Tile Appearance
What's the difference between Calibrated and Rectified Tile?
Calibrated tiles have consistent dimensions within an allowed deviation. These tiles tend to be more cost-effective, since there are no further processes applied to the tiles after they are fired. This also means that once installed, calibrated tiles will have a wider grout joint compared to rectified tiles.
Rectified tiles are precisely ground down after firing to ensure an exact, uniform size. Due to the precise nature of the rectified edge and a more uniform size, smaller grout joints are possible when using rectified tile.
Why is there so much shade or size variation in my tile?
Variations occur due to differences in lot numbers. Ensure the same size, shade, and job lot (JO) numbers are used. Open and inspect several boxes before installation to check for consistency.Can I get all one color in a carton for the multicolor tile?
No, tiles are randomly boxed in a mass production facility. Lay out the tiles before installation to ensure the desired look.
Is a grout line recommended or needed?
Yes, a minimum grout joint of 3/16” (5mm) is recommended for pressed tiles. For staggered tile placement, a 30% offset is advised. For ½ offset brick patterns, use a larger grout joint (minimum ¼”) to compensate for size variations in pressed tiles.