This quick glossary for home improvement enthusiasts covers familiar and obscure aspects of home remodeling from architectural elements to custom cabinet terminology.

Architecture and Home Remodeling

• Atrium: From ancient Roman architecture, this central, principle room or courtyard of a home usually has a physical opening in the roof. In modern times, it may also have a glass roof or sky lights. Plant life is a common feature in atriums.
• Butt joint: A joint through which the squared end of a plank meets the side or end of another plank head-to-head or at a right angle.
• Cantilever: A structural beam supported near the center and weighted at one end that supports eaves, balconies, etc. The opposite end appears to lack support.
• Corbel: A bracket or shoulder set into a wall that holds a beam. Any stone, brick, or timber-work projection intended to carry a burden.
• Counter thrust: The opposing weight or thrust used to counterbalance the weight and thrust of a heavy arch.

Custom Cabinets

Understanding wood selection and the types of veneer available on the market helps you create high-end custom cabinets and other woodworking projects.

• Banding: A strip of veneer used as a border for table tops, drawer fronts, etc.
• Bonnet Top: Cabinet top with a broken arch or pediment and a curved or scrolled top that includes a central motif, usually in the shape of a flame or urn.
• Butt-wood veneer: With fine curly and mottled markings, this veneer comes from the point where large roots meet a tree's trunk.
• Banding: Strip of veneer used as a border for table tops, drawer fronts, etc.
• Brasses: Refers generally to cabinet hardware such as pulls, handles, hinges, and escutcheons.
• Breakfront: Cabinet or furniture piece with one or more portions that protrude farther than others.
• Buffet: A cabinet for holding dining table accessories.
• Cross-banding: A narrow band of wood veneer forming the frame or border of a panel. The grain of the wood is at right angles to the line of the frame.
• Crotch Veneer: A thin sheet of wood with irregular grain. The wood is cut from the intersection of the main trunk and branch of a tree.
• Custom cabinets: Cabinets built to order or made to match particular measurements or design specifications.

This quick list of home remodeling terms only touches a tip of the alphabet. Check back soon for the next installment of the Renovator's Place Home Improvement Dictionary.