There may be many words that we use in construction that you may not know. Below is a list of words and their definition:
Check back frequently! The list will be updated regularly.
1 x 2- piece of lumber originally cut at 1”x 2” but is now measured at ¾” x 1 ½”
2 x 2- piece of lumber originally cut at 2”x 2” but is now measured at 1 ½”x 1 ½”
2 x 4- a piece of lumber originally cut at 2”x4” but is now measured at 1 ½”x 3 ½”
2 x 6- of lumber originally cut at 2”x 6” but is now measured at 1 1/2” x 5 ½”
2×4-a board that was originally designed to be 2’’ thick and 4’’ wide. In current times a 2×4 is 1 ½’’ thick and 3 ½’’ wide.
45 Degree Angle-an angle half of a 90 degree angle
5-in-1- The basic functions: Originally a painter’s tool used for 5 different things: Spreader, scraper, putty knife, crack-patcher, and paint remover. It can also be used as a chisel, pick and a paint roll cleaner (squeegee). Small enough to carry in your pocket and is very handy.
80 grit sandpaper- Sandpaper is referred to by the size of its grit (i.e. 150-grit sandpaper). 80-120, Medium, Smoothing of the surface, removing smaller imperfections and marks.
Accents- a detail that is emphasized by contrasting with its surroundings: a room decorated in navy blue with two red vases as accents.
Adhere- Adhesion is the tendency of dissimilar particles and/or surfaces to cling to one another
Aerator- a device for introducing air into a bin of wheat or other grain in order to prevent the accumulation of moisture, keeping it free of fungi and insects
Angle-a degree of measurement used to measure the distance of corners
Anode Rod- Anode Rod helps to extend the life of a water heater by attracting corrosive elements in the water and protecting the tank
Appliances- household machines, using electricity or some other energy input
Arch- a curved masonry construction for spanning an opening, consisting of a number of wedge like stones, bricks, or the like, set with the narrower side toward the opening in such a way that forces on the arch are transmitted as vertical or oblique stresses on either side of the opening.
Art Deco- a style of decorative art developed originally in the 1920s with a revival in the 1960s, marked chiefly by geometric motifs, curvilinear forms, sharply defined outlines, often bold colors, and the use of synthetic materials, as plastics.
Astroturf- a brand of carpet like covering made of vinyl and nylon to resemble turf, used for athletic fields, patios, etc.
Baby-Proof- the act of making an environment or object relatively safe for children. The act of childproofing reduces risks to a level considered acceptable by a society, an institution, or, for example, to specific parents. Childproofing may include restriction of children to safe areas or preventing children from reaching unsafe areas. This can be accomplished by the parent, or by hiring a professional for assistance.
Balance- a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
Barrel- the tube of a gun.
Base- the bottom support of anything; that on which a thing stands or rests: a metal base for the table.
Belt sand- A belt sander is a machine used to sand down wood and other materials for finishing purposes. It consists of an electrical motor that turns a pair of drums on which a seamless loop of sand paper is mounted.
Blade- the flat cutting part of a sword, knife, etc.
Blower-a tool used to blow
Blue Tape- a color of masking tape that is supposed to be less harsh on existing dry paint
Brand- a mark made by burning or otherwise, to indicate kind, grade, make, ownership, etc.
Broom- A broom is a cleaning tool consisting of stiff fibers attached to, and roughly parallel to, a cylindrical handle, the broomstick. It is commonly used in combination with a dustpan.
Bucket- A bucket, also called a pail, is typically a watertight, vertical cylinder or truncated cone, with an open top and a flat bottom, usually attached to a semicircular carrying handle called the bail. A pail can have an open top or can have a lid.
Cabinets- the built-in furniture installed in many kitchens for storage of food, cooking equipment, and often silverware and dishes for table service. Appliances such as refrigerators,dishwashers, and ovens are often integrated into kitchen cabinetry.
Candlescape-a landscape made with candles
Canvas- a closely woven, heavy cloth of cotton, hemp, or linen, used for tents, sails, etc.
Carbon Monoxide Detector- a carbon dioxide sensor or carbon monoxide sensor in order to detect extremely dangerous products of combustion.
Caulk Gun- A hand tool used to dispense caulk through a nozzle from a caulk cartridge. Most caulking guns are shells that hold a caulk tube and allow pressure to be controlled by the user through a trigger-like handle.
Caulk- A waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs. It provides an airtight, watertight, or non-porous seal. The seal is used to prevent something, such as air, water, gas, liquid, or steam, from entering or escaping. Caulk is both a material and an action. To caulk means to apply a caulking material.
Ceiling Fan-a mechanical object mounted on the ceiling used to move air
Cement backer board- a wall board used primarily in showers and exteriors made from cement and used as a waterproofing
Centerpiece-usually a decorative piece (focal point) of an object
Centimeter- one 100th of a meter, equivalent to 0.3937 inch. Abbreviation: cm
Check back frequently! The list will be updated regularly.
City Code- Codes adopted by a city to insure building quality. Enforced by inspectors.
City Limits- the limits of the area occupied by a city or town in which the area is being under the control of the municipal corporation or agency that constitutes the city government. Look for signs posted on major freeways, highways and arterial roads indicating which city limits you are currently in.
Clean edge- a straight smooth edge
Coat (2nd coat or coat the board with paint)-when something has been fully covered
Collage- a technique of composing a work of art by pasting on a single surface various materials not normally associated with one another, as newspaper clippings, parts of photographs, theater tickets, and fragments of an envelope.
Compressor- a pump or other machine for reducing volume and increasing pressure of gases in order to condense the gases, drive pneumatically powered machinery, etc.
concrete- a mixture of cement and aggregate mixed with water
Cons- A disadvantage. People often think about the pros and cons of something before making a decision.
Consistency-the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.
Corrosion-
a process in which a solid, especially a metal, is eaten away and changed by a chemical action, as in the oxidation of iron in the presence of water by an electrolytic process
Craftsmanship-the ability to build or develop something of high quality
Cross-thread-happens when you do not screw something in straight
Cure-the drying time of something
Curtain Rod-a rod used to hang a curtain
Debris-miscellaneous pieces usually considered trash
Decorate-to furnish or adorn with something ornamental or becoming; embellish: to decorate walls with murals.
Defect- a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection:
Dewalt-a name brand of tool
Diagonal-
extending from one edge of a solid figure to an opposite edge, as a plane.
Dip Tube- the plastic inlet tube in your water heater that brings the cold water into the bottom of the water heater
Dishwasher- A machine for washing dishes automatically.
Distance- the extent or amount of space between two things, points, lines, etc.
DIY- short for do-it-yourself
Dog ear- to cut the corners of a board to resemble a dog’s ear
Drill bit set-a set of bits made to go on a drill
Drive (like drive a screw)-to send, expel, or otherwise cause to move by force or compulsion: to drive away the flies; to drive back an attacking army; to drive a person to desperation.
Duct Tape- a strongly adhesive silver-gray cloth tape, used in plumbing, household repairs, etc.
Durability- able to resist wear, decay, etc., well; lasting; enduring
Dustpan- A dustpan is a cleaning utensil (also known as Dustpan and brush (UK)), commonly used in combination with a broom. The dustpan may appear to be a type of flat scoop. It is often hand held for home use, but industrial and commercial enterprises often use a hinged variety on the end of a stick to prevent the user from constantly stooping to use it.
Electrical Panel- a component of an electricity supply system which divides an electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits, while providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit, in a common enclosure. Normally, a main switch, and in recent boards, one or more Residual-current devices (RCD) or Residual Current Breakers with Over current protection (RCBO), will also be incorporated.
Electrical Tape- is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other material that conduct electricity.
Embroider- to decorate with ornamental needlework.
Energy Efficient- the goal of efforts to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services
Erode- to eat into or away; destroy by slow consumption or disintegration
Escutcheon-a plate or shield that surrounds a keyhole, door handle, light switch, etc, especially an ornament alone protecting a door or wall surface
Evaporate- to change from a liquid or solid state into vapor; pass off in vapor.
Exposure- presentation to view, especially in an open or public manner:His exposure of his anger shocked the company.
Extension chord- a chord used to transmit electricity
Extraction-to remove
Fasten- to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.
Fasteners- restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
Flat Head Screwdriver-A screwdriver with a flat tip. Sometimes called a slotted screwdriver or flat blade screwdriver. A flathead screwdriver has a single blade whereas a Phillips screwdriver has two blades in the shape of a cross. A flat head screwdriver is used for slotted screws.
Float- the act of smoothing concrete floors where you use an aluminum trowel that causes the water in the concrete to float to the surface making it smooth
Floral tape-a tape used to tape the stems of flowers, etc.
Floral wire-a wire used to tie flowers to something
Frame- a border or case for enclosing a picture, mirror, etc.
Galvanized Tin- Galvanized metal is steel with a thin coating of zinc oxide
Game room- a room used for recreation, especially for table games.
Garbage Disposal- a kitchen appliance for disposing of garbage
Gauge- to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.
General Contractor- A general contractor is a group or individual that contracts with another organization or individual (the owner) for the construction, renovation or demolition of a building, road or other structure. A general contractor oversees the project.
Glaze- to cover with a smooth, glossy surface or coating.
Glidden-a name brand of paint often bought from Home Depot
Grain-a material or finish that imitates the natural grain of wood in pattern, color, and sometimes texture.
Grip- the act of grasping; a seizing and holding fast; firm grasp.
Grout float-a tool used to apply and squeegee grout
Grout Scraper- A manual tool for removal of old and discolored grout. The blade is usually composed of tungsten carbide
Grout Sealer-a chemical that prevents stains from getting into grout joints
Grout sponge-a sponge used to wipe up grout
Grout- A construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints (like those between tiles). Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel (if it is being used to fill the cores of cement blocks). It is applied as a thick liquid and hardens over time, much like mortar.
Grout/ Grout Joints-a combination of Portland Cement, sand, polymer and colorant mixed with water to fill a gap which could be called a joint
Hammer- A tool with a heavy metal head mounted at right angles at the end of a handle, used for jobs such as breaking things and driving in nails. The back part of the hammer that uses leverage to remove nails is called the ‘claw’ and the ‘face’ is the front of the hammer used to drive nails.
Hammer drill- A power drill that works by delivering a rapid succession of blows, used chiefly for drilling in masonry or rock
Hard Water- water that contains magnesium, calcium, or iron salts and therefore forms a soap lather with difficulty.
Haze- an aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors.
Heating Element- the element inside of a water heater that heats the water
Height- distance upward from a given level to a fixed point: the height from the ground to the first floor; the height of an animal at the shoulder.
Hinge Pin-the pin that allows the hinge to pivot
Hinge- a jointed device or flexible piece on which a door, gate, shutter, lid, or other attached part turns, swings, or moves.
Hinge-hardware used as the pivot point for doors
Horizontal- at right angles to the vertical; parallel to level ground.
Horsepower- a foot-pound-second unit of power, equivalent to 550 foot-pounds per second, or 745.7 watts.
Impurities- Often, impurities. something that is or makes impure: After the flood the authorities warned against impurities in the drinking water.
Indention- the blank space left by indenting.
Insulation- added to buildings for comfort and energy efficiency
Jamb- either of the vertical sides of a doorway, arch, window, or other opening.
Jamb- either of the vertical sides of a doorway, arch, window, or other opening.
Jig saw- Also, jig saw. an electric machine saw with a narrow blade mounted vertically in a frame, for cutting curves or other difficult lines or patterns.
Ladder- a structure of wood, metal, or rope, commonly consisting of two sidepieces between which a series of bars or rungs are set at suitable distances, forming a means of climbing up or down.
Latch- a device for holding a door, gate, or the like, closed, consisting basically of a bar falling or sliding into a catch, groove, hole, etc.
Latches- a type of door or window fastener
LED light- A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices, and are increasingly used for lighting, even in televisions.
Length- the longest extent of anything as measured from end to end:the length of a river.
Lever- a rigid bar that pivots about one point and that is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third. Compare machine
Leverage- the action of a lever, a rigid bar that pivots about one point and that is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third.
License- A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade. Many contractors often need a license to practice their line of work.
Light Bulb- an electric light.
Light Fixture- a fixture for the distribution and use of light in a building
Liquid Glass-a 2 part epoxy that when mixed dries hard and clear like glass
Liquid Nails- an adhesive in a tube primarily used for construction
Lubricant-a grease that reduces friction
Maintenance- care or upkeep, as of machinery or property:
Maintenance- care or upkeep, as of machinery or property: With proper maintenance the car will last for many years.
Makita- Makita Corporation is a Japanese power tool company founded in 1915, and based inAnjō,Japan. Makita is a manufacturer of professional and consumer power tools.
Man cave- a room or other area in a home that is primarily a male sanctuary, designed and furnished to accommodate the man’s recreational activities, hobbies, etc.: The basement is my husband’s mancave—during football season, you can usually find him down there watching the game with his buddies on the big-screen TV.
Manufacturer- The maker or developer of a product
Margin trowel-a tool used to mix or spread concrete. Usually about 2’’ wide
Mark (like mark a measurement)-a visible impression or trace on something, as a line, cut, dent, stain, or bruise: a small mark on his arm.
Masking Tape-tape used to make straight lines as to not let paint bleed into the taped area
Masonry-another word for concrete/cement/rock
Mastic- any of various preparations containing bituminous materials and used as an adhesive or seal.
Micro-Fiber Cloth- refers to synthetic fibers (fiber) that measure less than one denier. The shape, size and combinations of synthetic fibers are selected for specific characteristics, including: softness, durability, absorption, wicking abilities, water repellency, electrodynamics, and filtering capabilities.
Milwaukee- The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is a manufacturer of heavy-duty portable electric power tools and accessories. Originally started inMilwaukee,Wisconsin, it is now owned by a company inHong Kong, although they are headquartered and operate inWisconsinandMississippi.
Mineral spirits- a volatile distillation product of petroleum, used as a thinner for paints and varnishes. Compare naphtha ( def. 1 )
Miter saw- a backsaw used for cutting miters.
Model - a representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of something.
Mosaic- something resembling such a picture or decoration in composition, especially in being made up of diverse elements
Mural- a large picture painted or affixed directly on a wall or ceiling.
Nails- a slender, typically rod-shaped rigid piece of metal, usually in any of numerous standard lengths from a fraction of an inch to several inches and having one end pointed and the other enlarged and flattened, for hammering into or through wood, other building materials, etc., as used in building, in fastening, or in holding separate pieces together.
Nipping-to cut or remove a small piece of something
notch- an angular or V -shaped cut, indentation, or slit in an object, surface, or edge.
Outlets/Sockets- devices for removably connecting electrically operated devices to the power supply.
Overflow Pan- a pan that goes under a water heater to catch water that may overflow
Overspray-when wind carries paint particles that settle onto an indirect object
Owner’s Manual- a book explaining a products usage
Paint Brushes- A brush for applying paint. Paint brushes come in different sizes, textures, materials, etc depending on the type of job you need to accomplish.
Paint Stripper-a chemical compound that breaks down paints adhesion in order to remove the paint from its surface
Paint Thinner-a liquid chemical that can be added to certain paints to thin the paint
Penetrate-to puncture
Pennant- a long, tapering flag or burgee of distinctive form and special significance, borne on naval or other vessels and used in signaling or for identification.
Permit- An official document giving someone authorization to do something. The work done should also be inspected at completion in accordance with the permit.
Perpendicular- vertical; straight up and down; upright
Phillips Screwdriver-A screw driver that has a cross head
Plant Shelf-a shelf designed to hold plants
Pliers- Pincers with parallel, flat, and typically serrated surfaces, used chiefly for gripping small objects or bending wire
Plumber-a professional who works on pipes, gas lines etc.
Plumbing Fixture- a fixture for the distribution and use of water in a building
Pointer-a margin trowel for tile
Polish-the action of scrubbing something in circular motions in order to get them very clean.
posts- a strong piece of timber, metal, or the like, set upright as a support, a point of attachment, a place for displaying notices, etc.
Primer-an undercoat for paint. Used to help adhesion and coverage of paint
Professional- A person competent or skilled in a particular activity. Often times they have a degree in their field, a license or some other certification of their experience and get paid for the work they do.
Pros- in favor of a proposition, opinion, etc. Pros are the good points of the debate at hand.
Prybar- A crowbar, a wrecking bar, pry bar, or prybar, or sometimes (in British usage) a prise bar or prisebar, and more informally a jimmy, jimmy bar,[citation needed] jemmy or gooseneck is a tool consisting of a metal bar with a single curved end and flattened points, often with a small fissure on one or both ends for removing nails. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, “crowbar” may occasionally be used loosely for this tool, but is more commonly[citation needed] used to mean a larger straight tool (see spud bar). The term jemmy or jimmy (named for afictional burglar) most often refers to the tool when used for burglary.
Puncture-to slice or penetrate
Putty knife- a tool for puttying, having a broad flexible blade.
Quarter Inch- ¼”-a measurement in which there are four equal parts in an inch
Rags- a worthless piece of cloth, especially one that is torn or worn.
Reinforcement- a term in operant conditioning and behavior analysis for the process of increasing the rate or probability of a behavior (e.g., pulling a lever more frequently) in the form of a “response” by the delivery or emergence of a stimulus (e.g. a candy) immediately or shortly after performing the behavior.
Reliability- the ability to be relied on or depended on, as for accuracy, honesty, or achievement.
Reset Button-a button that is used to re start a product
Re-Silver or Silvering-a reflective coating on the back of a mirror that makes it reflect
Respirator
Reveal- to make known; disclose; divulge, the shown gapping
Rip- to cut or tear apart in a rough or vigorous manner: to rip open a seam; to rip up a sheet
Router- any of various tools or machines for routing, hollowing out, or furrowing.
Rust- Also called iron rust. The red or orange coating that form son the surface of iron when exposed to air and moisture, consisting chiefly of ferric hydroxide and ferric oxide form med by oxidation.
Sashes- a long band or scarf worn over one shoulder or around the waist, as by military officers as a part of the uniform or by women and children for ornament.
Sawdust- small particles of wood produced in sawing.
Schluter systems- a waterproofing kit used primarily in showers to prevent water penetration
Scotch pad-a cleaning pad with a rough wire feel used to remove stuck on debris
Scraper (plastic or…)-a tool used to scrape paint off of its surface. Usually has a flat wide blade
Screw Gun- A screw gun is a tool used to install sheetrock, also known as drywall. Screw guns look like a normal drill although they have a “nose” as opposed to a chuck. The nose holds an interchangeable shank bit, commonly known as a tip. Most commonly used is a #2 phillips.
Screws- a metal fastener having a tapered shank with a helical thread, and topped with a slotted head, driven into wood or the like by rotating, especially by means of a screwdriver.
Secure- being protected against danger or loss
Sediment- debris and particles often found in water
Serial Number- a number, usually one of a series, assigned for identification: the serial number of an automobile engine.
Sew- to join or attach by stitches.
Shadow Box- a shallow, rectangular frame fronted with a glass panel, used to show and at the same time protect items on display, as paintings, coins, or jewelry.
Shop Vac-a vacuum used more for shop use
Shower pan-a flexible or ridged pan used in the bottom of a shower to catch water and send it to a drain
Silicon- A sealant which is used by plumbers to create a water tight seal between a bath and a wall or to seal a shower enclosure.
Silicone- resinous, rubbery, extremely stable in high temperatures, and water-repellent: used as adhesives, lubricants,and hydraulic oils and in electrical insulation, cosmetics, etc.
Skill saw- a name brand power saw for cutting
Measure- the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions, or quantity of something; measurement.
Skill saw-an electric hand saw
Smoke Detector- a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial, industrial, and mass residential devices issue a signal to a fire alarm system, while household detectors, known as smoke alarms, generally issue a local audible and/or visual alarm from the detector itself.
Snug up- tighten
Socket Set- A number of detachable sockets of different sizes for use with a socket wrench. Used to remove and tighten bolts.
Spacing- an act of someone or something that spaces.
Spar urethane- a varnish that forms a hard, durable, protective finish, used esp. on outdoor surfaces
Specs- specification: a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
Speed square- a tool that measures angles and help cut or square corners
Splinter- a small, thin, sharp piece of wood, bone, or the like, split or broken off from the main body.
Split the difference-the halfway measurement of two points
Squeegee- an implement edged with rubber or the like, for removing water from windows after washing, sweeping water from wet decks, etc.
Stain- a dye made into a solution for coloring woods, textiles, etc.
Sub-Contractor- A business or person that carries out work for a company as part of a larger project. A general contractor often hires sub-contractors to carry out the actual work.
Table saw- a circular saw mounted under a table or bench so that the blade of the saw projects up through a slot
Tank-less Water Heater- a water heater that heats the water as it travels through the unit instead of heating water stored in a tank.
Tape Measure- A length of tape or thin flexible metal, marked at intervals for measuring
Tape measure-a device with hash marks use to measure
Tarp-a cover for preventing overspray, paint drips or water from getting onto something
Tarp-a waterproof cover
There may be many words that we use in construction that you may not know. Below is a list of words and their definition:
Thermostat- a device that tells the temperature
Thermostat- the component of a control system which regulates the temperature of a systemso that the system’s temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint temperature. The name is derived from the Greek words thermos “hot” and statos “a standing”. The thermostat does this by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid as needed, to maintain the correct temperature.
Thin-set- An adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. It is usually used to attach tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete.
Tighten- to make or become tight or tighter.
Tile Nippers-a tool used to break tile
Torque- A twisting force that tends to cause rotation
Trace- a surviving mark, sign, or evidence of the former existence, influence, or action of some agent or event; vestige: traces of an advanced civilization among the ruins.
Trigger- a small projecting tongue in a firearm that, when pressed by the finger, actuates the mechanism that discharges the weapon.
Trowel- Margin trowels and notched trowels are used to apply adhesive and grout when applying ceramic or stone tile to a surface.
Twine- a strong thread or string composed of two or more strands twisted together.
Unravel- to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
Utility Knife- A knife with a small sharp blade, often retractable, designed to cut wood, cardboard, and other materials
Vacuum-a tool used to suck up dust and small debris
Valve- any device for halting or controlling the flow of a liquid, gas ,or other material through a passage, pipe, inlet, outlet, etc.
Vertical- being in a position or direction perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; upright; plumb.
Wainscot- the lining itself, especially as covering the lower portion of a wall.
Wallpaper- paper, usually with printed decorative patterns in color, for pasting on and covering the walls or ceilings of rooms, hallways, etc.
Warranty- a stipulation, explicit or implied, in assurance of some particular in connection with a contract, as of sale
Warranty-a guarantee usually from the manufacturer that a product will last a certain amount of time
Water Heater- a household appliance consisting of a gas or electric heating unit under a tank in which water is heated and stored.
Water Heater- a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. In industry, both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses.
Waterproof- impervious to water.
Wear and Tear-the aging of something due to heavy use
Weight- the amount or quantity of heaviness or mass; amount a thing weighs.
Wet/Dry Vac-a vacuum that can be used to suck dry or wet debris
Window sill-the bottom of a window. Usually a board of some sort
Wire cutter-a tool used to cut wire
Wood glue- an adhesive used primarily for wood
Wreath- a circular band of flowers, foliage, or any ornamental work, for adorning the head or for any decorative purpose; a garland or chaplet.