Aesthetics: A term used to refer to how beautiful or attractive something is. It refers to something that is often used just for its looks.

Aesthetically pleasing: It means that something is nice to look at.

Baked on enamel: A hard paint finish sprayed and then heated onto materials in a furnace at a factory. Used a lot on plumbing fixtures and appliances. Comes in varying colors.

Berber carpet: Carpet comprised of uncut or cut loops of woven carpet material such as yarn or sometimes shreds of woven cloth usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool. Very short compared to other types such as plush carpeting. Comes in different patterns and colors. It is very popular because of its resistance to wear and its easy cleaning. Often used in basements and high traffic areas.

Carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn or sometimes shreds of woven cloth usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool. There are different types such as cut loop and uncut loop. The higher the weave the softer, smoother, more crush resistant and durable the carpet is. There are several different styles to choose from including berber, plush, velvet and sisal.

Ceiling tile: Usually made of Styrofoam, wood or metal these tiles fit into openings in a grid made of wood or metal suspended from the ceiling. Normal sizes range from 2’ x 2’ to 4’ x 4’.

Ceramic tile: Floor and wall tiles from ¼” to 3/8” thick made from fired clay which is usually glazed to add color. Comes in a variety of colors. Used for a hard, easy to clean finish in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.

Character: A term that refers to aspects of design and aesthetics such as the way a space is laid out, how everything looks together, the care and thought that went into the design, etc. It can be hard to find and can be different for each person.

Clay tile: A tile made of clay usually fired and unglazed often called terracotta. Used in many Southwestern style, Mission Style or Spanish homes.

Color: A term used to refer what is seen because of the light bouncing of an object or surface. It is used for aesthetics.

Concrete countertops: Durable, hard, heat resistant countertops molded out of concrete, custom fit to any cabinetry. Once they dry the surfaces are filled with cement and smoothed out to fill all the empty pores in the countertops. Then the surface covered with masonry sealer to seal it so it won’t stain. Comes in various colors and styles.

Corian: Sometimes used as slang for solid surface material it is actually a brand name of solid surface countertop. Material made of plastic, sometimes several different kinds that is molded into any type of countertop the person needs. Comes with different edges, colors, styles and can be customized with different inlays, drains and built in sinks. Popular because of how easy it is to keep clean, maintain and resistance to heat. Often used as a substitute for more expensive stone or natural countertops.

Cultured marble: A material made with crushed marble mixed with plastic resin and molded into a countertop usually about an inch thin. Similar to solid surface material, but not quite as strong and it doesn’t come in as large of variety of colors. Often sold with vanities bought at home improvement centers. Occasionally used for showers and tubs.

Cultured stone: A material made out of concrete molded and colored to look like different types of stone. Comes in various types such as flagstone, fieldstone, sandstone, etc. Most are flat on the back so that they are easy to attach using mortar to give the illusion of stone on walls, foundations, etc. Some are made to use like patio stones.

Divan: Another name for a sofa or couch.

Design: A term used to refer to the layout of furniture, lights, pictures etc. in a room to make the best use of the space and make it aesthetically pleasing.

Enamel: A hard painted surface often used to make a hard, rust and waterproof surface often on metal such as plumbing fixtures and appliances. It can be applied with a spray can or as an atomized powder.

Fieldstone: A common stone found in much of the world. Often round and smooth, it comes in many different colors and is usually no larger than 18” in diameter. Often it is used for building fireplaces and chimneys. In country homes built before the twentieth century it was often used to build stone foundations.

Floating floor: Flooring where each section is attached to the rest, but not to the floor. The flooring just lies on top of the subfloor, which allows it to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Often floating floors are made from veneer or laminate flooring.

Glass block: A decorative, clear, square block made of glass used for privacy and aesthetics. Often stacked on top of each other and laid like bricks using a special mortar made for glass block to create windows or walls. They are often found in Contemporary or Modern homes.

Granite: A hard stone often cut into slabs and polished for countertops. Also used for steps, headstones and foundations in some older homes. Found in many high-end kitchens because of its beauty, durability and resistance to heat and stains.

Grout: A mixture of silicone or stone dust and water that is used to fill the spaces between tiles. It comes in white, beige, brown, gray or black.

Hardwood flooring: Solid wood boards laid on floors to make a nice flat surface to walk on. Often they are put together using tongue & groove. It comes in different thicknesses from ½” to ¾” and varying widths and lengths. It comes in unfinished, which is sanded and finished after it is installed or prefinished, which comes finished from the factory so it can be installed and used the same day. Often it’s stained, but can be painted or enameled to make a different look. It needs to be nailed to the floor and or glued together.
Hollow core door: A hollow interior door covered with a laminate, hardboard or solid wood veneer. It is lighter than solid wood doors and is a cheap alternative to solid wood doors. It comes in both panel style doors and the most popular, flat, plain doors.

Laminate: A thin plastic sheet that sometimes has an image imprinted on it used for countertops or flooring. Often used because it is a cheap alternative to other materials such as ceramic tile, wood or stone. It is attached to the substrate or underlayment using contact cement, glue that is rolled on either piece and dried until tacky then stuck together.

Laminate flooring: Boards made from layers of solid wood veneers layered on top of each other in opposite directions to make it stronger. The top layer is made from a plastic sheet with an image of hardwood flooring on it and stamped with faux wood grain. Often they are put together using tongue & groove. It comes in different thicknesses from ½” to ¾” and varying widths and lengths.

Latex-based paint: A liquid die made from latex, a plastic, and other chemicals which is used to cover metal, wood, drywall and other materials to protect and add color. Latex creates a nice smooth, waterproof surface that lies on top of the base material it was applied to.

Lead paint: A liquid die made from lead, a metal, and other chemicals which is used to cover metal, wood, drywall and other materials to protect and add color. Lead was used as an additive in paint for many decades to make it more durable. In the 1960’s it was found to cause brain damage and other health hazards and was banned. If your house was built before the 1960’s you should have your paint tested to make sure it doesn’t contain lead. If you do have lead paint and it is not flaking, peeling or down in a place where you could put your mouth on it you can get away with painting over it, however if you want to remove the paint then you made need to get a licensed lead paint removal contractor to do it for you or check your local home improvement store or the internet for product to remove lead paint properly and safely. There are many products out there to use.

Level loop carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool that is cut to create a flat surface. It is usually only about a half an inch long and has a very high weave count. It is very tough, crush resistant and durable like berber. It comes in many different colors.

Marble: A natural stone that is cut into slabs and used for countertops, tile, sculptures, etc. It is makes a hard surface just like granite or quartz. It has a lot of veining in it, which is what makes it distinctive, and comes in many natural colors.

Mastic: A sticky liquid like glue that is used for vinyl tile or wall tile instead of mortar. Often applied using a trowel.

Molding: A name used to refer to decorative strips applied to furniture, walls and cabinetry. Often made from wood, but also made from plastic, metal, polyurethane, PVC, etc.

Oil-based paint: A liquid die made from oil, and other chemicals which is used to cover metal, wood, drywall and other materials to protect and add color. Oil creates a nice smooth, waterproof surface that soaks into the wood. Many people prefer to use it for trim instead of latex.

Oil-based stain: A liquid die made from oil, and other chemicals, which is used to color wood. Oil stain soaks into the wood and creates a nice colorful surface to add beauty to wood.

Panel door: A solid door made of solid wood or MDO plywood. It is much heavier than hollow core doors and is much more durable and expensive than hollow core doors. It is often found in older homes built before the 1950’s as well as newer high-end homes.

Patterned carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool. The threads are trimmed at different lengths to create designs like intersecting diamonds in the carpet. It comes in both berber, which is the most popular and also plush and velvet. It comes in many different colors.

Plush carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool that is cut to create a flat surface. It is softer and smoother than berber. The higher the weave the softer, smoother, more crush resistant and durable the carpet is. It comes in many different colors.

Prefinished hardwood flooring: Solid wood boards laid on floors to make a nice flat surface to walk on. Often they are put together using tongue & groove. It comes in different thicknesses from ½” to ¾” and varying widths and lengths. It comes finished from the factory with a baked on finish so it can be installed and used the same day unlike unfinished, which needs to be sanded, finished and let dry. The finish from the factory is twice as hard and durable as what could be done on site. Often it’s stained, but can be painted or enameled to make a different look. It needs to be nailed to the floor and or glued together.

Quartz countertop: A countertop made of a hard durable stone, which makes a beautiful natural countertop surface much like granite, but not quite as hard. It is less expensive and just as beautiful as granite. It comes in several natural colors.

Rattan: A hard dense grass that is used to make a fabric, similar to wicker, used to construct furniture and other things for the home. It is often used outdoors because of its resistance to rot and insects.

Sanded grout: A mixture of sand, water and stone dust that is used to fill the spaces between tile. This kind of grout is used in floor tile and should not be used in wall tile. It comes in white, beige, brown, gray or black.

Shag carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool that is cut. The threads are allowed to run from about an inch to three inches long and the weave count is very low so the threads lay over on their side. It comes in many different colors.

Sisal: A carpet made of weaved wool strands often used for rugs. It is a little rougher than regular carpet, but is very durable and stain resistant. It comes only in shades of beige or off-white.

Soapstone countertop: A soft porous stone that is cut into slabs and used as countertops. Soapstone stains easily so every couple months it needs to be sealed with mineral oil to protect it and bring out the beauty in the stone.

Solid surface: A material made of plastic, sometimes several different kinds that is molded into any type of countertop the person needs. Comes with different edges, colors, styles and can be customized with different inlays, drains and built in sinks. Popular because of how easy it is to keep clean, maintain and resistance to heat. Often used as a substitute for more expensive stone or natural countertops.

Solid wood door: A solid door made of solid wood or MDO plywood. It is much heavier than hollow core doors and is much more durable and expensive than hollow core doors. It comes in both panel style doors and flat, plain doors.

Spackle: A thick, mayonnaise like liquid made from stone dust, water and other materials that is used to patch holes in walls.

Style: A term used to refer to the layout and aesthetics of furniture, lights, pictures, etc. in a room. It also can refer to how the furniture, lights, pictures, etc. look by themselves.

Suspended ceiling: A ceiling made of tiles made of Styrofoam, wood or metal in sizes from 2’ x 2’ to 2’ x 4’ and laying a grid which is attached and hung from an existing ceiling or rafters and joists.

Swoop carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool that is cut just like plush. The threads are allowed to run about an inch to an inch and a half long and the weave count is very low so the threads lay over on their side. It is very similar to shag carpet except shorter. It comes in many different colors.

Taste: A term used to refer to what a person likes.

Terrazzo: A material made by embedding marble chips into cement and grinding and sanding it smooth then putting a sealer on it to make it waterproof, scratch resistant and easy to keep clean.

Terracotta: A material made from fired clay, which is often molded into floor tile and roof tiles. Often found in Southwestern, Mission or Spanish style homes.

Texture: A term used to refer to the feeling and looks of different surfaces such as bricks, paint, fabric, etc.

Textured carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool. The threads are trimmed at different lengths to create designs like intersecting diamonds in the carpet. It comes in both berber, which is the most popular and also plush and velvet. It comes in many different colors.

Tile: A square made of ceramic, porcelain, foam, vinyl, metal and wood used to cover floors and ceilings.

Tub surround: A material used to surround the back and sides of a tub to protect the wall from water damage. It can be made from ceramic tile, acrylic and solid surface.

Unfinished hardwood flooring: Solid wood boards laid on floors to make a nice flat surface to walk on. Often they are put together using tongue & groove. It comes in different thicknesses from ½” to ¾” and varying widths and lengths. It has to be sanded, finished and let dry, often for two or three days before it can be used. The finish protects the floor from damage, such as scratches, dents, etc., but a factory finish is twice as hard and durable as what could be done on site. Often it’s stained, but can be painted or enameled to make a different look. It needs to be nailed to the floor and or glued together.

Unsanded grout: A mixture of silicone and water that is used to fill the spaces between tile. This kind of grout is used in wall tile and should not be used in floor tile. It comes in white, beige, brown, gray or black.

Velvet carpet: A woven fabric made of yarn usually consisting of nylon, polyester, cotton or wool that is cut to create a flat surface. It is softer and smoother than berber. The higher the weave the softer, smoother, more crush resistant and durable the carpet is. It comes in many different colors.

Veneer flooring: Boards made from layers of solid wood veneers layered on top of each other in opposite directions to make it stronger. The top layer is made from a beautiful hardwood veneer either 1/8” or ¼” thick to make a surface that can be refinished a couple of times before it can be replaced. Often they are put together using tongue & groove. It comes in different thicknesses from ½” to ¾” and varying widths and lengths. It has to be sanded, finished and let dry, often for two or three days before it can be used. The finish protects the floor from damage, such as scratches, dents, etc., but a factory finish is twice as hard and durable as what could be done on site. Often it’s stained, but can be painted or enameled to make a different look.

Vinyl flooring: Often mistakenly referred to as linoleum. It actually is a thin, resilient rubbery flooring made from vinyl that is laid onto the floor on top of mastic. It is often used to save money on ceramic or stone tile. It comes in many different colors made with dies and styles to look like tile and wood flooring.

Vinyl tile: It is a thin, resilient rubbery flooring made from vinyl cut into squares or rectangles to look like ceramic tile or hardwood flooring planks that is laid onto the floor on top of mastic. It is often used to save money on ceramic or stone tile. It comes in many different colors made with dies and styles to look like tile and wood flooring.

Wicker: A hard dense grass that is used to make a fabric used to construct furniture and other things for the home. It is often used outdoors because of its resistance to rot and insects.

Aluminum flashing: Aluminum used to cover the edge of the eaves and valleys of roofs to make them watertight. Often coated with a baked on enamel finish. Comes in varying lengths, sizes and different colors, the most popular being white.

Aluminum gutters: Aluminum bent into a channel shape used to collect water run off from a roof and channel it away from a house. Often coated with a baked on enamel finish. Comes in varying lengths, sizes and different colors, the most popular being white.

Aluminum shutters: A board the same length and half the width of a window made of two boards of enameled aluminum on either side a window. They can be paneled or louvered. They are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms. They come in many different colors and are used because they are resistant to insects, water and rot.

Aluminum siding: Aluminum bent into the shape of wood clapboards and embossed with wood grain. Often coated with a baked on enamel finish. Comes in varying lengths, reveals and different colors, the most popular being white.

Architectural shingles: Double layered asphalt shingles usually offset by approximately an inch. Often designed to mimic the appearance of slate shingles from a distance. These shingles have the longest warranties ranging from 30 to 50 years.

Asphalt shingles: Roofing shingles made out of asphalt. Normally found in what is called a 3-tab shingle, which means one panel has three shingles. They come in regular and Architectural styles, Architectural being the best. They have varying warranties anywhere from 25 years to 50 years.

Brick veneer: Usually a ¼” thick piece of 2” x 6” concrete or clay brick used to give the illusion of a real solid brick wall. Often used around foundations over the concrete to give the illusion of a brick foundation. Comes in the same colors as regular brick.

Cedar lap siding: Outdoor wood that is used for siding on homes, sheds, workshops, garages and commercial buildings. Cedar weathers to a light gray. Western red cedar tends to weather unevenly unlike white cedar. Western red cedar is more resistant to rot than white cedar thanks to tannic acid. Painting or bleaching can help even out the weathering. Is resistant to rot and insects.

Cedar shakes: Outdoor wood that is used for roofing siding on homes, sheds, workshops, garages and commercial buildings. Cedar weathers to a light gray. Western red cedar tends to weather unevenly unlike white cedar. Western red cedar is more resistant to rot than white cedar thanks to tannic acid. Painting or bleaching can help even out the weathering. Is resistant to rot and insects.

Cedar shingles: Outdoor wood that is used for roofing siding on homes, sheds, workshops, garages and commercial buildings. Cedar weathers to a light gray. Western red cedar tends to weather unevenly unlike white cedar. Western red cedar is more resistant to rot than white cedar thanks to tannic acid. Painting or bleaching can help even out the weathering. Is resistant to rot and insects.

Clapboards: Siding made of boards, which are often evenly spaced and attached to the walls on the outside of the house. Often they are cut on a slight angle lengthwise along the board to make them easier to layer and attach to the walls.

Clay roofing tile: A tile made of clay molded into a half-barrel shape usually. Used for roof tiles on many Southwestern style, Mission Style or Spanish homes.

Concrete tile: Flat roof tiles made out of concrete made to resemble slate roof tiles. Hard and durable they are used in place of other shingles. Come in various colors and styles.

Copper flashing: Copper panels used in valleys and on the eaves of residential and commercial project to keep roofs waterproof. It weathers to a light green with age and exposure to the elements.

Copper gutters: Bent copper channel shaped panels used on the eaves of residential and commercial project to channel water away from the building keeping it dry and protected from water damage. It weathers to a light green with age and exposure to the elements.

Copper roofing: Copper panels used on roofs of residential and commercial project like shingles for aesthetics and to keep roofs waterproof. Sometimes used over bay and bow windows for aesthetics. Used on lower roofs of two story homes sometimes to protect that roof from ice falling off the higher roof. It weathers to a light green with age and exposure to the elements.

Fiberboard siding: A term used to refer to hardboard or Masonite siding. A board that is made from glue and wood fiber glued together to make a long 3/8” thick flat clapboard and embossed with wood grain. It is installed just like wood clapboards except that it needs to be caulked around all the edges. It is often used because it is cheap and environmentally friendly since it uses waste and does not have to come from old growth trees. It tends to rot within five years even if installed properly and does not usually have over a five-year warranty. It comes in the same lengths as wood clapboards, but is much thinner.

Fiber-cement siding: Siding made from a mixture of cement and fiberglass fibers embossed with wood grain. It comes in many different styles such as lap, board and baton, shingle and tongue & groove. It needs to be painted and can be pre-primed or unfinished. You can use oil or latex paint on it just as you would with wood. It is resistant to warping, splitting, cracking or rotting and is extremely fire resistant. Unlike wood siding if exposed to fire it will only smolder and turn black instead of catching on fire and will not damage the material at all. It can be cut and drilled with regular woodworking tools in any way necessary just like wood.

Fieldstone: A common stone found in much of the world. Often round and smooth, it comes in many different colors and is usually no larger than 18” in diameter. Often it is used for building fireplaces and chimneys. In country homes built before the twentieth century it was often used to build stone foundations.

Hardboard siding: A term used to refer to fiberboard or Masonite siding. A board that is made from glue and wood fiber glued together to make a long 3/8” thick flat clapboard and embossed with wood grain. It is installed just like wood clapboards except that it needs to be caulked around all the edges. It is often used because it is cheap and environmentally friendly since it uses waste and does not have to come from old growth trees. It tends to rot within five years even if installed properly and does not usually have over a five-year warranty. It comes in the same lengths as wood clapboards, but is much thinner.

Hardi-Plank siding: A nickname and brand name for fiber-cement siding. Siding made from a mixture of cement and fiberglass fibers embossed with wood grain. It comes in many different styles such as lap, board and baton, shingle and tongue & groove. It needs to be painted and can be pre-primed or unfinished. You can use oil or latex paint on it just as you would with wood. It is resistant to warping, splitting, cracking or rotting and is extremely fire resistant. Unlike wood siding if exposed to fire it will only smolder and turn black instead of catching on fire and will not damage the material at all. It can be cut and drilled with regular woodworking tools in any way necessary just like wood.

Lap siding: Siding made of boards, which are often evenly spaced and attached to the walls on the outside of the house. Named for the fact that each one is lapped over the next one. Often they are cut on a slight angle lengthwise along the board to make them easier to layer and attach to the walls.

Louvered shutter: A shutter made of two boards on either side and three in the middle with open spaces in between filled with small strips of wood set on an angle to keep water out. They can be made from metal, wood or plastic and are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms.

Rubber roofing: A rubber membrane, or sheet that is used on flat roofs, roof decks and balconies to make them waterproof and keep water from destroying the structure below. Its most common use is on flat roofs of commercial building. Can fail if not installed properly. It needs to be stored out of the sun and kept out of direct sunlight even after it is installed or it can harden and become brittle.

Rubber shakes: Often used to refer to shingle made of rubber to resemble a wood shake used for roofing.

Rubber shingles: Roofing shingles made from rubber often made to resemble slate. Is used in place of slate because of its close resemblance and durability. They are molded from molds of real slate so they have the real appearance of slate shingles. They are extremely waterproof and can resist damage from things falling on them such as ice or hail.

Rubberized steel roofing: Ribbed or corrugated long thin metal panels covered with a thin coating of rubber laid on a roof to make a water tight roof and add color, character, style and texture to it. The rubber coating protects the metal from water so it does not rust, adds color, protects from damage from small hail and other objects as well as deadens sound transfer unlike plain metal roofing.

Shake: Often used to refer to a wood shingle, a piece of wood usually no more than a half an inch thick, twelve inches wide and eighteen inches tall cut to a taper along the height. Often used for roofing, but can be used for siding especially on what are called shingle style homes. Often made from cedar, especially Western red cedar, but can be made from other types of wood and materials such as yellow pine or vinyl.

Shingle: A piece of wood usually no more than a half an inch thick, twelve inches wide and eighteen inches tall cut to a taper along the height. Often used for roofing, but can be used for siding especially on what are called shingle style homes. Often made from cedar, especially Western red cedar, but can be made from other types of wood and materials such as yellow pine or vinyl.

Shutters: A board the same length and half the width of a window made of two boards of metal, wood or plastic on either side a window. They can be paneled or louvered. They are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms. They can come in many different colors.

Slate roofing: Roofing tiles, or small panels, made from a natural stone used to cover and protect a roof. It is very expensive to buy and install, but gives a very unique look to a home. It can break easily if it freezes or has something fall on it. It is often found on older homes built in the 1800’s or before in the New England area, but can still be installed on newer homes.

Standard 3 tab shingle: An asphalt shingle panel comprised of three equal sized shingles.

Steel roofing: Ribbed or corrugated long thin metal panels often coated with enamel laid on a roof to make a water tight roof and add color, character, style and texture to it. The enamel coating protects the metal from water so it does not rust and adds color. It also can just be left natural and allowed to weather or rust naturally.

Steel shakes: Roofing or siding made to resemble wood shingles, or shakes. The steel is bent into the shape of the shingle and embossed with wood grain. The steel panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of steel with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer wash once or twice a year and the fact that it’s waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. Some of the drawbacks are that it heats up quickly, fades over time in the sunlight, can be noisy during thunderstorms and the paint can turn to powder in time. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Steel shingles: Roofing or siding made to resemble wood shingles, or shakes. The steel is bent into the shape of the shingle and embossed with wood grain. The steel panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of steel with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer wash once or twice a year and the fact that it’s waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. Some of the drawbacks are that it heats up quickly, fades over time in the sunlight, can be noisy during thunderstorms and the paint can turn to powder in time. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Steel shutters: A board the same length and half the width of a window made of two boards of enameled steel on either side a window. They can be paneled or louvered. They are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms. They come in many different colors and are used because they are resistant to insects, water and rot.

Steel siding: Steel bent into the shape of wood clapboards and embossed with wood grain. Often coated with a baked on enamel finish. Comes in varying lengths, reveals and different colors, the most popular being white.

Stone veneer: Stone which is cut into small brick shaped slabs which are flat on the back and left rough on the front. It is used for siding on walls and buildings to give the illusion of solid stone construction.

Stucco: A stone dust, which is mixed with water to make a thick liquid, which is like mayonnaise. It is put on walls of buildings to create a hard, rough, sandy surface that does not have to be painted. It is often found in older homes as well as Spanish, Southwestern and Mission style homes. Occasionally it is still used in new homes when someone wants it.

Terracotta: A material made from fired clay, which is often molded into floor tile and roof tiles. Often found in Southwestern, Mission or Spanish style homes.

Tongue & groove siding: Boards with a thin piece of wood on one long side and a groove that is the same size on the other long side. They slip together and are nailed to the walls on the outside of the house either vertically or horizontally. It comes in different sizes and materials and is often found on sheds.

Vinyl clapboards: Siding made to resemble wood clapboards, which are boards that are often evenly spaced and attached to the walls on the outside of the house. The vinyl is molded to the shape of usually three or four evenly spaced clapboards and embossed with wood grain. The vinyl panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of vinyl with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer or vinyl siding wash once or twice a year and the fact that its waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Vinyl shakes: Siding made to resemble wood shingles, or shakes. The vinyl is molded to the shape of the shingle and embossed with wood grain. The vinyl panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of vinyl with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer or vinyl siding wash once or twice a year and the fact that its waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Vinyl shingles: Siding made to resemble wood shingles, or shakes. The vinyl is molded to the shape of the shingle and embossed with wood grain. The vinyl panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of vinyl with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer or vinyl siding wash once or twice a year and the fact that its waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Vinyl shutters: A board the same length and half the width of a window made of two boards of vinyl on either side a window. They can be paneled or louvered. They are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms. They come in many different colors and are used because they are resistant to insects, water and rot.

Vinyl siding: Siding made to resemble wood clapboards, shingles or shakes, board and baton, tongue and groove and various other types. The vinyl is molded to the shape of the desired siding and embossed with wood grain. The vinyl panels lock together using a groove and are attached using a nailing strip of vinyl with grooves for nails to attach it to the wall. Popular because of its low maintenance, only needed to be hosed down with a pressure washer or vinyl siding wash once or twice a year and the fact that its waterproof and unaffected by sunlight. They come in a variety of different colors, sizes and styles, some even made to look like stained wood.

Vinyl trim: Boards made of vinyl used to cover the corner between walls, between walls and ceilings, on furniture and around doors and windows as a decoration. They come in different types including Contemporary, Colonial, Victorian and different styles such as crown molding and baseboard. It is often used because it is cheaper than other low maintenance rot, insect and waterproof trims. It comes in many different colors and never needs painted.

Wood clapboards: Siding made of boards, which are often evenly spaced and attached to the walls on the outside of the house. Often they are cut on a slight angle lengthwise along the board to make them easier to layer and attach to the walls.

Wood gutters: Wood formed into a channel shape or attached at a 45 degree angle, lined with a waterproof rubber membrane and or metal such as copper, used to collect water run off from a roof and channel it away from a house. Often coated with a baked on enamel finish. Comes in varying lengths, sizes and different colors, the most popular being white.

Wood shake: Often used to refer to a wood shingle, a piece of wood usually no more than a half an inch thick, twelve inches wide and eighteen inches tall cut to a taper along the height. Often used for roofing, but can be used for siding especially on what are called shingle style homes. Often made from cedar, especially Western red cedar, but can be made from other types of wood and materials such as yellow pine or vinyl.

Wood shingle: A piece of wood usually no more than a half an inch thick, twelve inches wide and eighteen inches tall cut to a taper along the height. Often used for roofing, but can be used for siding especially on what are called shingle style homes. Often made from cedar, especially Western red cedar, but can be made from other types of wood and materials such as yellow pine or vinyl.

Wood shutters: A board the same length and half the width of a window made of two boards of wood on either side a window. They can be paneled or louvered. They are used for aesthetics or as they have been traditionally, to protect windows from damage such as storms.

Wood siding: Often found on older homes built before the 1960’s and occasionally in newer homes. It comes in clapboard, board and baton and tongue and groove styles. It’s often made from pine or fir, however it is also made in other materials such as cedar or redwood.

Yellow pine shakes: Similar to cedar shakes they are used for roofing shingles. These shingles are pressure treated to with stand the elements and insects. They have gained some popularity because of their claim to not warp, be longer lasting and weather evenly unlike cedar shakes.

Yellow pine shingles: Similar to cedar shakes they are used for roofing shingles. These shingles are pressure treated to with stand the elements and insects. They have gained some popularity because of their claim to not warp, be longer lasting and weather evenly unlike cedar shakes.