Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Glossary

Ceramic: is a fired clay material.

Porcelain: is a specific category of ceramic with unique features (for example high density and durability).

Glaze: is a term which describes the process of decorating tiles with natural and artificial colors while a second firing process.

Mosaic tile: Small tiles connected in a pattern using a mesh backing that can either be used as an accent or as a full wall or floor.

Pattern: is a engraved design on the surface of the tile, or carved in relief.

Saltillo tile: is porous tile which presents a range of red tones of red. Those should not be used in rooms that have a lot of water splashing (for example bathrooms or kitchens).

Rectified tile: Goes through a manufacturing action to make sure each tile is the same size and shape with the purpose of laying them cleanly and carefully.

Non-rectified, or standard, tiles: are produced so that there are slight variations in tile size.

PEI classes or ratings: Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale which represents the amount of foot traffic a tile can handle.

Grout: This term describes filling powder formed in premixed colors. it is used in order to fill the joints between tiles.

Thin-set: is an mortar adhesive manufactured of cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent. It is used to attach tiles to the underflooring.