Rectified
Cutting or grinding the edges off a tile allows the dimensions and squareness to be precisely controlled. Typically exhibiting a very square edge, rectified tiles are generally suited for installing with minimal grout lines between the tiles.

Sandstone
A sedimentary rock composed mostly of mineral and rock fragments within the sand sized range (from 2 to 0.06 mm) and having a minimum of 60% free silica, cemented or bonded to a greater or lesser degree by various materials including silica, iron oxides, carbonates or clay and which has a compressive strength over 28 MPa (ASTM C119, Quartz-based Dimension Stone Definition II). Australia has vast resources of natural stone; particularly sandstone.

Sealers
Clear coating penetrant applied to protect and prevent the absorption of liquids from spills or staining from other debris. Used with porous materials including: quarry tile, grout, natural stone. (also known as sealants).

Slate
A microcrystalline metamorphic rock most commonly derived from shale and composed mostly of micas, chlorite and quartz. Slate is a popular stone that has many applications.

Slip resistant tiles
Tiles treated to prevent slipping either by adding an abrasive grit to the glaze or a texture to the design of the tile surface structure such as ribs, studs etc.

Slip Resistance Tests
Are tests to show the coefficient of friction (traction) of the surface of tile? These tests are rarely used for stone. The ADA, (Americans with Disabilities Act 1990) recommends an average rating of .6 or better. The average is between a wet test and a dry test.

Spacers
T-shaped and + shaped, they are used in installation to separate tile on walls and floors. They are manufactured in various thicknesses

Terracotta
Traditional clay used to produce unglazed, cream to red body tiles, generally extruded and 12 mm thick or more. Surface may be rustic, smooth, polished, or waxed.

Travertine
Has a similar composition to limestone but with holes created by hot springs. Colours include beige, red, yellow and brown, with some variation from piece to piece. The porous holes can be left unfilled and the surface can be simply honed or they can filled in with either a resin or a cement based fill. The surface of filled travertine can be either Honed or Polished.

Unglazed tiles
Unglazed tiles derive their colour and texture from their raw materials or may be coloured by means of oxides dispersed throughout the body. They are generally fully vitrified.

Vitrified tiles
Vitreous tiles absorb less than 3 percent moisture whereas Fully Vitrified tiles are made from fine particles and fired to high temperatures (1250 degrees) which results in a denser tile with extremely low porosity (moisture absorption of less than 0.5 percent). Porcelain stoneware tiles are fully vitrified making a layer of glaze unnecessary for the tile to be impervious to water.

Wastage
Generally add 10 percent to the amount required for wastage due to cutting etc. If the installation is complicated or a lot of cutting is involved, the amount for wastage may need to be increased to 15 percent.

Water 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.

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