Tile Industry Terms

Question 1

Adhesive

Answer 1

A substance used for bonding tile to surfaces. Other common names thinset, glue, mud, mastic, mortar, and paste.

Question 2

Backing

Answer 2

Material used as a base over which a tile is installed

Question 3

Battiscopa

Answer 3

A floor trim also known as bullnose that has a finished edge on one side.

Question 4

Broken Joint

Answer 4

Tile installation where each row is offset for half of its length. Also known as brick joint or staggered pattern.

Question 5

Bullnose

Answer 5

A trim tile with a finished edge

Question 6

Caulk

Answer 6

Waterproof filler used to seal joints and make tile joints watertight.

Question 7

Cement Board

Answer 7

A panel normally ¼” or ½” thick made of cement, reinforced with fiberglass used as a substrate for tile installation.

Question 8

Coefficient of Friction (C.O.F)

Answer 8

The measurement of resistance to friction as related to be effect of how smooth or rough a surface is to prevent material to “slip” across the surface.

Question 9

Cove Base

Answer 9

A trim tile having a convex radius with a flat landing on the bottom edge. See also Sanitary Base

Question 10

Cure

Answer 10

The time period that a tile installation setting material must be undisturbed and allowed to set for it to reach full strength.

Question 11

Epoxy Adhesive

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Epoxy Grout

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Feature Strip (Border)

Answer 13

A narrow strip of tile with design, texture or contrasting color that creates a design concept.

Question 14

Field Tile

Answer 14

The primary tile used to cover a wall or floor

Question 15

Floor Tile

Answer 15

A tile durable enough to withstand traffic and abrasion.

Question 16

Grout

Answer 16

A mortar used to fill the joints between tiles

Question 17

Glazed Tile

Answer 17

A tile that has an impervious facial finish composed of glaseous ceramic materials fused to the surface of the tile

Question 18

Granite

Answer 18

Hard igneous rock consisting chiefly of quartz, orthoclase or microcline. This material can be in tile or slab form

Question 19

Lappato

Answer 19

A tile finish also known as “Semi-Polished”

Question 20

Limestone

Answer 20

Sedimentary stone that could have fossils or shells. This material can be in tile or slab form in a variety of finishes.

Question 21

Listel or Listello

Answer 21

A decorative border, primarily for walls.

Question 22

Marble

Answer 22

A natural stone product quarried from the earth. This material can be in tile or slab form in a variety of finishes

Question 23

Mastic

Answer 23

A wall tile adhesive used to bond tile to wall substrates.

Question 24

Mosaics

Answer 24

Ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal or stone tile less than six square inches. May come in squares, octagons, hexagons or random shapes mounted for ease of installation

Question 25

Mud

Answer 25

A slang term referring to thick-bed mortar consisting of sand and cement

Question 26

Porcelain Tile

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Quarry Tile

Answer 27

Dense unglazed tile that is generally 6” or more in surface area and less than 3/4” thick. Use mostly in commercial spaces because of its slip resistant qualities.

Question 28

Sanitary Base

Answer 28

A trim tile having a concave radius on one edge and a convex radius with a flat landing on the bottom edge

Question 29

Sealer

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Slate

Answer 30

A natural material that is known for its dynamic colors and “earthy” appeal. Slate is used outside as well as inside because of its natural look and wonderful colors. Because slate is a product of nature, it is characterized by a high shade variation.

Question 31

Spacers

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Thinset

Answer 32

An adhesive used to attach tiles to a substrate.

Question 33

Threshold

Answer 33

A raised member of the floor within the doorjamb.

Question 34

Travertine

Answer 34

Similar composition to limestone but with holes created by hot springs. This material can be in tile or slab form also in many different finishes.

Question 35

Trim Pieces

Answer 35

Various shaped of bases, caps, corners, moldings, angles, etc.

Question 36

Unglazed Tile

Answer 36

A hard, dense tile of uniform composition.

Question 37

Wall Tile

Answer 37

Glazed tile with a body suitable for interior use. Not expected to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing/thawing conditions.