Core terms

Cement Board

Core terms · definition

A rigid cement-based panel used as a stable, water-durable substrate for tile in wet areas — preferred over drywall behind tile in showers and on counters.

Source: Ceramic Tile Education Foundation — Guide to Underlayment for Tile

  • Drywall

    Gypsum panel wall and ceiling material (also called sheetrock) that is hung, taped, mudded, and finished. Any wall opened during a remode…

  • Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

    A document issued by the building department certifying a structure complies with code and is safe to occupy. Often required after major…

  • Caulk

    A flexible sealant used to close gaps and joints against air and water (around trim, tubs, counters). The right caulk for the location ma…

  • Change Order

    A written, signed amendment that adds, removes, or modifies work after the contract is signed, adjusting price and schedule accordingly.…

  • Carpenter

    A skilled tradesperson who constructs, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures from wood and other materials — framing, trim, cabin…

  • Compliance

    Meeting all applicable codes, permit conditions, and regulations for the work performed. Documented compliance is what protects you at re…

  • Building Code

    The set of minimum legal standards for safe construction adopted by your jurisdiction (in Ohio, based on the International Residential Co…

  • Concrete

    A mix of cement, aggregate, and water that cures into a hard structural material used for footings, slabs, and foundations. Curing time a…

Where this term fits in a remodel

The pillar guides set terms like this one in context — what the work involves, what drives its cost, and where it sits in the sequence of a project. Pricing a specific house takes a defined scope and an on-site assessment.

Remodeling guides → Contact the publisher →