Glossary · Bathroom terms

Universal Design

Definition

Designing the bathroom to be usable by people of all ages and abilities without specialized adaptation — wider doors, curbless showers, comfort-height fixtures, reinforced walls.

Source: Wikipedia — Universal Design

Where this comes up on this site

  • Vanity

    The bathroom cabinet that houses the sink and provides storage and counter space. The bath equivalent of the kitchen's base-cabinet run a…

  • Undermount Tub

    A tub mounted beneath a finished deck so the deck material laps the rim, similar to an undermount sink. A clean, premium deck-tub look.

  • Vanity Countertop

    The bath counter surface. Smaller than a kitchen run, so premium stone is more attainable; moisture and cosmetic-product resistance matte…

  • Uncoupling Membrane

    A layer (e.g., Ditra-type) between substrate and tile that absorbs movement so the subfloor can shift without cracking tile or grout. Sta…

  • Vanity Light

    Task lighting at the mirror. Best placed at both sides at face height to eliminate shadows; a single overhead fixture alone is the most c…

  • Tub-to-Shower Conversion

    Removing a tub to install a larger walk-in shower. One of the most-requested bath remodels, driven by aging-in-place and the decline of t…

  • Vanity Lighting Placement

    Positioning light at the mirror to eliminate face shadows — ideally sconces at both sides at ~66 in., not solely an overhead fixture. A d…

  • Tub Surround

    The waterproof wall finish around a tub — tile over backer, or solid acrylic/solid-surface panels. Panel surrounds install fast; tile is…

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