Design Glossary - V

Variation Order:

A written order from the building owner or representative authorising a change in the contract.

Varnish:

A resin, asphalt or pitch dissolved in oil or spirit, which dries in air to a transparent protective film. Varnishes are either oil varnishes that dry by oxidation of drying or spirit varnishes. Varnish may be mixed with paint. Put on over it to increase its gloss, or put on unpainted wood. See lacquer.
For more information on paint

Bed Valance, neatly covering the base of the bed.

Varnish Stain:

This product is a pigmented hard varnish, which when applied leaves a coating on the substrate surface. Professionals do not commonly apply it; the home handyman generally uses it.

Vault:

A room or passage with a. usually, smooth, arched masonry roof, or the roof itself. A room below ground of massive construction for keeping valuables safe from fire and thieves.

Vee Joint:

A small chamfer on the face edge of matchboards made so that the two boards, when put together form a V at their junction which masks shrinkage and controls the look of the joins edges. I.e. its better to display the join than try to hide it if shrinkage may occur.

Vee Roof:

The shape formed by two lean-to roofs, which meet at a valley.

Velour:

(fabric) Durable cut pile fabric. Mercedised cotton warp pile with a plain backing. Uses – Upholstery as it is very hardwearing and smoother than velvet.

Velour:

(carpet) This carpet has a velvet like surface texture that is achieved by having a uniformly cut pile.

Velvet:

(fabric) Cut or uncut loop pile. Luxury fabric, rich and luxurious appearance particularly in silk, also woven in cotton or wool. Dense pile woven with two warps – the second is looped and then cut to form the plush pile. Shows wear readily. Genoa velvet – patterned during weaving (expensive process) multicoloured pile, cut or uncut set against a glossy satin background. Gaufrage or Utrecht Velvet – This has patterns branded onto the surface with design etched heated metal cylinders.

Velveteen:

Cotton or synthetic fibre in velvet-type pile weave. Stronger and more durable than actual velvet, but less luxurious in appearance.

Veneer:

A thin layer of wood of uniform thickness which may have been sliced, rotary cut, cut half-round, or sawn.

Veneered Wall:

A wall having a facing attached to the backing, which may be a timber or steel frame.

Venetian Mosaic:

Terrazzo. Venetian red. Red iron oxide a pigment from Italy.

Vent:

An outlet for air and water vapour through a ventilating duct, expansion pipe.

Verdigris:

Green basic acetate of copper formed as a protective patina over copper exposed to the air. It may be of any colour from brown to black in cities. (Faux Finishes) this is the colour that copper and bronze turn with age and unprotected exposure to the elements. It is a blue green shade and it is replicated in a paint effect.

Verge Board:

rafter, a barge board.

Verge:

The edge of a sloping roof which overhangs a gable.

Vermiculite:

A highly insulating lightweight material made by heating a mica found in U S A and South Africa.