Glossary of Tiling Terms

Abrasion Resistance The ability of a surface to stand up to the wear and tear of daily life, keeping your tiles looking pristine even in high-traffic areas.

Absorption This measures how much water a tile takes in. It’s vital for choosing the right tile for your specific space—whether it’s a dry hallway or a steamy bathroom.

Adhesion The secret to a long-lasting project! This is how effectively your tiles bond to the surface beneath them using mortar or adhesive.

Bond The strength of the connection between your tile and the backing. Getting this right is the foundation of a professional, durable finish.

Broken Joint Also known as a brick-bond or staggered pattern, this creates a classic, sophisticated look by offsetting each row by half the tile length.

Bullnose A clever trim tile with a rounded, convex edge. It’s perfect for giving your project a smooth, polished transition on corners or wainscoting.

Crazing Those tiny, spider-web-like cracks that can appear in a glaze due to tension—something to watch out for to keep your surfaces looking flawless.

Curing The vital process of letting your mortar or grout set under the right conditions to ensure maximum strength and performance.

Efflorescence A white, powdery residue that can sometimes appear on the surface of tiles or grout due to soluble salts. Don't worry—it’s usually manageable with the right cleaner!

Epoxy Grout An elite, two-part grout system that is incredibly durable, stain-resistant, and virtually impervious—a top choice for high-moisture zones.

Field Tile The main "body" of your tile layout—the star of the show that covers your floor or wall area, beautifully framed by your chosen trim.

Honed A finish that offers a soft, satin-smooth feel with very little gloss, perfect for achieving that understated, elegant aesthetic.

Large Format In the world of tiling, we reserve this term for tiles that are 60x120cm or larger, designed to create a sense of space and flow.

Mastic A ready-to-use organic adhesive perfect for quick and easy tile installations.

Polished A high-gloss finish that really makes the natural depth, color, and character of the tile or stone shine.

Porcelain These high-fired beauties are fully vitrified, meaning they are incredibly hard-wearing and versatile—ideal for any project where durability is key.

Tumbled A process that softens the edges of stone tiles, giving them an authentic, aged, and timelessly antique look.

Unglazed Tile A tile where the color and texture run deep through the entire body, offering a raw, beautiful, and authentic finish.

Batch Number Essential for ensuring color consistency. This identifier confirms that your tiles were produced in the same firing run, ensuring a perfect match across your walls or floors.

Butter/Buttering The technique of spreading adhesive directly onto the back of the tile before pressing it into place. It’s an expert trick to ensure a solid, long-lasting bond.

Calibrated Tiles that have been mechanically finished to ensure they are all the exact same size. This makes laying a perfectly straight, uniform pattern much simpler.

Décor Tile The "jewelry" of your tiling project! These are patterned or textured tiles used to create focal points, borders, or feature walls.

Grout Release A protective treatment applied to porous or textured tiles before grouting. It prevents grout from sticking to the surface, making cleanup a breeze.

Impregnator A specialized sealer that penetrates deep into the pores of natural stone to protect it from stains and moisture without changing the look of the stone.

Rectified A process where tile edges are cut precisely to size after firing. This allows for very tight, clean grout lines for a seamless, modern aesthetic.

Subfloor The structural surface beneath your flooring. Ensuring this is level, clean, and stable is the most important step for a successful tile installation.

Vitrification The process where clay is fired at extremely high temperatures until it becomes glass-like, creating a dense, non-porous, and incredibly durable tile.

Wainscot The lower part of a wall that is finished differently from the rest—perfect for tile projects in bathrooms or kitchens to add style and protection.