GLOSSARY OF TILE TERMS
We can help you learn about the wide world of tile.
Tile Experts in Elizabethtown, KY
There's no need to feel overwhelmed when shopping for new tile. Our tile experts can help you learn some of the common terms that will make the process easier!
Glazed Tile
Popular tile type that features a color finish applied to the tile surface.
Unglazed Tile
Another popular tile type that features an unpolished surface and has color embedded within the actual tile.
Porcelain Tile
Denser tile type fired at extremely temperatures. Harder, more durable, less porous, and less water absorbent. Well-suited for high-traffic areas that will see heavy use.
Wood-Look Tile
Gorgeous tile options that replicate genuine wood patterns, graining, and characteristics. More affordable than actual wood and suitable for high-moisture rooms.
Rectified Tile
After firing tile, a manufacturer will machine or grind the edges to make them more exact and size consistent from tile to tile, producing precise 90-degree angles on the corners.
Grout
Thin mortar used for filling spaces between individual tiles, often a mixture of cement and water or chemicals that solidify.
Tile Backsplash
A tile backsplash protects the walls above the countertops and is traditionally between the countertops and the bottom upper cabinets.
Offset Tile
Classic tile pattern in rows that shift subtly to the left or right to create an offset pattern. The most common brick or running pattern is a 50/50 offset.
Herringbone Tile
Common tile pattern with visual complexity use rectangular tile sizes to produce chic geometric pattern and enhance the perspective of a smaller room to feel larger.
Chevron Pattern
Eye-catching tile pattern that uses an inverted V-shape and a trademark zig zag to add precision, sleek design, and craftsmanship to an ordinary surface.
Penny Tile
Small round pieces of tile that resemble a coin, available in an extremely wide range of colors and finishes that make customization and unique combinations easy to achieve.
Subway Tile
Rectangular ceramic tiles that are often 3" by 6" dimensions, laid horizontally with a 50% offset, in a timeless style often found in classic subway stations.
