Tile Terms Dictionary S – Z: Learn What Tile Terms Mean

We’ve covered some of the most common tile terms at the beginning of the alphabet and today we are going to cover some that come at the end of the alphabet. If you have additional questions about tiles, fell free to call Mission Tile West at 626-799-4595 or come to our tile showroom.

• Sawed edge. Usually achieved via diamond blade, wire saw, or gang saw, a sawed edge is any clean-cut edge.
• Sealer. A product applied to tile to prevent it from absorbing liquid. It is not necessary for glazed ceramic tiles but is often used on more porous substances, such as natural stone, quarry tile, and the grout between tiles.
• Semi-vitreous tile. This type of tile can absorb about 3 – 7% moisture and is only suitable for indoor use.
• Skid resistance. A tile’s skid resistance will tell you how frictional it is and how likely it is that a person will slip on it.
• Spacers. Small plastic pieces used in installation, spacers can be made in a number of thicknesses and shapes and are used to evenly separate tiles.
• Substrate. This is the layer under the ceramic tile.
• Subway tile. A very popular tile type, subway tile is rectangular and flat. They can be set stacked vertically, horizontally, or in a brick pattern.
• Stacked set. This means that you center the tiles next to each other and do not have any stagger. This is used with square or rectangular tiles only.
• Straight set. If you set square tile right to the wall, it is straight set.
• Tile nipper. Pliers made to “nibble away” the tiny bits of ceramic tile in order to create cuts that are curved, small, and / or irregular.
• Trim pieces. Any number of shapes, including bases, corners, moldings, angles, that go around tiles.
• Tumbled. A finish that is completed via placing stones into a tumbling machine. In some cases, acids are added to give the finished product a work look.
• Unfilled. This means that there is no filling of any natural voids in the stone tiles.
• Unglazed. As the name implies, this is tile that has no glaze.
• Vitreous tile. Tile with water absorption between 0.5 – 3%.
• Wainscote. An area of tiled wall that is installed down from the floor up to around chair rail height.
• Wall tile. Any glazed tile that is suitable to be used indoors on the walls only. It is not made to handle big impacts or extreme temperatures.

Now you have learned some of the tile terms at the end of the alphabet. As was true last time, we invite you to contact us at 626-799-4595 if you have additional questions, are ready to shop for tile, or need assistance choosing the right patterns and design.