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Abrasion resistance
The degree to which a floor tile’s surface will withstand friction (the wear of foot traffic). Resistance is determined by abrasion tests. (AS 4459-7) classifies tiles from Group I (suitable for light residential traffic) to Group V (suitable for commercial traffic).
Absorption
The quantity of water a tile can absorb expressed as a percent of the dry tile weight. High water absorption corresponds to a porous structure, while compact, vitrified structures feature low water absorption.
Adhesive
A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. Note: Adhesive is the general term used and includes cement, glue, mucilage, thin-set and paste. All of these terms are loosely used interchangeably. Various descriptive adjectives are applied to the term adhesive to indicate certain characeristics as follows: (a) Physical form,. that is liquid adhesive, tape adhesive, (b) Chemical type, that is, silicate adhesive, resin adhesive, (c) Materials bonded, that is, paper adhesive, metal-plastic adhesive, can label adhesive, (d) Conditions of use, that is, hot-setting adhesive.
Basalt (Bluestone)
A hard blackish coloured volcanic rock composed of fine-grained plagioclase feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals. The term ‘Bluestone’ is often referred to in Victoria, Australia, as ‘basalt’, but elsewhere it has been used to describe other bluish sedimentary rocks such as dense feldspathic sandstones or siltstones.
Bicottura
Literally ‘two firings’, referring to the separate firing of the clay body and the glaze. Bicottura glazes are not as scratch resistant and are now only used on walls.
Body (of tile)
The structural portion of a ceramic article such as the clay material or mixture, as distinct from the glaze.
Bullnose tiles
Tiles featuring a rounded edge used to finish wall installations, turn outside corners or applied to the leading edge for some steps.
Clinker tiles (also Klinker)
Natural clay tile, generally extruded and unglazed, vitrified or impervious to moisture and therefore suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Cove tiles
Cove trim tiles with rounded top edge, used to finish tile installation as baseboard, backsplash, etc.
Decorated tile
Ceramic tiles that have been embellished by means of hand painting, silk screening, decals or other techniques.
Double Pressed
This is a popular choice because it gives the look of natural stone like marble and granite, but with the strength of a full porcelain tile. They’re so called because two different hues of porcelain are fused together when the tiles are made. Although these tiles don’t have the maintenance of natural stone, they are more expensive.
Dry-pressed tile
Tiles formed by the compaction of finely milled raw materials in moulds before firing. The majority of indoor tiles are produced this way.
Efflorescence
Crystalline deposit that sometimes appears on the surface of grout joints or unglazed tiles as a whitish powder or crust, caused by moisture reacting with impurities in the mortar.
Epoxy
Resin material used in mortars and grouts for thin-set tile installations.
Epoxy Grout
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.
Expansion Joint
Separation provided between adjoining parts of a structure to allow movement at stress points to prevent uncontrolled cracking.
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