This glossary breaks down key bathroom remodeling terms in plain English for University Place homeowners, especially those with older homes or brick/masonry bathrooms. From walk-in showers to waterproofing, we explain what each means, why it matters for your home’s value and safety, and how Medina Bathroom Remodeling handles these details right in University Place and nearby towns like Lakewood and Tacoma. Book a free estimate to see how these terms apply to your project get in touch for a free estimate
University Place’s older homes often feature original brickwork, vintage plumbing, and masonry details that modern bathroom remodels must respect. Whether you’re tackling a full renovation or a targeted upgrade, knowing the lingo helps you ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes. Below, we define the most critical terms for University Place bathroom remodels, including solutions for common issues like leaky showers or outdated layouts. Need a pro to handle your project? Our team specializes in older homes and brick/masonry bathrooms see our service list. For a quick cost comparison, check our pricing guide bathroom remodeling cost guide
- Walk-in shower
- A shower without a tub or raised lip at the entrance, designed for easy step-in access. Ideal for aging-in-place remodels or bathrooms with limited space, walk-in showers often use curbless designs and require careful waterproofing to prevent leaks. In University Place’s older homes, we sometimes modify existing tubs to create walk-ins while preserving original brick or tile surrounds see our aging-in-place solutions
- Curbless shower
- A shower with no threshold or lip between the floor and shower pan, creating a smooth transition. This design is popular for accessibility and modern aesthetics but demands precise sloping and a high-quality waterproofing membrane to direct water to the drain. For University Place homes with uneven subfloors, we often use adjustable shower pans to ensure proper drainage learn about shower pans
- Tub-to-shower conversion
- Replacing an existing bathtub with a shower unit, often to free up space or improve accessibility. In older University Place homes, this may involve removing original tile or brickwork, which requires structural assessments to avoid damaging load-bearing walls. We frequently handle these conversions while preserving historic features like clawfoot tubs or built-in niches see our tub-to-shower conversions
- Wet room
- A bathroom designed with no separate shower enclosure, water drains across the entire floor, which must be heavily sloped and waterproofed. Wet rooms are rare in University Place due to plumbing code restrictions, but they’re a bold option for luxury remodels. If you’re considering one, we’ll assess your home’s drainage and ventilation first check our wet room feasibility guide
- Floating vanity
- A vanity that appears to float on the wall with no visible base cabinet, supported by hidden brackets or wall-mounted legs. This design maximizes floor space and works well in small University Place bathrooms, but it requires sturdy studs or reinforced wall anchors. We often pair floating vanities with large-format tile to create a cohesive look see our vanity options
- Shower pan
- The waterproof base of a shower, typically made of fiberglass, acrylic, or cement, sloped to direct water to the drain. In older homes, we sometimes replace original pans with custom cement backer board for better durability, especially in bathrooms with brick or stone surrounds learn about shower pans
- Waterproofing membrane
- A flexible barrier applied to shower walls and floors to stop water from seeping in. Without it, mold and structural damage can ruin original brick or tile. We always use premium membranes like RedGard or Schluter Kerdi in University Place remodels see our waterproofing process
- Linear drain
- A long, narrow drain installed along the length of a shower or wet room to improve water flow and reduce standing water. Linear drains are a sleek option for modern designs but require precise subfloor prep, especially in homes with uneven or sloped floors. We’ve used them in several University Place remodels to solve drainage issues in tight spaces see our drain solutions
- Cement backer board
- A cement-fiber board that replaces damaged plaster or lath in wet areas, giving tile a solid, moisture-resistant base. Older University Place homes often need this before tiling see our tile installation process
- Thinset
- A type of tile adhesive that’s thicker than standard mortar but thinner than grout, used to bond tile to backer board or concrete. Sanded thinset is best for large-format tiles, while unsanded works for smaller tiles or repairs. We always use modified thinset in University Place remodels to prevent mold growth behind tile learn about tile installation
- Grout (sanded vs. unsanded)
- The paste used to fill gaps between tiles. Sanded grout (with fine sand) is stronger and better for wider joints, while unsanded grout is smoother and used for narrow joints or delicate tiles. In University Place, we often use epoxy grout in high-moisture areas like showers to resist stains and mildew see our grout options
- Porcelain tile
- A dense, durable ceramic tile made by firing clay at high temperatures, resistant to moisture and scratches. Porcelain is the gold standard for showers and floors in University Place remodels, especially in bathrooms with original brick or stone features. It’s more expensive than ceramic but lasts decades with proper installation see our tile selection guide
- Large-format tile
- Tile larger than 12x12 inches, often 16x16 or 24x24, used to create smooth, modern looks with fewer grout lines. Large-format tile works well in University Place’s larger bathrooms but requires precise cutting and a stable substrate. We recommend it for vanities and accent walls where it reduces installation time see our tile options
- Shower niche
- A built-in shelf in a shower wall, usually for soap or shampoo. Common in vintage University Place bathrooms, these can be restored or added with waterproof backing see our niche installation
- Frameless glass
- A shower enclosure with no metal frame, held in place by silicone or clips, creating a clean, spacious look. Frameless glass is popular in luxury remodels but requires precise measurements and high-quality glass to avoid leaks. In University Place, we’ve used it in custom showers with brick or stone accents see our shower enclosure options
- Exhaust fan CFM
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) tells you how much air a bathroom exhaust fan pushes. For University Place’s pre-1950s homes with their thick brick-and-plaster walls, we suggest a minimum of 50 CFM in tight powder rooms and 110 CFM in bigger bathrooms or those with vaulted ceilings, where dampness lingers like a ghost in the mortar. Check our moisture-barrier systems for the real fix.
- Comfort-height toilet
- A toilet seat height of 17 to 19 inches, designed to reduce strain on knees and hips. Standard toilets are 14–15 inches tall, making comfort-height a smart choice for aging-in-place remodels. In University Place, we often upgrade toilets during full remodels to improve accessibility see our toilet options
- Toilet rough-in
- The distance from the wall to the toilet’s drain connection, typically 12 inches but can vary. If your University Place home has an older rough-in, you may need to adjust plumbing or use an offset toilet to fit modern fixtures. We always measure rough-ins during consultations see our plumbing prep guide
- Heated floor
- An underfloor heating system, often electric or hydronic, installed during a remodel to keep bathrooms warm and cozy. Heated floors are a luxury upgrade in University Place but add value by reducing energy costs in cold months. We use radiant heat systems that work with existing plumbing see our heated floor options
- Grab bar / aging in place
- A sturdy bar installed near toilets or showers to provide support for balance, often required in aging-in-place remodels. Grab bars must be securely mounted to studs or reinforced walls. In University Place, we design grab bars to match tile or trim for a smooth look see our aging-in-place solutions
- Change order
- A written request to modify a bathroom remodel’s scope or materials after the original contract is signed. Change orders may increase costs, so we recommend reviewing them carefully. In University Place, unexpected issues like original brickwork or plumbing often lead to change orders see our change order policy
- Punch list
- A final checklist of minor fixes or touch-ups needed before a remodel is considered complete. Punch lists often include caulking gaps, adjusting fixtures, or sealing grout. We walk through punch lists with University Place clients to ensure nothing is missed see our completion process
Frequently Asked Questions
My University Place bathroom has original brick walls, can I still do a modern remodel without damaging them?
Yes. We often preserve original brick in University Place remodels by sealing it, adding waterproof membranes, and using tile or paint that complements the texture. For showers, we install custom waterproofing behind the brick to prevent leaks. If the brick is damaged, we can repair it with matching mortar or replace sections discreetly see our brick repair guide
Why does my University Place bathroom smell musty even after cleaning, and how can a remodel fix it?
Musty smells in older homes often come from trapped moisture in original plaster walls or poor ventilation. During a remodel, we upgrade exhaust fans, add waterproofing membranes, and sometimes replace damaged plaster with cement backer board. Heated floors also help by reducing humidity see our ventilation solutions
I’m comparing full vs. partial bathroom remodels, what’s the biggest difference in cost for a University Place home?
A full remodel in University Place typically costs 2–3x more than a partial one because it includes plumbing, electrical, and structural work. For example, replacing a tub with a walk-in shower might cost $3,000–$6,000, while a full remodel with new tile, vanity, and fixtures can range from $15,000–$30,000. Older homes often have hidden costs like asbestos removal or brick repairs compare full vs. partial costs
Have a bathroom remodeling & kitchen remodeling question? Medina Bathroom Remodeling LLC is licensed, insured, and gives University Place homeowners a free written estimate.