Professionals use a wide array of terms and jargon in a bathroom remodeling project. Understanding these terms is important to ensure that your renovation meets your vision and functional needs, from different fixtures to various materials used.
This comprehensive glossary of bathroom terminology is an essential guide to familiarize yourself with the key concepts and components of bathroom design. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a seasoned DIY enthusiast, or someone simply looking to enhance their knowledge, this guide helps you about the complex world of bathroom remodeling with confidence.
A
Aerator: A device added to the end of a faucet to mix air into the flowing water, reducing splashing and increasing efficiency.
ADA Compliance: Refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act standards that ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. This can include features like grab bars, wider doorways, and roll-in showers in bathrooms.
Alcove Tub: A bathtub that is installed against three walls and typically requires a wall-mounted or integrated faucet.
Angle Stop: A type of shut-off valve used to control the flow of water to plumbing fixtures like sinks and toilets. It is typically located at the point where the water supply pipe comes out from the wall or floor.
Apron: The decorative front panel of a bathtub, which can also refer to the protective panel on a sink.
B
Backsplash: Material used on the wall behind a sink or bathtub to protect the wall from water damage.
Basin: Another term for the bowl of a bathroom sink.
Bathroom Remodeling: The process of making significant alterations to a bathroom’s existing layout, structure, or functionality.
Bidet: A plumbing fixture used for washing the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus.
Ball Cock: An older term for the toilet fill valve, which controls the flow of water into the toilet tank and is activated by a float mechanism.
Base Cabinet: Lower cabinetry used under sinks or as additional storage in a bathroom. These cabinets support the countertop and provide space for storing toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other essentials.
Bath Mat: A mat placed on the floor of a bathroom to absorb water after a bath or shower, providing a non-slip surface to step onto.
Bathroom Suite: A set of matching bathroom fixtures, including a sink, toilet, and sometimes a bidet or bathtub, designed with a consistent style and material.
Brushed Finish: A type of faucet and fixture finish that has a matte appearance and is textured slightly by brushing, often used for its ability to hide water spots and fingerprints.
Built-in Tub: A bathtub that is installed against a wall and often surrounded by a tiled or solid surface.
Buttress Wall: A support structure or a wall built to reinforce or support the alignment and integrity of bathroom walls, especially in shower installations.
C
Cabinet: A storage unit in a bathroom that can be either wall-mounted or floor-standing. It stores toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials.
Caulk: A waterproof sealing compound used to fill seams where two surfaces meet in the bathroom to prevent water damage.
Ceramic Tile: A popular choice for bathroom floors and walls due to its durability, moisture resistance, and wide range of colors and styles.
Cistern: The tank where water is stored for flushing a toilet. In some designs, the cistern may be integrated with the toilet bowl for a more compact look.
Clawfoot Tub: A freestanding bathtub characterized by four decorative legs that lift the tub off the floor. Clawfoot tubs can add a vintage or traditional look to a bathroom.
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL): A type of light bulb that uses less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs are often used in bathrooms to provide bright, energy-efficient lighting.
Comfort Height Toilet: A toilet designed with a higher seat than standard toilets, typically 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. This height makes it easier for adults to sit down and stand up.
Console Sink: A sink supported by legs, offering a more open, furniture-like appearance.
Corner Sink: A sink designed to fit into the corner of a bathroom to save space.
Countertop: The horizontal work surface in a bathroom, typically made from materials such as granite, marble, quartz, laminate, or tile. Countertops are used around sinks and in vanity areas.
Cross-Handle: A type of handle on faucets and other fixtures characterized by its cross-shape, which may be easier to grip and turn, adding a distinctive style element to the fixture.
Curb: The raised threshold of a shower that keeps water contained within the shower area.
D
Deck Mount Faucet: A faucet that is mounted on the horizontal surface of a sink or bathtub, as opposed to being mounted on the wall.
Decorative Borders: Strips of material, often tiles, used to create a visual boundary or accent within bathroom walls or floors.
Decorative Tiles: Specially designed tiles used to add aesthetic detail to a bathroomโs floors or walls. They can be made of ceramic, glass, stone, or other materials and come in various colors and patterns.
Demisting Mirror: A bathroom mirror with a built-in heating element that prevents the surface from fogging up in a steamy bathroom.
Dimmer Switch: A light switch feature that allows users to adjust the brightness of the lights, creating a customizable lighting atmosphere in the bathroom.
Diverter: A plumbing device that changes the direction of water flow from one outlet to another. Commonly used in showers to switch water flow between a faucet and a showerhead.
Double Vanity: A bathroom vanity that features two sinks and typically has a significant amount of countertop space.
Drain: The outlet or opening through which water exits a sink, bathtub, or shower. It connects to the plumbing system to carry wastewater away.
Drain Assembly: The combination of plumbing parts that allow water to drain from the sink or bathtub.
Drain Trap: A bent pipe fitted under a sink, tub, or shower that retains a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
Drop-In Sink: A sink with a rim or lip that rests on the countertop, making it easy to install and replace. Itโs fitted into a cut-out in the countertop.
Dual-flush Toilet: This type of toilet conserves water by offering two different flush options, one for liquid waste and another for solid waste.
Durability: Refers to the ability of materials and fixtures to withstand the conditions of bathroom environments, including moisture, frequent use, and cleaning chemicals.
E
Elongated Toilet: A toilet with a longer bowl shape compared to standard models, providing extra comfort and better accommodation for adults.
En Suite Bathroom: A bathroom that is directly connected to a bedroom.
Epoxy Grout: A type of grout known for its high strength and resistance to stains and chemicals, commonly used in tile applications in bathrooms.
Escutcheon: A decorative plate that covers the hole in the wall through which a plumbing pipe extends.
Exhaust Fan: A ventilation device installed in bathrooms to expel moist air to the exterior of a building, helping to control humidity and reduce condensation and mold growth.
F
Faucet: A device for delivering water from a plumbing system.
Fixture: Any of various permanent installations in a bathroom, such as sinks, toilets, and tubs.
Flange: A protruding rim or collar used to stabilize and secure a toilet to the floor and connect it to the drainpipe.
Floating Vanity: A wall-mounted bathroom vanity that does not touch the floor, giving the illusion of more space and making it easier to clean the bathroom floor.
Floor Drain: A drain installed on the floor of a bathroom or shower area to evacuate water and prevent pooling.
Fog-Free Mirror: A mirror designed with built-in heating elements or special coatings to prevent condensation from forming on the surface, ideal for use in bathrooms.
Frameless Shower Doors: Shower doors without a metal frame around their edges offer a sleek, modern look that can make a bathroom feel larger and more open.
Freestanding Tub: A tub that stands alone without any walls surrounding it, often becoming the focal point of the bathroom.
Full Bathroom: A bathroom with four primary componentsโa sink, toilet, shower, and bathtubโprovides full facilities for personal hygiene.
G
Glass Shower Doors: Tempered glass doors used in shower enclosures to contain water spray. They can be framed, frameless, or semi-frameless.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A safety device that shuts off an electrical power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as water.
Grab Bars: Safety bars installed in showers, bathtubs, and near toilets to assist with balance and mobility.
Grout: A dense fluid that is used to fill gaps or used as reinforcement in existing structures.
Gully Trap: A plumbing device designed to trap debris and prevent foul gases from rising from the drains into the bathroom.
H
Handheld Shower: A detachable shower head that can be held in the hand for more controlled and versatile bathing.
Herringbone Tile: A pattern of tiles or wood pieces that resembles the bones of a fish such as a herring.
High-Efficiency Toilet (HET): Toilets designed to use significantly less water per flush than standard models, often using no more than 1.28 gallons per flush.
Humidity Sensor: A device that detects the humidity level in the bathroom and can automatically activate an exhaust fan to reduce excessive moisture and condensation.
Hydrotherapy Tub: A bathtub designed to provide therapeutic water massages, equipped with jets that circulate water for soothing muscle and joint pain.
I
Inlet: The point at which water flows into a fixture.
Illuminated Mirror: A bathroom mirror equipped with built-in lighting that provides clear, shadow-free light for grooming tasks.
Impervious Surface: A surface that water cannot penetrate, which is crucial in bathrooms to prevent water damage and mold growth; commonly used for flooring and shower walls.
Integral Sink: A sink and countertop that are formed from a single material, providing a seamless look.
Isolation Valve: A type of valve used to isolate a section of plumbing, allowing for water to be shut off to one fixture without affecting the supply to the entire system.
J
Jacuzzi: A brand name commonly used generically to describe any type of whirlpool bath or hot tub. These baths are equipped with jets that propel water or air to provide a massaging effect.
Jack and Jill Bathroom: A bathroom shared between two bedrooms, with doors entering from each room.
Joint Compound: A material used in wall and ceiling applications, smooth and ready for painting or wallpapering, often used around new fixtures or after major repairs.
J-Trap: Another term for the P-trap in plumbing, which is the curved section of pipe under a sink that keeps a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home through the drain.
Junction Box: An enclosure within the wall used to house wiring connections hidden behind bathroom fixtures such as light fixtures or exhaust fans.
K
Kick Plate: A protective plate applied at the base of a cabinet or door to prevent damage from foot traffic or moisture, commonly used on bathroom vanity cabinets to maintain their integrity and appearance.
Kilowatt Hour (kWh): A unit of energy measurement used to calculate the consumption of electric heaters and other electrical devices in the bathroom, such as underfloor heating systems.
Knee Space: The open space provided under a vanity or counter to accommodate seated users, such as in an ADA-compliant bathroom design, ensuring accessibility for people using wheelchairs.
Knob: A type of handle used on cabinets and drawers in the bathroom. Knobs are usually round or oval and can be made from various materials, including metal, glass, or ceramic, to complement the bathroomโs aesthetic.
L
Laminate: A multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its ability to replicate the look of wood, tile, or stone while offering resistance to moisture and wear.
Lavatory: Another term for bathroom or bathroom sink.
Ledge: A raised surface or shelf within a shower or bathtub area used for storing toiletries such as soap and shampoo.
Ledge Back Faucet: A type of faucet with controls and a spout built into a horizontal ledge parallel to the wall, typically seen in older or traditional bathroom designs.
Lighting: Essential for both functionality and aesthetics in a bathroom. Includes task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. Common fixtures include wall sconces, recessed lighting, and vanity lights.
Limestone: A type of sedimentary rock commonly used as a bathroom tile material. It provides a natural, earthy appearance but requires sealing to prevent staining and water damage.
Linen Closet: A storage closet or cabinet in or near a bathroom used for storing towels, linens, and other bathroom necessities.
Louvered Doors: Doors feature horizontal slats angled to admit light and air but keep out rain, sunlight, and noise. They are often used on bathroom windows or closets for ventilation.
Low-flow Fixtures: Plumbing fixtures designed to use less water than standard fixtures.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): A high-quality vinyl flooring product that replicates the look of natural materials such as stone or wood with enhanced durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for bathroom use.
M
Matte Finish: A non-glossy finish applied to faucets, fixtures, or tiles, offering a contemporary look and resistance to fingerprints and watermarks.
Marble: A natural stone used in bathrooms for countertops, flooring, and wall tiles. Known for its beauty and elegance, marble requires regular maintenance to prevent staining and etching.
Medicine Cabinet: A cabinet typically mounted on the wall above a sink, used for storing medications and other small items.
Minimalist Design: A bathroom design style characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic color palette, focusing on the idea that less is more.
Mirror Defogger: A heating element attached to the back of a bathroom mirror that prevents condensation and fogging during high humidity levels.
Mixer Taps: Faucets that blend hot and cold water together before it exits the faucet.
Moldings: Decorative trim used to enhance the aesthetics of a bathroom space. Commonly applied to the baseboards, around windows, and along the transitions between walls and ceilings.
Mounting Ring: A hardware element used in the installation of vessel sinks, providing stability and elevation for proper drainage.
Monobloc Tap: A type of basin tap that mixes hot and cold water through a single spout with one or two handles to control the temperature and flow.
Mosaic Tiles: Small, often colorful tiles used to create patterns or decorative features on bathroom floors or walls.
Murals: Decorative features painted or applied to large sections of bathroom walls, often creating the illusion of a larger space or adding a unique aesthetic element.
N
Natural Stone: Materials such as marble, granite, slate, and limestone used for countertops, flooring, and wall tiles in bathrooms. Natural stone adds beauty and durability but requires regular maintenance to prevent damage.
Nautical Theme: A popular bathroom design theme characterized by maritime elements such as anchors, ship imagery, navy blue and white color schemes, and rustic wood accents.
Neo-angle Shower: A corner shower with angled doors, designed to save space while providing a larger shower area than traditional square or rectangular stalls.
Niche: A recessed area in the wall of a shower or bathroom, used for storing toiletries and bath products. Niches help maximize space in small bathrooms and provide an organized, clutter-free environment.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): A measure used for materials and products that reduce sound transmission. In bathrooms, it’s applicable to ventilation fans and other fixtures that could contribute to noise levels.
Nominal Size: The approximate measurement of bathroom fixtures and fittings, often used in product descriptions. It may not always match the exact dimensions due to rounding or standardization in manufacturing.
Non-slip Surface: A surface treatment applied to floors and showers to prevent slipping.
No-touch Faucet: A faucet equipped with a sensor that detects hand movement to turn the water flow on and off automatically. This helps reduce water usage and prevents the spread of germs.
O
Offset Sink: A sink configuration where the basin or basins are positioned to one side of the countertop, rather than centered. This can be a design choice or a necessity in bathrooms with limited space.
Onyx: A semiprecious, translucent natural stone often used for countertops, wall tiles, and decorative items in luxury bathrooms. Onyx is prized for its striking appearance but requires careful maintenance.
Opaque Glass: Glass that is frosted or textured to not be see-through, commonly used in bathroom windows or shower enclosures to provide privacy while still allowing light to pass through.
Organizers: Various storage solutions designed for use in bathrooms to help keep essentials like toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies neatly arranged and easily accessible.
Ornate: A style descriptor indicating elaborate or intricate detail, often used for fixtures like faucets, mirrors, or decorative tiles that feature complex patterns or embellishments.
Outlet: The point where water exits from a fixture such as a faucet or showerhead, or where the electrical wiring connects appliances like a bathroom fan.
Oval Bathtub: A type of bathtub with an oval shape, offering a more ergonomic and comfortable bathing experience compared to traditional rectangular tubs. Oval bathtubs are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal.
Overflow: A feature in sinks and bathtubs that prevents flooding by allowing water to drain away if the water level gets too high.
P
Panel Bath: A bathtub that is not freestanding or built into a niche but is instead fitted with decorative panels on its sides.
Pedestal Sink: A sink that stands on a pedestal leg, hiding the plumbing.
Penny Tile: Small, round tiles about the size of a penny used often in bathroom floors for their non-slip texture and aesthetic appeal.
Pivot Shower Door: A shower door that swings open on pivots located at the top and bottom of the frame, an alternative to sliding or hinged doors.
Plinth: A base or platform that supports a column or structure, including bathtubs.
Plumb Line: A line or cord with a weight at one end, used by carpenters and builders to find a vertical reference or ensure structures are level.
Plumbing Trap: A curved section of pipe near a drain designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering the bathroom. The most common type is the P-trap.
Porcelain Enamel: A highly durable, glossy coating that is fused to metal under high temperatures, commonly used for bathtubs and sinks.
Porcelain Tile: A dense, hard tile made from refined clay, highly popular for bathroom floors and walls due to its low water absorption rate and durability.
Powder Room: A small bathroom usually located on the main floor of a home, equipped with only a sink and a toilet, used by guests.
Pressure Balance Valve: A shower and tub valve that maintains water temperature by adjusting the pressure of the hot and cold water inputs, preventing scalding when there is a sudden change in water pressure.
P-trap: A specific type of plumbing trap (mentioned above), characterized by its P-shaped curve, used under sinks, showers, and bathtubs to trap debris and block sewer gases.
Pullman Bath: Another term for a long, narrow bathroom layout, often resembling the compact, efficient style of a train’s bathroom.
Q
Quarter Round: A small, convex molding that is typically used at the junction of a wall and floor. It covers gaps and gives a neat finish to the space where the materials of the wall and floor meet.
Quarry Tile: A type of unglazed tile made from natural clays and shales, providing a naturally rugged texture that is often used in floors. Quarry tiles are very durable and slip-resistant, making them suitable for bathroom flooring.
Quarter-turn Valve: A type of valve that only needs to be turned 90 degrees to open or close.
Quartz: A popular material for bathroom countertops due to its durability and non-porous nature, making it resistant to stains and bacteria. Quartz countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns, mimicking the appearance of natural stone.
Quick Drain: A term sometimes used to describe a fast-moving shower drain system that efficiently handles water flow, reducing the risk of overflow and water damage in the bathroom.
R
Rain Shower Head: A type of showerhead that is larger than traditional models and designed to mimic the feeling of standing in a gentle rain. It delivers a wide, even flow of water.
Recessed Lighting: Lighting fixtures installed into hollow openings in the ceiling.
Refinishing: The process of updating fixtures, such as bathtubs or sinks, by applying a new surface layer. This can involve re-enameling or applying a polymer coating to make old fixtures look brand new.
Relief Tiles: Tiles that feature raised or embossed designs, adding texture and visual interest to bathroom walls or floors.
Return Panels: Glass panels that help enclose a shower or tub area but are fixed at right angles to the main door or enclosure panel, providing additional splash protection and structural stability.
Resin: Often used in the manufacture of bathroom accessories like soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and even some types of solid surface countertops. Resin can be colored and molded into a variety of shapes and finishes.
Rimless Toilet: A toilet design where the traditional rim is removed, allowing for easier cleaning and a more hygienic bathroom environment.
Robe Hook: A hook mounted on the bathroom wall or back of the door for hanging robes or towels, keeping them accessible and off the floor.
Roll-Top Tub: A freestanding bathtub with edges that curve outward, it is often made of cast iron and features a classic, vintage look.
Roman Tub: A large, deep bathtub that allows for full-body immersion. Roman tubs often have sophisticated faucet setups, such as deck-mounted or freestanding faucets.
Rough-In: The preliminary stage of plumbing, electrical, and framing work that needs to be completed before the finishing surfaces (like drywall or tile) are installed.
Runner Rug: A long, narrow rug placed in front of the sink, shower, or tub, providing comfort, protection for the floor, and added aesthetic value.
S
Sanitary Fitting: A term for fixtures such as toilets and bidets, focusing on their function in maintaining hygiene.
Sconce: A type of lighting fixture mounted on a wall, often found on either side of a bathroom mirror, to provide balanced lighting.
Seamless Shower Doors: Glass shower doors designed without metal frames, giving a sleek, modern look and eliminating crevices that can trap soap scum and moisture.
Shaving Mirror: A small, often magnifying mirror used in the bathroom to aid in shaving or applying makeup, sometimes attached to the wall or incorporated into a larger mirror.
Shower Arm: The pipe fixture that connects a wall-mounted showerhead to the water supply in the wall.
Shower Curtain Rod: A rod installed above or around a shower area to hold a shower curtain, which can be straight or curved depending on the shower shape.
Shower Pan: The base of the shower that contains the drain and is designed to catch and direct water to the drain.
Shutoff Valve: A valve that controls water flow to individual fixtures, allowing for water to be turned off locally without affecting the entire system. Essential for bathroom maintenance and emergencies.
Silicone Sealant: A flexible, waterproof adhesive used in bathrooms to seal joints around bathtubs, sinks, and shower units to prevent water leakage.
Single-Hole Faucet: A faucet design that requires only one hole for installation, typically used for smaller sinks or where a minimalist look is desired.
Sink: A basin used for washing hands, face, and other small cleaning tasks. Sinks can vary in style, such as pedestal, vessel, undermount, or drop-in.
Skirting Tile: A tile that is installed along the base of a wall, similar to baseboard but made of ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Slip-Resistant Flooring: Flooring designed with a textured surface or special material to help prevent slips and falls in wet areas like bathrooms.
Soap Dish: A fixture or container mounted or placed near the sink or in the shower to hold bar soap.
Soft Close: A feature on cabinets or toilet seats that allows them to close slowly and quietly, preventing slamming.
Spout: The part of a faucet that directs the flow of water into a sink or bathtub.
Steam Shower: A sealed shower enclosure equipped with a steam generator that produces steam or vapor to create a spa-like steam room experience.
Stone Resin: A composite material used to make bathroom fixtures such as bathtubs and sinks; it combines natural stone with resin for durability and a high-quality finish.
Subway Tile: Rectangular, typically white ceramic tiles traditionally used in subway stations, popular in bathroom designs for their clean, classic look.
T
Tankless Toilet: A toilet that does not use a tank to hold water; instead, it uses a direct supply line that provides water with each flush. Common in commercial settings and increasingly popular in residential homes for their space-saving design.
Teak: A type of hardwood often used in bathroom furniture and shower floors because of its durability and resistance to moisture.
Terra Cotta: A type of clay used to make ceramic tiles, known for its rustic, earthy color and texture.
Thermostatic Shower Valve: A valve that maintains water temperature by automatically adjusting the mix of hot and cold water, ensuring consistent shower temperatures and preventing scalding.
Tile: A durable and moisture-resistant material commonly used for bathroom floors and walls. Tiles can be ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass.
Toilet: A plumbing fixture used for the disposal of human waste. Toilets come in various designs, including two-piece, one-piece, wall-mounted, and smart toilets.
Toilet Flange: A pipe fitting that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe.
Toilet Brush Holder: A container in which a toilet brush is stored discreetly next to the toilet.
Toilet Paper Holder: A fixture for holding a roll of toilet paper, typically mounted within easy reach of the toilet.
Towel Warmer: A device that heats towels to provide a warm towel after a bath or shower; can be built into the wall or freestanding.
Towel Rack: A bar or series of bars mounted on a wall or standing on the floor for hanging towels to dry.
Towel Rail: A horizontal bar mounted on the wall for hanging towels.
Transom Window: A small window placed above a door or larger window, used in bathrooms for additional light and ventilation without compromising privacy.
Trim: The decorative elements that frame or finish the edges of tiles, fixtures, or other bathroom features.
Trough Sink: A long, narrow sink that can accommodate multiple faucets, often used in commercial settings or large family bathrooms.
Trowel: A tool used to apply adhesive during tile installation, it is available in various sizes and styles to match the specific type of tile adhesive being used.
Tub: A large container used for bathing. Depending on the design and therapeutic features, tubs can be freestanding, built-in, soaking, whirlpool, or air tubs.
Tumbler Holder: A bracket or receptacle that holds a tumbler used for rinsing or storing bathroom accessories, typically mounted near the sink.
Tub Surround: The area around a bathtub can be tiled or covered with a waterproof material to protect the walls from water.
U
Ultra-low Flush Toilet: A type of toilet designed to use significantly less water per flush than standard models, usually using 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less. These are part of the broader trend towards more environmentally friendly bathroom fixtures.
Undermount Sink: A sink mounted underneath a countertop to provide a seamless look and make the counter easier to clean.
Underfloor Heating: A heating system installed beneath the floor of a bathroom, providing radiant heat and making the floor warm to the touch. This system is highly effective in bathrooms, where tile floors can otherwise be cold.
Universal Design: A design philosophy that aims to make bathroom spaces accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, disability, or other factors, without the need for adaptation. Universal design features might include walk-in showers, wider doorways, and grab bars.
Uplight: Lighting fixtures placed or designed to direct light upward, typically used to create a soft ambient light that reflects off the ceiling and illuminates a room indirectly.
Urinal: A plumbing fixture commonly found in public or commercial restrooms but occasionally installed in private homes for added convenience and water efficiency. Urinals are designed for urine disposal by males standing up.
Utility Sink: A large sink used for general washing purposes, often installed in laundry rooms or garages but sometimes found in large bathrooms.
V
Valve: A device that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.
Vanity: A cabinet that includes a sink and provides storage space; the central fixture in many bathrooms.
Vent Fan: An electric ventilation fan in bathrooms used to expel moist air to the outside, preventing mold and mildew.
Vessel Sink: A modern-style sink that sits on top of the countertop, resembling a bowl or vessel.
Vitreous China: A ceramic material coated with a glaze, providing a shiny, durable finish that is commonly used for toilets and bathroom sinks.
Volume Control: A valve that controls the flow of water in a shower or tub, allowing users to adjust the water volume independently from the temperature.
W
Wainscoting: Wooden paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a bathroom, providing both aesthetic appeal and protection from moisture and wear.
Walk-In Shower: A shower that is level with the floor without a step or raised lip, which enhances accessibility and creates a sleek, modern look.
Wall-hung toilet: This type of toilet has the bowl and tank mounted directly to the wall, with the plumbing concealed inside the wall. This saves floor space and makes cleaning easier.
Wall-Mounted Faucet: A faucet that is attached directly to the wall above the sink, rather than mounted on the countertop or sink itself. This can free up counter space and streamline cleaning.
Walk-in Shower: A shower that is level with the floor without the need for a step or raised lip, enhancing accessibility.
Washstand: A freestanding piece of furniture that holds a washbasin and offers a stylish alternative to traditional vanities.
Water Closet: Another term for a toilet, specifically referring to the area or room that contains the toilet, typically separated from the rest of the bathroom for privacy.
Water Efficiency: The practice of designing fixtures and systems to use the minimum amount of water necessary to achieve their function, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.
Waterproofing: A critical process in bathroom construction involving the application of materials and methods to prevent water damage to walls, floors, and building structures.
Wet Room: An open bathroom layout where the shower is not enclosed by a curtain or doors, and the entire room is designed to handle moisture with waterproof surfaces.
Whirlpool Tub: A bathtub equipped with jets that circulate water to provide a massaging effect. These tubs are often used for therapeutic purposes and relaxation.
X
Xeriscaping: Although not commonly associated directly with bathrooms, xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water. In bathroom contexts, it could metaphorically apply to designs that minimize water usage.
Y
Y-Joint: A plumbing connection in the shape of a “Y” that allows one pipe to split into two separate paths, commonly used in drain systems.
Yoke: A part that can refer to a stabilizing bar that holds twin faucets in a widespread installation, helping to maintain their alignment and spacing.
Z
Zero-Threshold Shower: Another term for a walk-in shower with no step or lip at the entrance, making it accessible for wheelchairs and reducing trip hazards.
Zinc: Often used as a material for bathroom accessories, such as handles, knobs, and other hardware. Zinc is valued for its corrosion resistance and durability.
Conclusion
Bathroom remodeling has a specialized vocabulary used in the industry. Accustomed to the glossary of bathroom terminology, it is easier to understand the details of your bathroom remodeling project, communicate effectively with professionals, and make informed decisions. This knowledge empowers you to oversee the transformation of your space and ensures that the final result aligns perfectly with your expectations.
Remember, a well-informed homeowner is the key to a successful and smooth bathroom renovation experience. Use this glossary as a reference tool throughout your project to keep you informed and in control from start to finish.
