One of the most exciting parts of a remodeling project is choosing the finishes that will bring your new space to life. It’s also the stage where homeowners are often introduced to a whole new vocabulary and industry jargon. Understanding common remodeling terms can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident throughout the design process.
Selections
Selections refers to the products and materials you choose for your project. These items impact the overall look, function, and cost of your renovation.
Examples of selections include:
Cabinetry
Countertops
Flooring
Tile
Plumbing fixtures
Lighting fixtures
Paint colors
Hardware
Finishes
A “finish” is the final visible treatment or appearance of a material or product.
Examples include:
Matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paint finishes
Brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, brass, or bronze plumbing finishes
Stained or painted cabinet finishes
Polished, honed, or leathered stone countertops
Cabinet Overlay
This refers to how cabinet doors sit on the cabinet frame.
Partial Overlay: More of the frame is visible.
Full Overlay: Minimal frame is visible for a cleaner look.
Inset: Doors sit inside the frame for a furniture-style appearance.
Countertop Edge Profile
The edge profile is the shape of the countertop’s exposed edge.
Common profiles include:
Eased Edge
Beveled Edge
Bullnose
Ogee
Backsplash
The backsplash is the material installed on the wall behind countertops to protect against water, grease, and stains while adding visual interest. Backsplashes can be made from extending the countertop partially or fully up the wall behind or by applying a tile.
Grout
Grout is the material used to fill the joints between tiles. Grout color can significantly impact the final appearance of a tile installation.
Tile Layout
The arrangement of tile pieces during installation.
Popular patterns include:
Stacked
Running Bond (Brick Pattern)
Herringbone
Chevron
Basket Weave
LVT and LVP
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): Vinyl flooring designed to resemble tile or stone.
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Vinyl flooring designed to resemble wood planks.
Site Finished, Pre-Finished and Engineered Hardwood
Site finished hardwood is a wood floor that is installed in its raw state and then sanded and stained. This is often done if we are coordinating with existing hardwood in the home. Pre-finished hardwood flooring is stained and finished in the factory allowing for quicker installation. You are limited to the colors that the manufacturer offers and the flooring is ¾” of solid wood flooring. Engineered Hardwood flooring is a thinner material of which the base is a plywood material with a real wood veneer on top. This flooring is also limited to the colors and widths that the manufacturer offers. Engineered flooring typically comes in wider planks than you can get with a site finished or pre-finished hardwood flooring.
Subfloor
A subfloor is what is under your finished floor. This is typically a framed plywood material, but could be concrete as well.
Underlayment
A layer installed beneath flooring that provides support, sound reduction, moisture protection, or a smoother surface.
Hardware
The decorative and functional pieces attached to cabinetry and doors.
A successful remodel is about more than beautiful products—it’s about understanding the decisions behind them. Learning a few common selection and finish terms can make the design process easier, help you communicate more effectively with your remodeling team, and ensure you’re confident in the choices that transform your house into your dream home.
