Tile Glossary
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Abrasion resistance
Abrasion resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand surface wear caused by friction, foot traffic, cleaning, or repeated contact over time. In tiles and flooring, higher abrasion resistance helps maintain appearance and durability, especially in high-traffic residential, commercial, and outdoor environments.
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Absorption rate
The percentage of water a tile can absorb as compared to its dry weight is known as the absorption rate. It is used to determine the durability and long-term utility of the tile by analyzing its porosity and density. The lower the absorption rate, the denser the tile is.
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Adhesive Cure Time
Adhesive cure time is the time taken by any tile adhesive to harden completely, ensuring the best bond strength. Once the tile installation is cured completely, the tiled surface becomes ready for regular use, moisture exposure, and foot traffic.
Anti-Slip
Anti-slip refers to the ability of a surface to provide enough friction and prevent falls. In flooring, it describes surfaces designed to improve traction and maintain stability underfoot, especially in areas exposed to water, moisture, or frequent foot traffic. Anti-slip tiles, also known as anti-skid tiles, balance safety with aesthetics and are commonly used in both indoor and outdoor areas.
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Back Buttering
In simple terms, back buttering refers to applying an even layer of thinset to the back of a tile, using the flat side of a trowel enhances bonding. It helps in a stronger attachment and better coverage, ensuring proper and full contact between a tile and the surface beneath it.
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Backer Board
Any rigid construction panel that is used to create a stable base for different kinds of floor and wall installations is known as a backerboard. It is a supportive layer to enhance performance and durability, allowing a flat and strong foundation that ensures proper adherence and long-term integrity.
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Backsplash
A backsplash is a protective surface installed behind sinks, countertops, or cooking areas to shield walls from moisture, stains, and splashes. Often made from tile, it also serves as a decorative element that enhances the style and visual appeal of kitchens and bathrooms.
Read moreBed Thickness
Bed thickness refers to the depth of mortar or adhesive applied beneath a tile during installation. Proper bed thickness ensures adequate bonding, surface leveling, and load distribution, helping prevent tile movement, cracking, or uneven surfaces over time.
Read moreBending Strength
Bending strength refers to a material’s ability to resist breaking or cracking when subjected to flexural stress. In tiles, higher bending strength indicates better durability and performance under load, impact, or minor substrate movement.
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Beveled Edge
A beveled edge refers to an angled edge treatment that replaces a sharp, square corner with a gently sloped surface. This slope is usually between 25 and 45 degrees, formed along the perimeter of the tile that creates a transition where the tiles connect. A beveled edge tile brings a sense of depth and visual interest to a tiled surface by creating fine shadow lines between the tiles. The angled edge softens the appearance of sharp corners and creates a cleaner appearance.
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Bond Strength
Bond strength is a measure that helps us determine how firmly a tile adhesive secures a tile to its substrate. It also helps us to measure how well it can tolerate load, movement, and stress. Proper tile bond strength is a must for long-lasting and durable tile installations in both residential and commercial spaces.
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Border
A border is a strip of tile with a contrasting color, pattern, or texture used to frame, highlight, or separate sections of a tiled area. A tile border, as the name suggests, is made of tiles and is used to create a structural and visual boundary in a tile installation. There are various benefits of installing tile borders. Some of the major ones include:
Read moreBreaking Strength
Breaking strength is the maximum amount of force a tile can withstand before it cracks or breaks. Considered to be an important measure of strength, it is also a standard mechanical quality metric used across all clay-based and hard-surface tiles. It helps to determine your tile’s durability and suitability for floors, walls, or heavy-load areas.
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Brushed Finish
A brushed finish is a special surface treatment that is used on materials like natural stone, ceramic, and tiles to create a matte, lightly textured surface for a soft and natural feel. This resultant surface is not glossy and is smooth to the touch. The matte appearance of this surface enhances the natural sheen and character of the material.
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Bullnose
A bullnose is a type of trim tile with a broad convex rounded edge, corner or projection that is used in construction, architecture or the interior design industry. An undeniably best and easy protection for tiles. It is designed to soften sharp corners, prevent chipping, and create a smooth, curved finish for tiles, staircases, and countertops.
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Butt Joint
A butt joint is where tiles are placed extremely close together so that the edges align properly, leaving no space for grout or tile spacers. In this joint, the tiles meet edge-to-edge, creating a uniform and tight surface pattern.
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Byzantine
Byzantine is a decorative style that takes inspiration from the 4th-century Byzantine Empire. It is known for its rich colors, intricate mosaics, and dazzling ornamental designs.
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Caulk
Think of caulk as the ultimate gap-filler for tile jobs. Unlike grout, which cures rock-hard and snaps under stress, caulk stays rubbery. It’s what you squeeze into those tricky spots where tiles bump into walls, tubs, or counters to keep water, bugs, and drafts from sneaking through.
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Cement Grout
Cement grout is a cement-based material used to fill the joints between tiles during a tile installation. It is made from Portland cement and contains pigments, fine aggregates, and additives that ensure durability and strength.
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Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance of a tile is its ability to withstand contact with chemical substances, such as alkalis, acids, oils, and cleaning agents, without undergoing any significant damage. It often includes resistance to staining, surface etching, fading, and loss of finish as well. Consider it a crucial factor for spaces where tiles come in contact with commercial or household chemicals regularly.
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Chipped Tile
A chipped tile is a tile that has lost a small piece from its edge, corner, or surface, exposing the body beneath the finished surface. Chipping is typically caused by impact or force applied to the vulnerable points of a tile.
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Coefficient of Friction (COF)
The coefficient of friction (COF) is a measure that defines how much grip a tile surface provides underfoot. In common parlance, it is often used to describe tile slip resistance, i.e., how effectively a tile surface resists movement, especially in high-use and moisture-prone spaces.
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Color Body Porcelain
Color body porcelain tiles are designed specially to maintain their appearance even after heavy use and everyday wear. In standard glazed tiles, the surface design is placed over a base of a different color, whereas in color body porcelain, the tile is made in such a way that the underlying color matches the surface closely.
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Control Joint
A tile control joint, also known as a movement or stress relief joint, is a deliberately placed gap in tile installation to allow natural movement. It is a safeguard that prevents cracking, debonding, and tenting, which are commonly caused by changes in temperature or substrate shifts.
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Cracked Tile
A tile that shows visible fractures and splits either on its surface or throughout its body is known as a cracked tile. These cracks can range from fine lines to large breaks and are a sign that the tile has been exposed to impact-related, installation-related, or structural stress.
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Cracking Resistance
Cracking resistance of a tile is its ability to withstand load and stress without fracturing. It denotes how well a tile can tolerate impact, load, and movement, that is, the factors that commonly lead to cracks in other materials. Simply put, it represents the tile strength and how durable a tiled surface is.
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Crackle Finish
A crackle finish is a surface treatment that is used to create a web of fine, hairline cracks on tile, for aesthetic purposes. It is predominantly used across ceramic and porcelain tiles to add visual depth and character to the surface.
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Crazing Resistance
Crazing resistance is the tile’s capacity to withstand the formation of fine, hairline cracks, known as crazing, in its glazed surface during normal use. As these lines are extremely fine, they typically do not affect the structural integrity of the installation immediately; however, they are detrimental to the hygiene, appearance, and long-term durability of a tile, especially in moisture-prone environments.
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Curing
Curing, in construction terms, means the process of maintaining the right conditions so that the materials used during a tile installation can harden properly. It focuses on creating a conducive environment for the materials to reach their highest strength.
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Cut Tile
A cut tile is a tile that has been shaped or trimmed to fit a specific space within the installation. Spaces are rarely aligned perfectly for standard tile dimensions, which makes cutting a necessary step to ensure a precise fit, especially around edges, fixtures, corners, and transitions.
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DCOF
he Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) rating measures a tile’s slip resistance during movement, such as walking, particularly under wet conditions. Because it evaluates friction while motion is occurring, DCOF provides a more practical indicator of slip resistance than older static friction measurements.
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Diagonal Set
A diagonal set, also known as a diagonal tile pattern, is a layout style in which, instead of a straight grid, tiles are installed at a 45-degree angle to walls or floors. This shift in orientation has a major aesthetic role and can introduce movement in the space while softening rigid lines.
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Dot-Mounted Mosaic Tile
A dot-mounted mosaic tile is a tile in which various individual pieces of tiles (or other materials) are installed on a sheet using clear adhesive dots applied to the back. It is a popular mounting method that ensures even spacing and leaves a large surface open for direct contact with the setting material during installation.
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Expansion Joint
An expansion joint, also commonly known as a movement joint or a tile expansion joint, is a deliberate gap created in a tile installation to allow space for natural movement.
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Extruded Tile
An extruded tile is a special type of ceramic tile that is made by pushing a ceramic clay mixture into a mould to create a continuous shape, which is then cut to size and kiln-fired.
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Flexural Strength
The ability to resist breaking even when a bending force is applied is known as the flexural strength in tile. In simple words, it is the measurement of how much strength a tile can endure before it cracks.
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Frost Resistance
A frost-resistant tile is a specially designed tile that can handle exposure to freezing temperatures without chipping, cracking, or losing its structural integrity. These tiles are made to endure freeze-thaw cycles, where moisture freezes, expands, and thaws repeatedly without causing any damage.
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Heat Resistance
A material’s capacity to withstand high temperatures without losing its structure, strength, or appearance is known as heat resistance. In tiles, the property makes sure that the surface remains stable even with heat exposure from the sun, cooking, fireplaces, and more. A tile that has strong thermal resistance performs well even when subjected to fluctuating temperatures.
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Honed Finish
A honed finish[https://apollotile.com/collections/honed-tile] is a special type of surface treatment that is used to create a smooth, matte, or satin-like appearance that carries little to no shine. It is a finishing method in which the tile material is ground down carefully to achieve an even and flat surface, instead of polishing it to make it glossy. This creates a natural and refined aesthetic.
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Impact Resistance
Impact resistance of a tile is its capacity to withstand shock or sudden force without chipping, cracking, or breaking. In simple words, it is the measure of how well a surface can handle heavy use, dropped objects, or accidental impact while still retaining its structure.
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Inkjet Printing Tile
An inkjet printing tile, as the name suggests, is a tile that is printed using advanced digital technology through which a design is applied directly onto the surface with extreme precision. This tile printing technology uses computer-controlled inkjet printers to deposit microscopic droplets of pigments before the tile is fired.
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Iridescent / Iridescence
Iridescence is a visual effect in which surfaces appear to be shifting between different colors as the angle of viewing or the light changes. In tiles, special glazing methods are used to create a light-responsive finish to create the effect of iridescence.
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Lappato
Lappato is a special type of tile finish that combines the beauty and efficiency of matte and polished surfaces. It is, in a way, a semi-polished finish that is made through a controlled partial polishing process to create a satin-gloss finish that brings in a gentle reflectivity while still maintaining a soft and natural look.
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Lippage
Lippage is a tile installation issue in which adjacent tiles are not perfectly level with each other. This leads to a height difference that is noticeable, especially at the edges. In simple words, it is an edge height variation that disrupts the smoothness of a tiled surface and can be detrimental to both practical performance and aesthetic appeal.
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Low Porosity
When a tile absorbs little to no moisture to its dense internal structure, it is said to possess low porosity. Due to low porosity, various liquids such as water cannot pass through the tile surface which makes it act as an almost impermeable surface.
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Matte Finish
A special type of tile surface that has little to no shine and designed to deliver a soft, understated, and stylish look is a ‘matte finish’. These are non-glossy surface options that have a low-sheen finish that instead of reflecting light, diffuse it.
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Mesh Mounted
Mesh mounted is a special type of tile format in which multiple small tiles are arranged and installed onto a flexible backing to create a single sheet. This method is particularly popular with mosaic tiles as it allows the tiles to be installed as a unit instead of one small piece at a time.
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MOHS Scale
The MOHS scale is a standardized system that is used to evaluate the hardness of various materials based on how much they can resist scratching. It is the most widely accepted tile hardness rating that is used to check the durability and suitability of a tile in practical applications.
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Moisture Resistance
Moisture resistance is the tile’s ability to reduce the absorption of water when it is exposed to wet or damp conditions. It is the measure of how well a tile can maintain its appearance, structure, and performance in the presence of water, moisture, or humidity.
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Monocottura
Monocottura is a special manufacturing technique used to produce ceramic tiles in which the body of the tile and glaze are fired together in a single kiln cycle. Due to the single firing, the structural body and the surface glaze of the tile gets fused together at once, resulting in a unified and durable product.
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MOR Tile
MOR, also known as Modulus of Rupture, is the measure of a tile’s capability to resist fracture when it experiences bending stress. MOR stands for the flexural strength measurement of a tile, denoting how much force a tile can take before it cracks or breaks.
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Mortar Bed
A mortar bed is a thick cement-based layer that is created under tiles to make a stable, level, and durable base. It serves as a tile support foundation which can help in installing tiles over uneven surfaces.
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Mortar Cure Time
Mortar cure time is the total time necessary for tile installation materials, including mortar and adhesive, to harden completely and reach their full strength. The bonding material beneath the tile continues to harden even though the surface looks dry or feels firm. The area becomes ready for grouting only when the tile mortar has cured sufficiently to hold the tiles securely in place.
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Mortar
Mortar is a cement-based, tile bonding material that is used to fix tiles on surfaces. It not only holds tiles in place but also creates a stable and supportive base. It is a cementitious mixture that generally combines sand, cement, and water and hardens over time to form a strong and sturdy bond.
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Paper Face Mounted
Paper face mounted tiles refer to a special tile format in which small tiles are prearranged into sheets and are held together by a temporary paper face that is applied to the front of the tiles. This method is generally used in the case of mosaic tiles. The fixed paper on the face of the tiles allows for the whole sheet to be handled and positioned carefully as a single unit during installation.
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PEI Rating
The PEI rating is a standardized measure of how well a glazed tile can fight surface wear caused by foot traffic. It is measured by conducting controlled laboratory tests that evaluates how a particular glazed surface performs under repeated abrasion. This makes tile PEI rating an important factor to consider while choosing tiles.
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Pinholes
The tiny crater-like depressions or minute openings that appear on the surface of glazed tiles are known as pinholes in tile. These are tiny interruptions in the glaze layer that are generally visible in the form of pores or fine dots under light. They are tiny yet noticeable variations in an otherwise smooth tile.
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Polished Finish
A polished finish is a special type of tile surface that is mechanically refined for a high-reflective and smooth appearance. The mechanical polishing process enhances the outer layer of the tile to create a high-clarity and ‘shiny’ surface.
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Satin Finish
A satin finish is a particular tile surface that offers a controlled and soft sheen that does not appear too reflective or shiny like a polished surface. Sitting between glossy and matte looks, this low-luster finish gives a smooth, semi-matte appearance for a beautiful, classic, and timeless look.
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Saw Cut
The process of trimming tiles to a particular size with the help of a tile saw, typically fitted with a diamond blade, to produce accurate and straight edges is known as saw cut. It is a precision cutting method that allows tiles to be refined or shaped with a high level of consistency during manufacturing or installation.
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Semi-Vitreous
Semi-vitreous is a special classification used to refer to ceramic tiles that are moderately dense and have a controlled level of water absorption. A semi-vitreous tile typically falls ANSI water absorption range of 3%–7% which puts it in the middle of non-vitreous (porous) and vitreous (dense) tiles within the broader water absorption classification.
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Slight Variation
Slight variation is a tile property where controlled and minimal differences are deliberately introduced in individual pieces based on tones, colors, and patterns. This controlled design variation ensures that no two tiles look completely identical, yet the installation looks visually consistent and cohesive.
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Slip Resistance
Slip resistance is a surface’s capacity to provide grip underfoot, reducing the risk of accidents in both dry and wet environments. It is typically denoted via an anti-slip rating. This rating expresses how well a tile supports floor traction performance when subjected to pressure or movement.
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Split Face
Split face is a special type of finish commonly used for tile surfaces, where the material is intentionally left uneven to mimic the natural fractured appearance of stone. The result is a rough surface profile that has a raw and rugged texture.
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Stain Resistance
Stain resistance is the ability of a tile surface to resist absorption of pigments, liquids, and contaminants that can cause spots or visible discoloration. Stain resistance therefore stands for how well a surface can protect its appearance, allowing substances to be cleaned off easily before they can leave a lasting mark or penetrate the surface.
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Subfloor
A tile subfloor is the structural layer beneath the tile installation that supports the entire flooring assembly, including the underlayment, adhesive, and tiles. It is the essential load-bearing surface that transfers the weight of the installation to the building structure and provides a stable base.
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Substantial variation
Substantial variation is a particular characteristic of tiles in which significant and clearly noticeable differences in tone, colour, texture, and/or pattern are observed between pieces within the same collection.
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Substrate
A tile substrate is the underlying surface on which tiles are installed. It forms the primary base of the whole tile installation. Depending on the application, the substrate may be a concrete slab, screed, masonry wall, plywood subfloor, or cement backer board. The substrate, though not visible in a finished installation, plays a decisive role in the adherence, alignment, and performance of a tiled surface.
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Textured Finish
A textured finish is a special type of tile surface that is designed with deliberate variations such as grooves, ridges, and subtle undulations to create a tactile grip and visual depth.
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Thermal Shock Resistance
Thermal shock resistance is the ability of a tile to tolerate quick and extreme changes in temperature without chipping, cracking, or losing structural integrity. When tiles shift between hot and cold temperatures quickly, the different layers in them expand and contract differently.
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Thin Set
Thin set is a cement-based material that is used as an adhesive to bond a tile to any prepared surface. It is generally a mixture of various fine aggregates, Portland cement, and performance additives that combine together to create a durable installation adhesive layer between the substrate and the tile.
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Through Body Porcelain
Through body porcelain is a special type of porcelain tile in which patterns, colors, and composition are spread across uniformly throughout the complete thickness of the tile. The term is also often used to refer to full-body porcelain or color-through porcelain with a solid color porcelain body, instead of a surface treatment. A through body porcelain tile is able to maintain its look consistently through wear and heavy use and high-traffic.
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Unglazed Tile
Unglazed tile is a type of ceramic or porcelain tile without a surface glaze. Its color and texture run through the entire body, making it highly durable, slip-resistant, and less prone to visible wear. It is commonly used in high-traffic, commercial, and outdoor applications.
Read moreUnsanded Grout
Unsanded grout is a smooth grout mixture without added sand, designed for narrow grout joints typically 1/8 inch or less. It is commonly used with polished tile, glass, and delicate surfaces, where sanded grout could cause scratching or surface damage.
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What Is Low-Maintenance Tile?
A low-maintenance tile is a tile designed to require minimal effort for cleaning, care, and maintenance. It is known for its resistance to stains, moisture, and everyday wear, able to retain its appearance with a simple cleaning routine.
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What Is PEI Rating?
The PEI rating is a standardized measure of how well a glazed tile can fight surface wear caused by foot traffic. It is measured by conducting controlled laboratory tests that evaluates how a particular glazed surface performs under repeated abrasion.
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What Is Scratch Resistance?
Scratch resistance is the ability of a tile surface to resist damage caused by contact with hard or sharp objects. It indicates how well the surface withstands scratching without developing visible marks or surface defects, helping to maintain its appearance and contributing to its wear durability over time.
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