The Homeplans Glossary

Definitions are provided for informational purposes only.

Laminate
A thin, hard, durable plastic material used as a surface for counter tops. Frequently known as Formica, one of several brands.

Laminate Flooring
A synthetic flooring material sold under several trade names. Hardboard strips, surfaced with laminate to simulate wood or other flooring materials.

Lap Siding
See clapboard.

Lath
A thin narrow strip of wood. Laths were formerly nailed to the studs and joists to form the base for plaster or cement. Wood lathing has been replaced by various materials which serve the same purpose, but lath is still used for shimming and similar applications.

Latex Paint
See paint.

Light
(Architecturally) a window, a window pane, a skylight, etc., which allows light to enter.

Lintel
See girder.

Mansard
A style of roof with two slopes on each side. The lower portion has a very steep pitch, sometimes almost vertical, while the upper portion has a low pitch or is nearly flat.

Membrane
Membranes are coatings, or layers of material which prevent the passage of moisture or vapor. There are many types: a coating of tar on the outside of the foundation to make it waterproof; alternating layers of roofing felt and tar to form a "built up" roof; polyethylene or other) sheeting used to cover the earth in a crawl space, or under a concrete slab.

Molding
Decorative strips which are used to finish edges, hide seams, add decorative details, and other finishing applications.Generally of wood, but plastic moldings are becoming more common. There are dozens of different types of moldings -- baseboard, window/door casing, 1/4 round, etc.

Mullions
The upright areas between two windows or doors. Narrow dividers, usually finished with a molding.

Nosing
Generally refers to any finished edge of a board or other material which projects beyond the surrounding surface, such as the front edge of a stair tread, certain types of moldings, etc.

On-Center
The standard method of specifying the distance between framing members. The center-to-center distance between one joist (stud, rafter, etc.) and the next.

Paint
Paints are coatings which are applied as liquid and which dry, or cure, to form a hard, surface. They are a mixture of pigments, a binding material, and, usually, a solvent. Oil-based paints are made with modified linseed or other organic oils and are thinned with mineral spirits. Water-based paints are made with synthetic latex (vinyl, acrylic, not the natural latex from rubber trees) and are thinned with water.

Particle Board
A medium density sheet material made from coarse sawdust and synthetic resin. It is relatively dimensionally stable, and is used for kitchen cabinets, vanities, counter tops, knock-down furniture, and in many other applications.

Party Wall
A common fence or wall between properties, such as in a condominium.

Perc (Percolation) Test
A test used to determine the rate at which water can be absorbed into the ground. This test is required for septic systems.

Piers
Piers are columns which support parts (or all) of the house. Usually concrete or other masonry. Piers may be used as the foundation, or instead of, or in conjunction with, a full foundation.

Pitch
The angle of a roof, see roof pitch.

Pitch
An old term for tar, asphalt, etc.

Plasterboard
See wallboard.

Plates
The framing members at the top and bottom of a wall to which the studs are attached.In some areas the bottom plate is called a shoe, and the top plate is simply called a plate.

Plywood
Structural sheets made from thin layers of wood. Plywood, because the layers are laminated with the grain at right angles to each other, is a strong, dimensionally stable material.

Pocket
A recess in a wall. A pocket door, for example, would slide into a wall pocket.

Rafters
The framing members for the roof. The "roof beams".

R-Factor, R-Value
A standard measure of insulation efficiency. The higher the number, the better the insulation.

Reflective Glass
Window glass with a very thin, transparent metallic coating on the outside. The coating, because it reflects light and radiant heat, helps keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Ridge
The highest point on a roof. The beam to which the rafters are nailed.

Riser
The vertical distance between treads (steps) of a staircase. Also the name of the vertical boards between the treads.

Roof Paper
See building paper.

Roof Pitch
Refers to the angle of a roof. Almost always specified as the amount of vertical rise per unit of horizontal run. For example, 4-12, 4/12, or 4 on 12,all mean that for each horizontal foot, the roof rises 4 inches.

Rough
In general, anything referring to the framing or other subsurface work. For example, the 'rough' opening, as opposed to the finished size of a door or window; the first rough coat of plaster, before the finish coat is applied.