Types of Tiles

Ceramic Mosaic Tile : Tiles that are less than 6 inches facial area and may be either porcelain or natural clay composition and usually are 3/8" or less in thickness.

Quarry Tile : Tiles made from the extrusion process from shale or natural clays and usually are 6 square inches or more in facial size and can be glazed or unglazed.

Paver Tile : Glazed or unglazed natural clay or porcelain tiles having a facial area of six square inches or more and made from the dust-pressed method.

Marble tile : Marble cut into tiles, square or rectangle usually less than 3/4? thick. Available in various finishes, including polished, honed and tumbled.

Porcelain tile : Mosaic or paver tile composed by the dust-pressed method. Characterized by a dense and impervious body.

Granite Tile : A natural stone denser than marble. Granite is molten lava that never rose above the surface of the earth. It is extremely durable and holds a polish. Available in polished, honed or flamed ( rough ) surfaces.

Slate : Is a natural material that is known for its dynamic colors and " earthy " appeal. Colors range from grey to purple to black. Slate is used outside as well as inside because of its natural look and wonderful colors.

Limestone : The basis for marble. A less dense product than marble. Various colors. Usually comes with a honed ( matte ) finish.

Mosaic tile : Tile less than six square inches made of porcelain or clay composition. May come in squares, octagons, hexagons or random shapes? mounted for ease of installation.

Common Tile Terms

Glazed : The most common style today in floor and wall tiles, as well as for residential and commercial applications. A liquid glass is applied to the body of the tile and fired at high temperatures. The glazing becomes hard and non-porous.

Shiny glazes are softer, can be scratched easier, and can be slippery than the satin or rustic finishes.

Unglazed : There is no glazing or any other coating applied to the tile. Their color is the same on the face of the tile as it is on the back resulting in very durable tiles that do not show the effects of heavy traffic. The most common unglazed tiles are the red quarry tiles or the granite looking porcelain ceramic tiles used in heavy commercial areas.

Decorative tile : Any tile face decorated by silk screening, hand painting or ceramic decal before firing.

Feature strip (border) : A narrow strip of tile with design, texture or contrasting color that creates a design concept.

Trim pieces : Various shaped of bases, caps, corners, moldings, angles, etc.

Field tile : The primary tile used to cover a wall or floor.

Floor tile : A ceramic tile or natural stone tile durable enough to withstand traffic, abrasion.

Wall Tile : Glazed tiles with that are designed for indoor use and are generally non-vitreous.

Saltillo Tile : Is a Mexican tile made of unprocessed clays.

Listello : A narrow tile used to accent field tiles.

Mud Bed : A slang term referring to a thick-bed of mortar consisting of sand and cement.

Jog : A portion of the room's border or wall which projects beyond a flush surface.

Spacers : Cross-shaped plastic pieces that are used in installation to evenly separate tile. Manufactured in various thicknesses and shapes.

Adhesive : Used for bonding tile to a surface.

Epoxy adhesive : A two part adhesive system consisting of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Used for bonding ceramic tile or stone to backing material.

Epoxy grout : A two part grout system consisting of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Made to have impervious qualities, stain and chemical resistant. Used to fill joints between tiles.

Sealer : A penetrant applied to prevent the absorption of liquids or other debris. Used with porous materials including: quarry tile, grout, natural stone. Sealer is not necessary for glazed ceramic tile.

Dry set mortar : A cement based setting material for thin-bed installations.