Ceramic Tile Glossary

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular materials on the market today. Durable, strong, versatile, and beautiful, this type of tile works exceptionally well in any room of the house. Ceramic tile also comes in a variety of sizes, designs, styles, colors, patterns, textures, and surfaces. With so many combinations, get ready for an experience when buying. Although buying ceramic tile is not rocket science, it is important to learn as much as you can. To help, we have provided a glossary of terms associated with ceramic tile, broken down into two parts.

ASTM - The American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM use a rating system for manufacturers of ceramic tile. While there are a number of different factors involved, ratings usually cover resistance to scratches and durability. However, a few of the other more common ratings relate to chemical resistance, moisture absorbency, and strength, specific to breaking.

Biocuttura - This type of ceramic tile is fired in a kiln around 2,000 degrees. Firing occurs after green tile is dried, followed by another kiln firing one the glaze has been applied to the surface.

Bisque - Glazed ceramic tile has two layers but the largest layer or the body is known as the Bisque while the smaller, top layer is the glaze.

Bullnose - Bullnose is trim used with ceramic tile that has a single rounded and finished edge, creating a clean, refined appearance.

Ceramic - Ceramic tiles are made from all natural materials to include clay, minerals, and water, shaped into tiles and fired in a kiln.

CBU - CBU is a type of backer board applied to ceramic tile, giving it better support and making it more water resistant.

Class 1 - Tile recommended for no foot traffic areas.

Class 2 - Tile designed for areas of light traffic.

Class 3 - Ceramic tile that is best used in moderate to heavy traffic areas.

Class 4 - Tile for moderate to heavy traffic areas, usually used for light industrial or home flooring and walls.

Class 5 - This tile can withstand heavy and extra heavy traffic.

COF - This is a slip resistant rating measured by Coefficient of Friction or COF, with the higher the rating the more slip resistant the ceramic tile.

Corner Bullnose - Trim for ceramic tile with two, rounded and finished edges.

Extrusion - Clay material is forced through a special type of mold, creating the desired shape, which is different from creating ceramic tile by a pressing method.

Field Tile - A field tile is the largest area of a ceramic tile piece with the most prominent pattern.

Firing - When manufacturing ceramic tile, each piece goes through five steps. The last of these steps is called "firing", which requires tile to be placed in a kiln and fired at temperatures around 2,000 degrees.

Frit - During the glazing step of manufacturing ceramic tile, which is the fourth step, a liquid glaze made from a glass derivative known as frit is performed, along with color.

Glazed - Ceramic tile that has been coated with a glass-forming material has been glazed. Keep in mind that glazed tiles have three different finishes to include matte, semi-gloss, and high gloss.

Glazing - The fourth process of making ceramic tile in which the glaze is applied.

Green Tiles - In the manufacturing process, the third step involves clay being formed or pressed into shape. At this stage of the process, tiles are referred to as "green".

Grout - This type of cement is used for filling space between the ceramic tiles, as well as providing needed support in the joints.

Impervious Tiles - Ceramic tile with this rating has a moisture absorbency of .5% or less, making them frost proof and ideal for outdoor use.

Moisture Absorption - The more dense a ceramic tile the less moisture can absorb. Density varies with high density making the tile stronger and better at resisting moisture.

Monocuttura Tile - Tile that has been fired in a kiln at 2,000 degrees just once after being glazed is known as Monocuttura.

Mosaic - To enhance the appearance of a ceramic tile floor, wall, or countertop, additional types of tile are used to include inserts, borders, medallions, and mosaics, which are small in intricate. Typically, mosaic tile measures no more than 2x2 inches, which are available in wonderful patterns and colors.

Nominal Size - Ceramic tile is not referred to by its actual size but by nominal size. For instance, you might purchase a piece of tile measuring 12x12 inches, only to discover the actual measurements are 11 7.8 x 11.7.8 inches.

Non-Vitreous Tile - In this instance, ceramic tile would absorb 7% or less moisture.

Porcelain - This type of tile is comprised of 50% feldspar, which must be fired in a kiln at a much higher temperature than ceramic tile. However, porcelain is extremely durable and strong, great for resisting scratches.

Pressing - The manufacturing of ceramic consists of five stages with pressing being step number three. During this phase, clay is pressed or formed into the desired tile shape.

Sanded Grout - Grout comes in two options for residence use to include epoxy-based and Portland cement. In both cases, sand is used to give the joint better strength.

Sanitary Cove Base - Trim used with ceramic tile that has a rounded and finished top, covering the tile's body.

Semi-Vitreous Tiles - This is ceramic tile that can absorb moisture between 3% and 7%.

Shade Variation - All ceramic tiles have variation in shade, which can usually be viewed on a label posted to the backside of the tile. Variations are rated as low, which is consistent shade and texture, moderate, standing for moderate shade and texture, high, which is high shade and texture, and random or very high shade and texture variation.

Substrate - When ceramic tile is installed, the foundation, also known as the substrate must be properly prepared. Typically, substrate consists of drywall, plywood, or even concrete.

Thickset or Mud Set - An older method of installing ceramic tile was known as thickset or mud set in which thick mortar was applied to substrate with steel reinforcement and waterproofing.

Thinset - This newer method of ceramic tile installation includes tile being adhered onto backer board, which is nailed to the substrate and using a thin layer of mortar.

Through Body - Tile that has a solid color through and through and ceramic tile without glaze is called through body.

Tile Density - This is the weight or density of the tile piece. The denser the tile the more moisture resistant and stronger it is.

Unglazed - Tile that is solid in color all the way through and without the top layer of glaze is unglazed.

Unsanded Grout - Unsanded grout is a type of grout used in joints of the smaller tile, usually measuring 1/8 inch.

Vitreous Tiles - In this case, the ceramic tile can absorb moisture of 3% or less.