.
Tub Surround – A waterproof wall system installed around a bathtub to protect against moisture and provide a finished look.
Thinset – A type of mortar used to bond tiles to a substrate, available in modified and unmodified varieties.
U
Underlayment – A layer of material placed between the subfloor and the finished flooring to provide support, insulation, or moisture resistance.
UV Cured Polyurethane – A finish cured by ultraviolet light for quick drying and durability. Installation
V
Vapor Barrier – A material layer that prevents moisture penetration in floors, walls, or ceilings.
Varnish – A finish containing natural or synthetic oils, used to protect wood flooring.
Veneer – A thin layer of fine wood applied to a coarser surface, typically used to improve the appearance of less expensive flooring materials.
Vinyl – A synthetic flooring material made from multiple layers that provide resilience and resistance to scratches, stains, and wear.
W
Wainscoting – Decorative or protective wood paneling on the lower portion of a wall.
Warping – A deformation of flooring materials, causing them to bend or distort due to changes in temperature or humidity.
Waterproof
Flooring materials that are treated or sealed to be resistant to water damage, including certain tiles, laminates, and vinyl products.
Wear Layer
A fabric created by interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle.
Z
Z-Bar – A metal strip used to secure carpet to another type of flooring at a transition point, often at doorways.
