C

Cabinet Drawer Guide

A wooden or metal strip that guides the drawer as it slides in or out.

Cabinet Soffit

Refers to the space between the top of the upper cabinets and the ceiling in kitchens.

Cabinet Wall

Refers to the wall to which the cabinets are mounted to.

Cane Bolt

Mounted on a swinging gate or door, this L-shaped rod drops into a pipe sleeve below the surface to secure a door or gate.

Cantilever

A structural shape or beam extending beyond the last point of support.

Cap Base

A wooden strip put on to the base of the wall to protect a wall's surface, and finish off the intersection of the baseboard and the wall.

Cartouche

Simply an ornamental frame.

Case Joint

This type of joint is used in cabinetmaking. Two pieces of material are butted together at an angle and fastened by dowels.

Casement Window

A single-window unit hinged on the side and opening outward.

Casing Trim

The trim or molding forming the frame around a doors or window.

Cast Stone

Concrete cast in molds for decorative use in construction.

Caulking

A substance used in sealing gaps between surfaces. Commonly used in a kitchens and bathrooms. Caulking seals and protects against water leaks.

Cedar

An aromatic durable softwood used for its fragrance and ability to repel insects.

Cement Color

A colored powdered or liquid pigment that's added to a mix to color concrete.

Cement Factor

The number of bags of cement per cubic yard of concrete.

Ceramic

A material made of clay and hardened permanently by heat

Chalk Line

Using a chalk reel, this line is used in construction. It's made by snapping a chalked cord between two points.

Chamfer

A beveled surface that's cut on the corner of a segment of wood.

Chamfering Strip

A segment of stock placed in an inside corner, producing a beveled edge.

Change Order

Any modification made to the original contract, including pricing, plans or blueprints. Change orders must be done in writing.

Chase

A groove or cavity cut into masonry to integrate electric or plumbing lines.

Cherry Veneer

A finished surface material consisting of a thin layer of cherry wood.

Chestnut Veneer

A finished surface material consisting of a thin layer of chestnut wood.

Chimney Brick

This brick withstands high temperatures without cracking and is ideal for use in the construction of chimneys.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride

This type of plastic is commonly used to make pipes that carry hot water and chemicals.

Chroma

The saturation, purity, or intensity of a color.

Circuit

The path of electric current from the main source.

Circuit Breaker

An overcurrent protection device that regulates the amount of power flowing through a given circuit. This device can be found in the main electrical panel or in a circuit breaker box. It is also be used to shut off power to specific areas of the house.

Circuit Protector

An electrical device that opens an electrical circuit in the event of overload to protect operating equipment from damage.

Colorant

This is the dye or pigment used to tint paint.

Concrete

Commonly used in the construction of patios, sidewalks and much more, this hard building material is made by mixing a cementing material with sand and/or gravel with water.

Concrete Block

This hollow concrete masonry block is constructed of composite materials consisting of sand, cement, coarse aggregate and water.

Construction Contract

The legal agreement between the contractor and the homeowner outlining the details of the project, the work, timetables, cost details, payment schedules and allowances.

Construction Schedule
A timetable for each phase of the project.

Cycle Time

The time of a flush cycle for a toilet, beginning when the toilet lever is flushed and ending when the water shuts off.

Curtilage

The ground or yard that surrounds a house up to the boundary fence.