Tile contractor glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a tile contractor provider in Tampa Fl.

What are leveling clips and wedges?: Leveling clips and wedges are mechanical spacers that hold large format tiles at uniform height during installation, preventing surface irregularities (lippage) at grout joints.
What are tile spacers?: Small plastic crosses or T-shaped pieces inserted between tiles during installation to maintain consistent spacing and grout line width.
What is a crack isolation membrane?: A flexible membrane installed beneath tile that absorbs substrate movement and prevents cracks in the underlying subfloor or concrete from transferring to the tile surface.
What is a DCOF rating (slip resistance)?: DCOF (dynamic coefficient of friction) rating is a standardized measurement of how much traction a tile surface provides when wet, used to assess slip resistance for safety compliance.
What is a mud bed (mortar bed)?: A mud bed is a sloped base layer made from sand and cement mortar, traditionally used under tile in shower pans and bathrooms to support the tile and direct water toward the drain.
What is a PEI rating?: The PEI rating is a standardized wear scale from 0 to 5 that measures how well a tile resists surface scratching and damage from foot traffic and daily use.
What is a Schluter system?: Schluter system is a branded line of plastic and metal trim profiles and waterproofing membranes designed to seal tile edges, protect substrate materials, and create finished transitions between tiles and adjoining surfaces.
What is a tile expansion joint (movement joint)?: An expansion or movement joint is a deliberate gap in a tile installation that permits tiles and substrate to expand and contract with temperature changes and structural settling, typically filled with flexible material.
What is a waterproofing membrane?: A sheet or liquid barrier material applied to surfaces before tile installation in wet areas to stop water from penetrating into the substrate and underlying framing.
What is efflorescence?: Efflorescence is a white crystalline mineral deposit that appears on porous tile, grout, or stone surfaces when water evaporates and leaves behind dissolved salts and minerals from the substrate or mortar.
What is epoxy grout?: Epoxy grout is a grout made from epoxy resin and hardener rather than cement, offering superior stain and water resistance for tile applications.
What is grout haze?: Grout haze is a cloudy residue that forms on tile surfaces after grouting when grout particles dry on the face of the tile, typically requiring removal within 24 to 48 hours before the grout fully cures.
What is large format tile?: Large format tile refers to porcelain or natural stone tiles typically measuring 24 inches or larger on any edge, used for wall and floor applications requiring fewer grout lines and creating expansive visual fields.
What is mosaic mesh backing?: Mosaic mesh backing is a flexible fiberglass or paper sheet to which small mosaic tiles are pre-bonded in a pattern, allowing the entire sheet to be set as a unit rather than placing each tile individually.
What is rectified tile?: Rectified tile is factory-cut to uniform dimensions with perfectly squared edges, allowing grout lines as narrow as 1/16 inch or less, unlike standard pressed tile which has slightly rounded edges requiring wider grout joints.
What is sanded vs unsanded grout?: Sanded grout contains sand aggregate and is used for grout lines wider than 1/8 inch, while unsanded grout lacks sand and is suited for narrow joints under 1/8 inch.
What is stone sealing (penetrating sealer)?: A penetrating sealer is a liquid treatment that soaks into natural stone to protect it from within, repelling liquids and stains while maintaining the stone's natural appearance and breathability.
What is the difference between honed and polished stone finishes?: Honed and polished are two standard surface finishes for natural stone that differ in sheen level and slip resistance: polished stone is smooth and glossy with a reflective surface, while honed stone has a matte appearance and better grip underfoot.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?: Porcelain and ceramic tile are both clay-based products, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures to create greater density and lower water absorption, while ceramic tile is less dense and more porous.
What is thinset mortar?: Thinset mortar is a cement-based adhesive applied in a thin layer to bond tile to substrate surfaces such as drywall, concrete, or cement board.
What is tile backer board?: A water-resistant substrate, typically cement board or fiber cement, installed beneath tile in bathrooms, kitchens, and showers to prevent moisture penetration into framing.
What is tile lippage?: Lippage is the vertical misalignment or step created where edges of adjacent tiles fail to sit flush with one another, resulting in an uneven surface.
What is tile trowel notch size?: Tile trowel notch size refers to the width and depth of the teeth on a notched trowel, selected based on the tile's dimensions to achieve the correct mortar bed thickness underneath.
What is travertine filling and honing?: Travertine filling and honing is the process of filling natural cavities and pits in travertine stone with resin or similar material and then grinding the surface flat and smooth.