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Introduction to Sinks

Tile Terms

The Definitions You Need to Know

To help you navigate through the world of bathroom tile, we created this glossary of tile terms you’ll frequently encounter as a consumer.

Accent Tile – Tile that is a different shape, color or material than the dominant tile on a wall or floor.

Color Body – A term usually associated with porcelain tile, color body means that the color on the top layer of the tile runs through the core of the tile. If there is a pattern on the top layer of the tile, however, it will not run through the core of the tile: only the color will.

Color Through – A term usually mentioned with porcelain tile. Both the color scheme and design on the top layer of color-through tile runs from top to bottom, through the entire core of the tile, as opposed to the color only appearing on the top layer of tile. The advantage of using color-through tile is that if the top layer chips or scratches, there will not be a discolored mark or disruption of the pattern in that spot.

Field Tile – This term has two different meanings.
1) Some manufacturers refer to field tile as any tile that is 6 inches by 6 inches or bigger.
2) Field tile also can refer to a large area of similar tile on a floor or wall. For instance, if a shower wall is covered in brown tile with a small splash of decorative blue tile, then the brown tile is the field tile and the blue tile is the accent tile.

Glaze – A coating applied to ceramic or porcelain tile that helps protect the tile from moisture. A glaze can also provide the tile with color. In the tile world, glazes are different than finishes; finishes can provide a tile with a glossy, semi-sheen or matte appearance.

Grout – A composition used between tiles. Types of grout include cement-based (which can be either sanded or unsanded) and epoxy. Colored grout is also available.

Honed – The opposite of a polished finish. Tile that is honed will have a matte finish.

Liners – Thin, linear strips of tile usually used as accent pieces that are usually no more than 3 inches in height. Different styles include roped liners, decorative liners and rounded liners. Most tile materials are available in liner form.

Listello – A decorative accent tile that is usually 3 inches or more in height.

Mosaic – Tile that is 3 inches by 3 inches or smaller. Many mosaic tiles are square or rectangular, but you can also find other shapes, like circles or hexagons. Most materials can be found in mosaic sizes.

Polished – Tile with a polished finish has a glossy appearance. Hard, natural stones like marble and granite are often polished. Softer stones, like limestone, are usually not hard enough to take a polish. Some porcelain tiles are also available with a polish.

Tumbled – A process where natural stone is tumbled in a machine to create a worn and aged appearance. Tumbled stone often has soft edges. Most natural stones can be tumbled.