acid wash tile
Treatment to the face of a stone to achieve a distressed texture or finish.
adhesive
Tile adhesive is an adhesive substance used to bond tile to a surface.
backsplash
The wall area located between the countertop and upper cabinets is known as a backsplash. Backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms are often made of tile or decorative tile sheets to prevent water from damaging the wall.
acid wash tile
Treatment to the face of a stone to achieve a distressed texture or finish.
adhesive
Tile adhesive is an adhesive substance used to bond tile to a surface.
backsplash
The wall area located between the countertop and upper cabinets is known as a backsplash. Backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms are often made of tile or decorative tile sheets to prevent water from damaging the wall.
blending
The proper positioning of adjacent floor slabs, or tiles, by their predominant color.
border
A strip of tile with contrasting design, texture or color is known as a border.
brushed finish
A specialty finish from treating the stone surface with a coarse wire rotary brush.
bullnose
A trim tile with a convex radius or finished edge on one side.
buttering
Slathering a bond coat of thinset to the back of a tile immediately before the tile is installed. Helps ensure a level surface.
caulk
A soft, water resistant material used for sealing.
cove
A trim connecting tile with one edge a concave radius.
cure
The time period for adhesive to set fully (or cure) is known as the cure-time
decorative tile
Decorative tiles are any tile with decorations or designs on the surface.
epoxy adhesive
Epoxy tile adhesive is a two part adhesive system used for bonding ceramic tile or stone to backing material.
epoxy grout
Epoxy grout is a two–part grout system used to fill joints between tiles. Stain and chemical resistant epoxy grout is a popular choice.
field tile
Field tile is the primary type of tile used to cover a wall or floor.
floating
A popular method of aligning mortar using a straightedge is known as ‘floating’.
floor tile
Floor tiles are a tiles of any material durable enough to withstand traffic, pressure and abrasion.
frost resistant tile
Vitreous tile that absorbs .5% to 3% is considered frost-resistant tile.
frost proof tile
Frost proof tile is tile that is impervious to water or that absorbs 0% to 0.5%. This type of tile is recommended for outdoor use in areas where the temperature ever falls near or below freezing.
grout
Tile grout is a material used to fill the joints between tiles. It may be made of silica sand, cement and a chemical mix. Tile grout is available in many colors.
glazed tile
Glazed tiles are those with a finish of gaseous ceramic materials fused to the surface of the tile.
granite tiles
Granite tiles are made of granite, a very durable natural stone that is more dense than marble. Granite tiles are available in polished, honed or flamed (rough) surfaces and are ideal for indoor or outdoor use
impervious tile
Impervious tile has a water absorption of 0.5% or less and is therefore considered impervious to water.
limestone tiles
Limestone is a sedimentary stone that can have fossils or shells embedded in it. Limestone tiles are softer than other types of natural stone tiles and usually have a matte finish.
listello
A decorative tile border, primarily for walls.
marble tiles
Marble tiles are made of marble, a natural stone product with a distinctive polished shine. Marble tiles add a rich, luxurious look to any room.
mastic
Tile mastic is a ready to use organic glue used for holding tiles in place.
monocottura
This is a method of producing tile by a single firing in which the tile body and glazes are fired in kilns at temperatures over 2000 degrees.
mosaics
Tile designs mounted on mesh and cemented in place are known as mosaics. Many shapes and designs available with any type of tile including glass, ceramic, metal, porcelain and stone.
mud
“Mud” is the slang term referring to thick mortar made of sand and cement.
porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles are harder and more durable than ceramic tile due to the ingredients and higher firing temperature. Porcelain tiles have very low water absorption and are quite stain resistant.
sealer
Tile sealant is applied to prevent the absorption of liquids into tiles. Sealant is used with porous materials like quarry tile, grout, and natural stone. Sealer is not necessary for glazed ceramic tile.
slate
Slate tiles are made of a natural material with colors ranging from grey to purple to black. Slate tiles are popular for use outside and inside.
spacers
Tile spacers are small plastic pieces that are used in installation to evenly separate tile. Tile spacers are manufactured in various thicknesses and shapes to accommodate different tile designs.
substrate
Substrate is the underlayment for the ceramic tile installation. Different types of tiles require various substrates to support the tile body.
thin–set
The bond coat in a thin bed installation is known as ‘thin-set’. It is made of sand, cement and usually a latex additive.
travertine
Similar in composition to limestone but with holes created by hot springs, travertine is a popular type of natural stone tile. Travertine tile colors include beige, red, yellow and brown, with some variation from piece to piece.
tumbled tiles
Tumbled tiles are created with a specialty finish. This finish is created with a tumbling machine or acid, which wears down the natural surface of stone tiles for a unique appearance.
vitreous tile
Vitreous tile has water absorption of more than 0.5%, but not more than 3%.
wall tile
Glazed tile with a body suitable for interior use is often called ‘wall tile’. Not expected to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing/thawing conditions, wall tile is also not is not appropriate for use on a floor.
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