Glossary of Terms Used By Local Shower and Bathtub Companies

<div class=article-entry><img alt= class=attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image height=563 loading=lazy sizes=(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px src=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Bathroom-Rebuild-Portola-Valley-RGB.jpg srcset=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Bathroom-Rebuild-Portola-Valley-RGB.jpg 900w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Bathroom-Rebuild-Portola-Valley-RGB-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/Bathroom-Rebuild-Portola-Valley-RGB-768x480.jpg 768w width=900/><div class=featured-caption></div>acrylic A mid-range bathtub and shower material, more expensive and durable than fiberglass, moldable, with a glassy look. Not the same as a gel coat.ADA tub A tub that satisfies the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with special features such as additional safety handles, safety grab bars, shower seats, walk-in capabilities and other safety and accessibility features.Also known as: safety tub, walk-in tub, step-in shower, handicap bathtub, rehabilitation bathtubalcove tub A standard built-in bathtub-shower combination, recessed, with walls on three sides.Also known as: 3-wall alcovebuilt-in tub The most common bathtub style, in which the tub is surrounded by walls on two or three sides, and/or built down into the floor. cast iron tub A metal bathtub cast over a mold and typically coated with enamel. A highly durable, though expensive, variety of bathtub, often found in freestanding style.clawfoot tub A kind of freestanding bathtub, popular in the mid-1800s, with an old-fashioned flavor, that features a clawfoot leg design. Typically cast-iron, or steel with a white porcelain finish.corner tub A drop-in deck mounted bathtub that fits into a corner.cultured marble A solid surface material made of stone dust mixed with resins, aesthetically pleasing and more expensive, but higher maintenance and easily damaged. Marble tends to yellow over time and stains easily.drop-in tub A built-in bathtub built down into the floor and supported by a frame. A tub that you have to step down into rather climb up into. Drop-in tubs typically do not come in shower-combo form.enamel An opaque seal applied over metal bathtub and shower fixtures, such as a cast iron tub.freestanding tub Bathtubs that are unattached, not supported by an external frame or enclosed by walls. Faucets are typically mounted on the side of the bathtub, but can also be wall or floor mounted.fiberglass An inexpensive bathtub and shower material, fiberglass is also lightweight and low maintenance. However, finish options are limited, and it is less durable than most other bathtub and shower options.gel coat A thin material used to finish a fiberglass base on tubs, showers, and walls. A worn out gel coat can cause the base item to stain.GPM A measurement of the flow of water through a faucet or showerhead in gallons per minute.Greek tub A soaking tub that is shorter in length than a Roman bathtub, but allows a person to soak up to the neck while in an upright sitting position, rather than a laying position.grout A porous material made of cement and sand used to fill the seams between tile. Porous nature can allow mold and mildew to form.handshower A showerhead design in which the head is connected to a flexible hose and allows greater range and distribution of the water flow.Jacuzzi A brand name of whirlpool tubs, not a designation of a specific style of whirlpool tub.lining A sheet of PVC plastic or acrylic molded to the shape of a bathtub or shower, then glued and sealed. More expensive than refinishing, but can dramatically change the appearance of your bathtub or shower fixture through features such as handles or shelving.pedestal tub A freestanding bathtub with no feet, but rather set directly on an oval base, or pedestal. Faucets are typically installed on the floor or wall. Simpler to install, but more expensive and less common, and may feature fewer customizable options.porcelain on steel tub A bathtub with a steel base coated with white ceramic. Very durable, but less durable than cast iron.porcelain A white ceramic material fired at a high temperature and used as a surface layer on many metal fixtures.porous and non-porous Terms referring to the penetrability of the surface of a fixture. A porous material has tiny holes, and is susceptible to mold, mildew, and stains. Non-porous materials are solid and are not susceptible to mold, mildew, or stains.pressure balance valve A shower valve that regulates fluctuations in pressure between the hot and cold water supplies to maintain a constant temperature in the water flow, though pressure may vary.refinishing Painting and sealing a bathtub, shower base, or tile area. Can restore a like-new appearance in the short term, but the paint tends to wear and chip over time. Cheaper but less effective than lining a fixture.Also known as: Reglazing, ceramic tile refinishing, resurfacing.Roman tub Taking from ancient Roman bathtub design, a soaking tub that is longer and sunk slightly into the floor.shower pan In a shower-only fixture, the base through which the water drains.Also known as: shower baseskirt On some bathtubs, the frontal area between the top rim of the tub, the wall, and the floor.soaking tub A deeper bathtub, meant to allow a person to soak their entire body. Typically does not come in a shower-combo option.wall surround A term describing the exposed walled area that surrounds a tub or shower base. The “wet” wall space inside a tub or shower enclosure.whirlpool tub A bathtub that circulates water through jets to provide the sensation of a massage. Good for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Because of their electrical components, including an electric pump and timer, installation is more complex. Typically found in alcove or drop-in tub form and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.wooden bathtub A unique and more expensive bathtub material, aesthetically pleasing and often highly customizable. Also, wood may warp or crack over time. Can be stained, sealed, or painted. Can be covered with clear fiberglass to increase lifespan.</div>