Bath and shower glossary
35 plain English definitions for the words you will hear when you plan a new tub or shower.
- Acrylic
A hard, non porous plastic used for Bath Planet tubs, shower bases and wall systems. It is molded in large sheets, so there are no grout lines to scrub, and it resists mold and mildew.
Bathtub Replacement- ADA
Short for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its design standards set measurements for accessible showers, grab bars and seats in public buildings. Homes are not required to follow them, but many homeowners use them as a guide for a safer bathroom.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Aging in place
Staying in your own home safely as you get older. In the bathroom that usually means a low entry shower or walk in tub, grab bars, a seat and good lighting.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Base
The floor of a shower, also called a shower pan. A molded acrylic base is sloped toward the drain and sized to fit the space.
Shower Replacement- Bath liner
A new acrylic tub shell that fits over or replaces the surface of an old tub, often paired with new walls. It updates the look without a full tear out.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Bathtub replacement
Taking out the old tub and installing a new one, usually with a new wall surround.
Bathtub Replacement- Bypass door
A shower or tub door with two glass panels that slide past each other, so the door never swings into the room.
Shower Replacement- Chromatherapy
Colored lights built into some walk in tubs, meant to set a relaxing mood. Bath Planet lists it as a standard walk in tub feature.
Walk In Tubs- Curb
The raised edge at the front of a shower base that keeps water in. A low curb is easier to step over.
Walk In Showers- Design consultation
A visit where a designer looks at your bathroom, measures it, shows you colors and options, and gives you a price. Ours is free with no obligation.
Tub to Shower Conversions- Fold down seat
A shower seat that folds up against the wall when you do not need it and folds down when you want to sit.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Good Housekeeping Seal
A seal from the Good Housekeeping Institute for products it has evaluated. Bath Planet products carry the Seal.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Grab bar
A sturdy bar anchored to the wall to hold onto while you step in, stand up or turn around. It is different from a towel bar, which is not made to hold your weight.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Grout
The cement filler between the pieces of a ceramic wall or floor. It is porous, so it stains and can grow mold unless it is sealed and cleaned often.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Grout free
A wall with no real grout lines. Bath Planet wall systems are solid panels, and the Reveal Series etches the look of grout lines into the surface instead.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Handheld shower
A shower head on a hose that you can hold or mount on a slide bar. Helpful when you shower seated or need to rinse a tub.
Walk In Showers- In home consultation
See design consultation.
Tub to Shower Conversions- Low step shower
A walk in shower with a low threshold you can step over easily, so you step in without climbing over a tub wall.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Low threshold
A low shower entry that is easy to step over, with no tub wall to climb.
Walk In Showers- Microban
An antimicrobial treatment built into some bath products to resist the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Neo angle shower
A corner shower with a five sided footprint and an angled glass front, often used where space is tight.
Shower Replacement- Niche
A shelf recessed into the shower wall for bottles and soap.
Shower Replacement- Non porous
A surface without tiny holes, so water and dirt stay on top where you can wipe them off.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- One day install
A bath or shower replacement installed in a single day. Bath Planet installs in as little as one day; bigger jobs can take longer.
Bathtub Replacement- PuroStone
A Bath Planet wall material with the look of stone and a matte finish. Bath Planet says it is non porous, needs no sealers, cleans with mild soap and water, and is GREENGUARD certified.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Rain shower head
A wide, flat shower head mounted overhead so water falls straight down like rain.
Walk In Showers- Reveal Series
Bath Planet wall panels with laser etched grout line patterns, such as subway, hexagon and chevron. You get the look of grout lines without real grout.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Slip resistant floor
A textured surface on a tub or shower floor that gives your feet more grip when wet.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Step thru insert
A cut out section added to an existing tub wall so you can step through a lower opening instead of climbing over the full height.
Accessible and Aging in Place Baths- Tub and shower combo
A bathtub with a shower head above it and a wall surround, the most common setup in American homes.
Bathtub Replacement- Tub to shower conversion
Removing a bathtub and installing a shower in the same space, often with a low threshold base, seat and grab bars.
Tub to Shower Conversions- Wainscoting
A panel pattern on the lower part of a wall. Bath Planet offers it as one of its simulated wall patterns.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds- Walk in shower
A shower with a low or no curb entry, usually with a seat, shelves and grab bars.
Walk In Showers- Walk in tub
A tub with a watertight door and a built in seat, so you step in instead of climbing over the side.
Walk In Tubs- Wall surround
The waterproof wall panels around a tub or shower. Bath Planet surrounds are solid acrylic or PuroStone panels instead of grouted walls.
Bath Liners and Wall Surrounds
See your new bathroom before you commit
A design consultant comes to your home, measures, shows you colors and options, and gives you a price. Free, with no obligation.