Ceramic, porcelain
Porcelain
Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating materials, generally including kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 and 1,400 °C. The toughness, strength, and translucence of porcelain, relative to other types of pottery, arises mainly from vitrification and the formation of the …
Full Answer
Is rectified tile harder to install?
Please note that laying rectified tiles is harder, and takes more work and sometimes specialist equipment, and will therefore cost more. The other problem inherent with these tiles is "lipping" i.e. small areas at the grout joints that may sit proud of the surrounding tiles.
What does rectified porcelain mean?
Rectified tiles, or sharp edge tiles as they can be known, are ceramic or porcelain tiles that have been manufactured to a very precise tolerance. This means they are cut to near exact measurements with a near perfect straight edge. Due to this precision, rectified tiles are the perfect choice for fitting with a finer grout joint creating a clean, even and seamless finish.
How to repair a porcelain floor tile?
- Remove any debris from the crack. ...
- Wipe the tile clean with a cloth. ...
- Use a clear epoxy. ...
- Place a small amount of epoxy on a piece of cardboard.
- Apply the epoxy directly into the split. ...
- Use the flat edge of a craft stick across the crack to level the epoxy. ...
- Allow the epoxy to cure according to package instructions.
How to protect porcelain tile?
- Don’t Buff or Polish Tile Floors
- Don’t Use an Acid Based Cleaner
- Avoid Hard Bristles and Steel Wool
How do I know if my tiles are rectified?
The first non-rectified or pressed tile back has a regular border around the edges. This non-rectified tile has a regular outline around the edges. Compare that to the rectified tile below where the regular border isn't present on the side where the cutting or grinding took place. This is a tell-tale of rectification.
What is a non-rectified porcelain tile?
A non-rectified tile has uneven edges. This makes for a more natural looking tile, but require a wider grout joint, giving a more traditional tiled look. Choosing a rectified or non-rectified tile is down to preference and the type of space you are tiling.
Which is better rectified or pressed tile?
Rectified tiles have cut, straight edges. They go through a second process after being fired in a kiln. This second processing step makes these tiles a bit more expensive than pressed tiles. People prefer rectified tiles when they want to create a uniform look, seamless floors, and use less grout.
Is it harder to install rectified tile?
Whether that be waves, smooth finishes, imitation slate and stone, timber or other aesthetic finishes. Laying rectified tiles is a slower process than laying traditional edge tiles and may also cost more even though they are straight edge.
Why are rectified tiles more expensive to lay?
Rectified floor tiles and wall tiles go through additional manufacturing processes, which results in a slightly more expensive price than non-rectified tiles.
Do porcelain tiles need sealing?
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
How can you tell the quality of porcelain tile?
Look closely at the glaze: if it's chipped, you will be able to see the tile's white or tan base. This is a sure sign that the tile is ceramic. Porcelain tiles are sometimes, but not always, glazed. Most high-quality porcelain tiles will have a consistent color that goes through the top, body, and bottom of the tile.
How do you choose good quality porcelain tile?
You might want a thicker, more durable tile for a floor with high traffic, while a thinner, lighter porcelain tile is better suited for wall application. The least durable type of porcelain tile, Grade 1 tile is intended for use on walls only. It is not recommended for floors or countertops.
Do you grout rectified tile?
In truth, rectified tiles allow for a thinner grout line. But, the misconception that they can go groutless might leave your work looking unprofessional. Rectified tiles still very much rely on grout if you want them to withstand the test of time.
Do you need spacers for rectified tile?
It may be tempting to use substitutes, or no spacers at all, but even rectified porcelain tile needs a slight gap. The hard plastic construction of tile spacers makes them easy to remove and rigid enough to create tight, consistent spaces between tiles.
How do you clean rectified porcelain tiles?
For everyday cleaning of porcelain tiles, just use warm water and a mop. Every couple of weeks clean with a mild detergent mixed in warm water. Only consider chemicals to remove any stubborn stains. When using a detergent, ensure it is of a low concentration.
What is the thinnest grout line for rectified tile?
1/8 inchFirst, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size.
What is a pressed edge on a tile?
A pressed edge is sometimes referred to as a cushion edge, this describes the tile where the surface edge still has the curved edge caused by the factory's press during manufacturing. Pressed edge tiles have wider grout joins and rounder corners ideal for a feature.
What does it mean when tile is rectified?
“Rectified” means that the tiles are finished by grinding and polishing to be identical, with sharp, perfect edges. This doesn't mean rectified tiles are better than non-rectified; as you will see later, there are reasons for using both. Featured: Salvage Red Porcelain Tile.
What is a dust pressed tile?
Dust-Pressed Tile: Tiles are made by the compressing of fine delicate powder of raw materials in moulds before firing. This is the common way that “indoor tiles” are manufactured today.
What is the thinnest grout line for rectified tile?
1/8 inchFirst, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size.
How is the rectified process achieved?
When rectified tiles are fired, they are usually slightly larger than they need to be. Subsequently, they are cut to an exact size using a grinding...
Are rectified tiles more expensive?
Yes, the rectified tile is more expensive because the production process requires more work. However, that is not the only additional cost to consi...
How thin can the grouting joint be when using rectified tiles?
With rectified tiles, grout joints can be as little as 1.3mm but typically are 3mm. A special grout will be required for these thinner joints. One...
Rectification Controls Tile Shrinkage
If you have ever baked a pizza, bread, or cookies, you know that it is impossible to predict the eventual size of the product. With heat, it first...
You Want Thin Grout Lines: 1/8"
Online tile retailer South Cypress tells us, "The main point in purchasing a rectified product would be for minimal grout joints."The thicker the g...
You Want to Lay Larger-Sized Tiles: 15"-16" and Above
It is rare to find small rectified tile. Just how small is the minimum, though?South Cypress tells us:
You Want A Clean, Precise Grout Line
The clean, 90-degree angle afforded by the tile-cutting saw means that your grout line would be equally clean. For materials like honed, polished t...
You Want Fired Tile, Not Natural Stone
Rectified applies only to fired tile. You do not find the term applied to marble, granite, or travertine. Since these are natural stones, they are,...
What is a rectified tile?
Rectified tile is fired tile— ceramic or porcelain tile —that has been mechanically cut or ground down to an exact size. Featured Video. Since it applies only to the tile's edges, it is called an edge treatment. Additionally, the edges are usually precisely cut at a square: a 90-degree angle. Rectification is not considered better ...
Why are recessed tiles so hard to set?
Rectified tiles can be more difficult to set because the grout joints are smaller.
What is the smallest tile?
Generally, a 12-inch by 12-inch tile is the smallest rectified tile that you'll find. An exception would be with mosaics that are 1-inch square or 2-inch square and are cut (and therefore technically rectified). But they are mesh mounted and the grout joint is predetermined.
Why do recessed tiles collect less debris?
Rectified tiles collect less debris because there are smaller and fewer grout lines.
What does 90 degree angle mean on tile cutting saw?
The clean, 90-degree angle afforded by the tile-cutting saw means that your grout line would be equally clean.
Do all tile manufacturers carry rectified tiles?
All major tile manufacturers carry rectified tile. You usually need to look at the specifications and edge finish, to determine if a tile is rectified. By default, all mosaic tiles are rectified since they are cut. But since mosaics are often stuck to a mesh backer, you won't be able to lay those tiles close together.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
What is rectified porcelain tile?
Rectified porcelain tiles are different from other types of flooring, including common porcelain tiles, also known as bold, only in one small but significant detail: the edges.
Polished
The polished or shiny rectified porcelain tile, as it is also called, has a smooth surface and a shiny texture.
Natural
The natural rectified porcelain tile, also known as satin, has a matte surface and high resistance.
External
Is it possible to have a rectified porcelain floor in external areas of the house, such as balconies, terraces, and gardens? Yes, it is possible. But for this, the tip is to opt for the external rectified porcelain floor.
Why do you need a rectified tile?
One is when you are looking for a larger tile size, anything greater than 15" or 16" in any direction. Second is when you love the look of minimal grout lines.
What is rectification tile?
Because the grinding or sawing happens only on the edges of the tile, rectification is considered an edge treatment.
Does rectifying tile make it better?
Rectifying does not affect the thickness or quality of the tile, neither making it better or worse. It simply affects the kind of edges the tile has, which in turn, reforms the rectified tile for a specific type of installation or to achieve a desired look.
Is groutless tile easier to clean?
And since they have minimal space in between, rectified tiled floors and walls are easier to clean as dust and grime do not cling to the small grout lines. They produce very clean lines and a symmetrical look.
What is non-rectified tile?
Non-rectified tiles have not undergone additional grinding processes, and are usually sorted according to their real dimensions and calibers after firing. Along the edges, tiles present a slight bevel, which is why we recommend laying non-rectified porcelain stoneware with 3 to 4 mm grout joints.
What is the size of a 60x60 tile?
For example, a 60×60 format, after rectification, is become a 596 x 596 mm.
Can you use rectified tiles on large tile?
If you want your tiles to be laid with minimal, almost invisible grout joints, or if you plan to purchase large format tiles (60×60 and larger), we definitely recommend choosing rectified tiles.
What is a rectified tile?
Rectified tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles that have been precisely ground and machined to give them near-perfect straight edges and exact dimensions. These tiles provide a very clean, symmetrical look, and allow for extremely fine grout lines of 3mm or less (typically using unsanded grout, which is most appropriate for thin grout lines).
How are rectified tiles made?
They're called 'rectified' tiles because that's what the process actually does - it rectifies their sizes. Baking or firing a ceramic tile never gives an exact, predictable result. Even if the tiles go into the kiln looking exactly the same, the change in moisture through the firing process isn't something that can be precisely controlled, and tiles will slightly shrink and warp. When they come out of the kiln, ceramic and porcelain tiles will always vary slightly in terms of their shapes and sizes.
Why do rectified tiles cost more than non-rectified tiles?
It's always relative to the quality, type and size of tile that you're after, but rectified tiles usually cost more than non-rectified tiles of a similar standard, because there's a bit more work that goes into producing them. Likewise, depending on the size of the grout line you're after and where you're laying them, ...
Why use 1.5mm grout?
Because they're so carefully produced, rectified tiles can be used to create a very clean, ...
What is it called when tiles aren't flush?
This slight difference where tiles aren't exactly even with one another is called 'lippage'.
Why do tiles have a bevel?
Rectified tiles usually also have a very fine bevel around their top edge too, to help reduce the chance of their sharp edges chipping.
Is tile thickness considered during rectification?
Having said that, the tile's thickness isn't normally taken into account during rectification - only the length and width - so there may be slight variations in terms of thickness. Likewise, ceramic tiles may also be subject to a tiny bit of warping.
What is a rectified tile?
Rectified tile is cut during production so that every tile is the exact same size, and the edges are cut so precisely that tile can lay closer together.
Does rectified tile have grout lines?
Rectified tile can be installed with smaller grout lines, which can make the space of the tile appear bigger, and therefore, the space looks bigger. Large format tile with rectified edges will always have smaller grout lines, too, enhancing the full large format tile effect.