Tile Terms

7% water absorption / Non-Vitreous 3-7% water absorption / Semi-Vitreous .5-3% water absorption / Vitreous ≤.5% water absorption / Impervious Vitrified = When the mix for a porcelain tile (such as silica and sand) is fired, it vitrifies due to the high temperatures. Vitrification (from the Latin vitreum, “glass” via the French vitrifier) means to become glass-like or to be transformed into a non-crystalline amorphous solid. Ceramic tiles are more like cement, in that they are porous and slightly less suitable than porcelain for wet environments, however, most ceramics have low enough porosity rates for wet areas. Porcelain tiles are fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic causing the tile to become fully vitrified (.5% or less water absorption). In reality, all ceramics are vitrified to some extent and the vitrified classification can often be confusing. Tiles used outdoors must absorb <3% to be frost resistant. In order for a tile to be frost proof it must have an absorption rate of < .5%, which classifies it as porcelain. Frost resistance does not mean frost proof and not all frost-proof tiles are recommended for exterior use. Size, finish, and thickness may also be taken into consideration. Always check with the manufacturer on suitable applications, even with technical data in hand. DCoF / Slip Resistance The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCoF value) is a measurement that determines how much friction there is on wet, level floors when walked upon. The results of DCoF testing help us determine the likelihood of whether or not a tile surface could contribute to someone slipping and/or falling. According to the ANSI A137.1–2012 standard, ceramic tiles selected for level interior spaces when wet must have a minimum wet DCoF AcuTestvalue of at least 0.42. Tiles with lower value are not necessarily restricted to dry areas only, but rather are restricted to applications where they are kept dry when walked upon. In the case of residential bathrooms, the common use of bathmats can accomplish this. Similarly, in doorways, the use of entrance mats can accomplish the same. Not all products with a DCoF AcuTestvalue over 0.42 are suitable for all applications. The type of use, traffic, contaminants, maintenance, expected wear, and manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations are important and must also be considered by the specifier. This is why the Product Use Classification was established. Product Use Classification (NEW 2022) The Tile Council of North America, in collaboration with the American National Standards Institute, now requires tile manufacturers (as well as other hard surface flooring manufacturers) to provide “product use classifications” based on the properties of slip resistance. Classification / Reference Identification / Criteria Interior, Dry / ID / ≥ 0.42 dry DCOF* (Per Section 10.1) Interior, Wet / IW/ ≥ 0.42 wet DCOF* (Per Section 9.1) or Manufacturer-Declared Interior, Wet Plus / IW+/ Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions/ Oils & Greases / OG / Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions Do note, Product Use Classification is a new standard and will take time for factory self-declared ratings to be established. You should reach out to your rep if you desire to check the self-declared rating on your specification or selection. R Value / Anti-Slip The anti-slip rating comes in the form of an 'R-value'. The ‘R’ stands for ‘ramp test’; with the subsequent number indicating an anti-slip grade - 13 being strong, 9 being slight. During the production process, the surface of the porcelain can be modified to have a rougher finish. This is achieved by adding a mineral called Corundum into the glazing mix. Corundum is added to the production line after the digital surface application and before entering the kiln for firing. That means that it crystallizes at the exact same temperatures as each of the other materials involved, so it blends perfectly and creates an anti-slip surface without changing the appearance of the tile. Rating R9 – Suitable for a less than 10° slope (minimal friction) Rating R10 – Suitable for a 10° to 19° slope (normal friction) Rating R11 – Suitable for a 19° to 27° slope (normal friction) Rating R12 – Suitable for a 27° to 35° slope (high friction) Rating R13 – Suitable for slopes more than 35° (very high friction) Breaking Strength Breaking strength is measured by force on an unsupported portion of tile until breakage occurs, expressed in lbs. To Comply with ANSI A137.1 “the average breaking strength is equal to or greater than 250 lbs for the floor, porcelain, quarry, and mosaic tiles and 125 lbs for glazed wall tiles.” Since the breaking strength minimum industry requirement for ceramic tile is a laboratory test of what is mostly an unsupported tile, it isn't directly meaningful in terms of determining what kind of dead and live loads it can endure. What's more meaningful for your concerns pertaining to how a bonded tile will perform is the compressive strength physical characteristic of the tile. Most porcelain tiles have over 20,000 pounds per square inch compressive strength capacity or better. Chemical Resistance ASTM C650 is the standard test method for determining the resistance of ceramic tile to chemical substances. The test is intended for tile that will be used for lavatories, food counters, or similar residential, commercial, or medical installations. A tile sample is placed in continuous contact with a variety of chemicals for 24 hours, rinsing the surface and then examining the surface for visible variation, to seek a grade of “conforms” or “unaffected.” Tile Finishes Tile use is the primary factor for determining which finish to specify. The secondary factor is style. There are dozens of finishes available, however, a few make up the majority of the mass tile market. It is important to remember that mechanically enhancing the surface of natural porcelain to a polished finish, or even a matte finish, opens up tiny micropores on the surface of the tile, which is why some manufacturers will recommend sealing. Glossy – Ceramic wall and floor tiles with a reflective surface, used primarily for interior installations. Polished or Levigato – These are porcelain tiles with a smooth reflective surface. During the finishing process, the tile passes through a series of silicone carbide brushes, ranging from very coarse to very fine (similar to sandpaper) which rotate at high speeds on the surface. This grind and buff process brings out the brilliance of color and depth of pattern because the design of a porcelain tile is created within its structure, rather than applied on top. Polished - Polished tiles require more maintenance as they can scratch, are slippery when wet, and can sometimes need sealing as the polishing opens up the pores. All polished tiles are also rectified and rated for floor and wall applications. Exterior installations are wall only. Polished tiles do not meet commercial slip resistance for floor installations, however, new technology has produced a polish that meets the DCoF (slip resistance) standard, but may still not be suitable for commercial applications as they often require a much higher rating over the threshold. Due to the extra steps to manufacture polished porcelain, the cost is higher. Semi-Polish or Lappato – Achieved by polishing the tile's surface with an abrasive wheel but not long enough to attain the luster of a typical polished tile. The result is a tile that has a slight polish. Lappato finishes have a thinner glaze than full-polished porcelain and are typically higher priced. Matte or Natural - This particular product comes out of the kiln in its natural form with no further treatment or processing and is currently the most ubiquitous product on the market. Honed - During the finishing process, the manufacturer will stop polishing before the surface becomes shiny, leaving a flat, satin-like feel that is smooth and velvety to the touch. The color of a honed tile may appear slightly richer than the same tile with a natural or matte surface. GROUT & DESIGN Tile must be grouted, which means grout color is equally important in design as the tile itself and can make a big design statement or blend into the background. Tile samples & photography may not show grout, but this doesn't mean you can skip it on the jobsite. The evolution of grout has made more colors available today than ever before and has made epoxy-based grouts (SpectraLOCK) formulated for residential use, where they previously were only used in select commercial applications installed by highly-skilled tile setters. Epoxy-grouts are less porous, however, most grouts on the market today have technical performance features. Matching the color of your tile creates a more subtle look, whereas a contrasting grout color makes the shape & pattern the grand feature. White subway tile with grey grout pays homage to the early days of tile, where cement was actually used as grout. Dark grey grout with subway tile is typical for historic renovations, but now this style is ubiquitous and has morphed over the years to be adaptable to any design style. Grout line thickness depends on if your tile is manufactured with a rectified or pressed edge, which should be discussed with your salesperson and installer. Rectified = 1/8” typical minimum grout joint Pressed = 3/8” typical recommended grout joint Our showrooms and commercial reps have grout kits in their toolbox and can help choose which type and color of grout is best for your installation." /> 7% water absorption / Non-Vitreous 3-7% water absorption / Semi-Vitreous .5-3% water absorption / Vitreous ≤.5% water absorption / Impervious Vitrified = When the mix for a porcelain tile (such as silica and sand) is fired, it vitrifies due to the high temperatures. Vitrification (from the Latin vitreum, “glass” via the French vitrifier) means to become glass-like or to be transformed into a non-crystalline amorphous solid. Ceramic tiles are more like cement, in that they are porous and slightly less suitable than porcelain for wet environments, however, most ceramics have low enough porosity rates for wet areas. Porcelain tiles are fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic causing the tile to become fully vitrified (.5% or less water absorption). In reality, all ceramics are vitrified to some extent and the vitrified classification can often be confusing. Tiles used outdoors must absorb <3% to be frost resistant. In order for a tile to be frost proof it must have an absorption rate of < .5%, which classifies it as porcelain. Frost resistance does not mean frost proof and not all frost-proof tiles are recommended for exterior use. Size, finish, and thickness may also be taken into consideration. Always check with the manufacturer on suitable applications, even with technical data in hand. DCoF / Slip Resistance The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCoF value) is a measurement that determines how much friction there is on wet, level floors when walked upon. The results of DCoF testing help us determine the likelihood of whether or not a tile surface could contribute to someone slipping and/or falling. According to the ANSI A137.1–2012 standard, ceramic tiles selected for level interior spaces when wet must have a minimum wet DCoF AcuTestvalue of at least 0.42. Tiles with lower value are not necessarily restricted to dry areas only, but rather are restricted to applications where they are kept dry when walked upon. In the case of residential bathrooms, the common use of bathmats can accomplish this. Similarly, in doorways, the use of entrance mats can accomplish the same. Not all products with a DCoF AcuTestvalue over 0.42 are suitable for all applications. The type of use, traffic, contaminants, maintenance, expected wear, and manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations are important and must also be considered by the specifier. This is why the Product Use Classification was established. Product Use Classification (NEW 2022) The Tile Council of North America, in collaboration with the American National Standards Institute, now requires tile manufacturers (as well as other hard surface flooring manufacturers) to provide “product use classifications” based on the properties of slip resistance. Classification / Reference Identification / Criteria Interior, Dry / ID / ≥ 0.42 dry DCOF* (Per Section 10.1) Interior, Wet / IW/ ≥ 0.42 wet DCOF* (Per Section 9.1) or Manufacturer-Declared Interior, Wet Plus / IW+/ Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions/ Oils & Greases / OG / Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions Do note, Product Use Classification is a new standard and will take time for factory self-declared ratings to be established. You should reach out to your rep if you desire to check the self-declared rating on your specification or selection. R Value / Anti-Slip The anti-slip rating comes in the form of an 'R-value'. The ‘R’ stands for ‘ramp test’; with the subsequent number indicating an anti-slip grade - 13 being strong, 9 being slight. During the production process, the surface of the porcelain can be modified to have a rougher finish. This is achieved by adding a mineral called Corundum into the glazing mix. Corundum is added to the production line after the digital surface application and before entering the kiln for firing. That means that it crystallizes at the exact same temperatures as each of the other materials involved, so it blends perfectly and creates an anti-slip surface without changing the appearance of the tile. Rating R9 – Suitable for a less than 10° slope (minimal friction) Rating R10 – Suitable for a 10° to 19° slope (normal friction) Rating R11 – Suitable for a 19° to 27° slope (normal friction) Rating R12 – Suitable for a 27° to 35° slope (high friction) Rating R13 – Suitable for slopes more than 35° (very high friction) Breaking Strength Breaking strength is measured by force on an unsupported portion of tile until breakage occurs, expressed in lbs. To Comply with ANSI A137.1 “the average breaking strength is equal to or greater than 250 lbs for the floor, porcelain, quarry, and mosaic tiles and 125 lbs for glazed wall tiles.” Since the breaking strength minimum industry requirement for ceramic tile is a laboratory test of what is mostly an unsupported tile, it isn't directly meaningful in terms of determining what kind of dead and live loads it can endure. What's more meaningful for your concerns pertaining to how a bonded tile will perform is the compressive strength physical characteristic of the tile. Most porcelain tiles have over 20,000 pounds per square inch compressive strength capacity or better. Chemical Resistance ASTM C650 is the standard test method for determining the resistance of ceramic tile to chemical substances. The test is intended for tile that will be used for lavatories, food counters, or similar residential, commercial, or medical installations. A tile sample is placed in continuous contact with a variety of chemicals for 24 hours, rinsing the surface and then examining the surface for visible variation, to seek a grade of “conforms” or “unaffected.” Tile Finishes Tile use is the primary factor for determining which finish to specify. The secondary factor is style. There are dozens of finishes available, however, a few make up the majority of the mass tile market. It is important to remember that mechanically enhancing the surface of natural porcelain to a polished finish, or even a matte finish, opens up tiny micropores on the surface of the tile, which is why some manufacturers will recommend sealing. Glossy – Ceramic wall and floor tiles with a reflective surface, used primarily for interior installations. Polished or Levigato – These are porcelain tiles with a smooth reflective surface. During the finishing process, the tile passes through a series of silicone carbide brushes, ranging from very coarse to very fine (similar to sandpaper) which rotate at high speeds on the surface. This grind and buff process brings out the brilliance of color and depth of pattern because the design of a porcelain tile is created within its structure, rather than applied on top. Polished - Polished tiles require more maintenance as they can scratch, are slippery when wet, and can sometimes need sealing as the polishing opens up the pores. All polished tiles are also rectified and rated for floor and wall applications. Exterior installations are wall only. Polished tiles do not meet commercial slip resistance for floor installations, however, new technology has produced a polish that meets the DCoF (slip resistance) standard, but may still not be suitable for commercial applications as they often require a much higher rating over the threshold. Due to the extra steps to manufacture polished porcelain, the cost is higher. Semi-Polish or Lappato – Achieved by polishing the tile's surface with an abrasive wheel but not long enough to attain the luster of a typical polished tile. The result is a tile that has a slight polish. Lappato finishes have a thinner glaze than full-polished porcelain and are typically higher priced. Matte or Natural - This particular product comes out of the kiln in its natural form with no further treatment or processing and is currently the most ubiquitous product on the market. Honed - During the finishing process, the manufacturer will stop polishing before the surface becomes shiny, leaving a flat, satin-like feel that is smooth and velvety to the touch. The color of a honed tile may appear slightly richer than the same tile with a natural or matte surface. GROUT & DESIGN Tile must be grouted, which means grout color is equally important in design as the tile itself and can make a big design statement or blend into the background. Tile samples & photography may not show grout, but this doesn't mean you can skip it on the jobsite. The evolution of grout has made more colors available today than ever before and has made epoxy-based grouts (SpectraLOCK) formulated for residential use, where they previously were only used in select commercial applications installed by highly-skilled tile setters. Epoxy-grouts are less porous, however, most grouts on the market today have technical performance features. Matching the color of your tile creates a more subtle look, whereas a contrasting grout color makes the shape & pattern the grand feature. White subway tile with grey grout pays homage to the early days of tile, where cement was actually used as grout. Dark grey grout with subway tile is typical for historic renovations, but now this style is ubiquitous and has morphed over the years to be adaptable to any design style. Grout line thickness depends on if your tile is manufactured with a rectified or pressed edge, which should be discussed with your salesperson and installer. Rectified = 1/8” typical minimum grout joint Pressed = 3/8” typical recommended grout joint Our showrooms and commercial reps have grout kits in their toolbox and can help choose which type and color of grout is best for your installation." /> 7% water absorption / Non-Vitreous 3-7% water absorption / Semi-Vitreous .5-3% water absorption / Vitreous ≤.5% water absorption / Impervious Vitrified = When the mix for a porcelain tile (such as silica and sand) is fired, it vitrifies due to the high temperatures. Vitrification (from the Latin vitreum, “glass” via the French vitrifier) means to become glass-like or to be transformed into a non-crystalline amorphous solid. Ceramic tiles are more like cement, in that they are porous and slightly less suitable than porcelain for wet environments, however, most ceramics have low enough porosity rates for wet areas. Porcelain tiles are fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic causing the tile to become fully vitrified (.5% or less water absorption). In reality, all ceramics are vitrified to some extent and the vitrified classification can often be confusing. Tiles used outdoors must absorb <3% to be frost resistant. In order for a tile to be frost proof it must have an absorption rate of < .5%, which classifies it as porcelain. Frost resistance does not mean frost proof and not all frost-proof tiles are recommended for exterior use. Size, finish, and thickness may also be taken into consideration. Always check with the manufacturer on suitable applications, even with technical data in hand. DCoF / Slip Resistance The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCoF value) is a measurement that determines how much friction there is on wet, level floors when walked upon. The results of DCoF testing help us determine the likelihood of whether or not a tile surface could contribute to someone slipping and/or falling. According to the ANSI A137.1–2012 standard, ceramic tiles selected for level interior spaces when wet must have a minimum wet DCoF AcuTestvalue of at least 0.42. Tiles with lower value are not necessarily restricted to dry areas only, but rather are restricted to applications where they are kept dry when walked upon. In the case of residential bathrooms, the common use of bathmats can accomplish this. Similarly, in doorways, the use of entrance mats can accomplish the same. Not all products with a DCoF AcuTestvalue over 0.42 are suitable for all applications. The type of use, traffic, contaminants, maintenance, expected wear, and manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations are important and must also be considered by the specifier. This is why the Product Use Classification was established. Product Use Classification (NEW 2022) The Tile Council of North America, in collaboration with the American National Standards Institute, now requires tile manufacturers (as well as other hard surface flooring manufacturers) to provide “product use classifications” based on the properties of slip resistance. Classification / Reference Identification / Criteria Interior, Dry / ID / ≥ 0.42 dry DCOF* (Per Section 10.1) Interior, Wet / IW/ ≥ 0.42 wet DCOF* (Per Section 9.1) or Manufacturer-Declared Interior, Wet Plus / IW+/ Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions/ Oils & Greases / OG / Manufacturer-Declared Standards >ANSI A326.3 generally accepts minimum conditions Do note, Product Use Classification is a new standard and will take time for factory self-declared ratings to be established. You should reach out to your rep if you desire to check the self-declared rating on your specification or selection. R Value / Anti-Slip The anti-slip rating comes in the form of an 'R-value'. The ‘R’ stands for ‘ramp test’; with the subsequent number indicating an anti-slip grade - 13 being strong, 9 being slight. During the production process, the surface of the porcelain can be modified to have a rougher finish. This is achieved by adding a mineral called Corundum into the glazing mix. Corundum is added to the production line after the digital surface application and before entering the kiln for firing. That means that it crystallizes at the exact same temperatures as each of the other materials involved, so it blends perfectly and creates an anti-slip surface without changing the appearance of the tile. Rating R9 – Suitable for a less than 10° slope (minimal friction) Rating R10 – Suitable for a 10° to 19° slope (normal friction) Rating R11 – Suitable for a 19° to 27° slope (normal friction) Rating R12 – Suitable for a 27° to 35° slope (high friction) Rating R13 – Suitable for slopes more than 35° (very high friction) Breaking Strength Breaking strength is measured by force on an unsupported portion of tile until breakage occurs, expressed in lbs. To Comply with ANSI A137.1 “the average breaking strength is equal to or greater than 250 lbs for the floor, porcelain, quarry, and mosaic tiles and 125 lbs for glazed wall tiles.” Since the breaking strength minimum industry requirement for ceramic tile is a laboratory test of what is mostly an unsupported tile, it isn't directly meaningful in terms of determining what kind of dead and live loads it can endure. What's more meaningful for your concerns pertaining to how a bonded tile will perform is the compressive strength physical characteristic of the tile. Most porcelain tiles have over 20,000 pounds per square inch compressive strength capacity or better. Chemical Resistance ASTM C650 is the standard test method for determining the resistance of ceramic tile to chemical substances. The test is intended for tile that will be used for lavatories, food counters, or similar residential, commercial, or medical installations. A tile sample is placed in continuous contact with a variety of chemicals for 24 hours, rinsing the surface and then examining the surface for visible variation, to seek a grade of “conforms” or “unaffected.” Tile Finishes Tile use is the primary factor for determining which finish to specify. The secondary factor is style. There are dozens of finishes available, however, a few make up the majority of the mass tile market. It is important to remember that mechanically enhancing the surface of natural porcelain to a polished finish, or even a matte finish, opens up tiny micropores on the surface of the tile, which is why some manufacturers will recommend sealing. Glossy – Ceramic wall and floor tiles with a reflective surface, used primarily for interior installations. Polished or Levigato – These are porcelain tiles with a smooth reflective surface. During the finishing process, the tile passes through a series of silicone carbide brushes, ranging from very coarse to very fine (similar to sandpaper) which rotate at high speeds on the surface. This grind and buff process brings out the brilliance of color and depth of pattern because the design of a porcelain tile is created within its structure, rather than applied on top. Polished - Polished tiles require more maintenance as they can scratch, are slippery when wet, and can sometimes need sealing as the polishing opens up the pores. All polished tiles are also rectified and rated for floor and wall applications. Exterior installations are wall only. Polished tiles do not meet commercial slip resistance for floor installations, however, new technology has produced a polish that meets the DCoF (slip resistance) standard, but may still not be suitable for commercial applications as they often require a much higher rating over the threshold. Due to the extra steps to manufacture polished porcelain, the cost is higher. Semi-Polish or Lappato – Achieved by polishing the tile's surface with an abrasive wheel but not long enough to attain the luster of a typical polished tile. The result is a tile that has a slight polish. Lappato finishes have a thinner glaze than full-polished porcelain and are typically higher priced. Matte or Natural - This particular product comes out of the kiln in its natural form with no further treatment or processing and is currently the most ubiquitous product on the market. Honed - During the finishing process, the manufacturer will stop polishing before the surface becomes shiny, leaving a flat, satin-like feel that is smooth and velvety to the touch. The color of a honed tile may appear slightly richer than the same tile with a natural or matte surface. GROUT & DESIGN Tile must be grouted, which means grout color is equally important in design as the tile itself and can make a big design statement or blend into the background. Tile samples & photography may not show grout, but this doesn't mean you can skip it on the jobsite. The evolution of grout has made more colors available today than ever before and has made epoxy-based grouts (SpectraLOCK) formulated for residential use, where they previously were only used in select commercial applications installed by highly-skilled tile setters. Epoxy-grouts are less porous, however, most grouts on the market today have technical performance features. Matching the color of your tile creates a more subtle look, whereas a contrasting grout color makes the shape & pattern the grand feature. White subway tile with grey grout pays homage to the early days of tile, where cement was actually used as grout. Dark grey grout with subway tile is typical for historic renovations, but now this style is ubiquitous and has morphed over the years to be adaptable to any design style. Grout line thickness depends on if your tile is manufactured with a rectified or pressed edge, which should be discussed with your salesperson and installer. Rectified = 1/8” typical minimum grout joint Pressed = 3/8” typical recommended grout joint Our showrooms and commercial reps have grout kits in their toolbox and can help choose which type and color of grout is best for your installation." />