Glossary

Batch
Tile manufacturers produce tiles in ‘batches’. To ensure uniformity in colour and minimise any noticeable differences, it’s advisable to use tiles from the same batch throughout the entire project where possible. All of our products are offered as part of a single batch.

Bookmatch
This term refers to slabs that create mirror images of each other, resembling the pages of an open book. This effect can be achieved with natural stone by cutting two slabs from the same block and finishing the two adjoining faces. Porcelain ‘slabs’ can also create this look, with the opposite slabs being symmetrical. Bookmatch slabs are always ordered in pairs or multiples of two to achieve the bookmatching effect.

Chevron
Chevron tiles are cut in a way that positions the short edges at an angle, allowing them to create an arrowhead pattern. Left and right chevrons are supplied and should be installed accordingly.

Decor
Decor tiles are characterized by striking patterns, ornate shapes, or surface textures that contrast with more neutral base tiles in the same range. These tiles often feature intricate and beautiful hand-designed patterns or ornate surface textures, serving as focal points in contrast to plainer surfaces.

Grip Surface
Grip finish tiles are designed for use in wet areas, offering a highly slip-resistant (R11 rated) surface. They feature a superfine texture and are suitable for areas where anti-slip resistance is essential, such as bathrooms, pool surrounds, and shower areas.

Honed
Honed tiles offer a contemporary finish that complements polished and natural finishes. During the honing process, the tile surface is buffed to a satin-like, smooth, and velvety texture. Honed tiles may appear slightly richer in color compared to natural surfaces but less so than polished ones.

Mosaics
Mosaics consist of small stone chips arranged on a mesh backing or with a plastic sheet on the face for ease of installation. These chips come in various sizes and formats, allowing for intricate and complex patterns to be installed quickly.

Natural
Natural finished tiles replicate the look and feel of the material they are based on, such as stone or concrete. These tiles feature distinctive markings, patterns, and textures that mimic the natural material, providing an authentic surface.

Nominal Size
The term “Nominal Size” refers to the approximate size of a tile, typically used for general identification and classification. It is the stated or labeled size of the tile. The actual size of the tile, known as the “actual size” or “true size,” can be slightly smaller or larger due to manufacturing tolerances. For example, a tile with a nominal size of 300 mm by 300 mm might have an actual size of 298 mm by 298 mm. A tile with a nominal thickness of 9.5 mm might have an actual thickness of 10 mm.

Non-rectified
Non-rectified porcelain or ceramic tiles are not cut to size after firing. They undergo expected shrinkage and warpage during firing, and grading occurs after firing without additional cutting. Consequently, non-rectified tiles may exhibit greater size variation compared to rectified tiles.

Polished
Polished tiles feature a high-gloss, smooth finish with a full range of tones. Their surface is resistant to scratching, fading, and wear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Polished surfaces enhance marble patterns, emphasizing the contrast between dark and light tones.

Rectified
Rectified porcelain or ceramic tiles are cut to size after the firing process, resulting in dimensionally stable tiles with minimal size variation within the same production run.

Slab
Porcelain slabs are large, 6 mm thick tiles ideal for floors, wall paneling and other installations. They come in various formats and sizes, including 3000 x 1500 mm and 2700 x 1200 mm providing versatility for different projects.

Slip Resistance (R)
A slip rating quantifies the slip resistance of a surface, helping determine its safety, especially in flooring materials. It measures the level of friction or traction when subjected to a horizontal force, such as walking. Standardized scales like the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) are used to express slip ratings.

Structured Surface
Structured finish tiles have a textured surface resulting from the forming process. This texture varies, from rough and random to protruding geometric shapes. Structured tiles provide some slip resistance, especially in dry conditions, although they do not offer the same anti-slip properties as grip surfaces.

Variation Rating (V)
Porcelain tile manufacturers use variation ratings to inform customers about the visual diversity within a batch of tiles. Ratings may range from low variation to high variation, indicating the degree of difference in color, pattern, and texture between tiles. Customers can choose tiles with an appropriate variation rating based on their design preferences.