Glossary

  1. Corten Look
    Tiles that imitate weathered steel (Corten), offering a rustic, industrial finish without the corrosion.
  2. Dry Lay
    A method of installing tiles without adhesive directly onto surfaces like gravel, grass, or sand — commonly used for 20mm outdoor tiles.
  3. Expansion Joint
    A gap or flexible joint used to allow for movement due to temperature or structural changes.
  4. Feature Tile
    A decorative tile used to create focal points, such as in splashbacks or accent walls.
  5. Full Body Porcelain
    A type of tile where the colour and pattern run through the entire thickness, making chips or wear less visible.
  6. Glazed Porcelain
    Porcelain tiles with a glazed surface layer that provides colour, pattern, and a protective finish.
  7. Grout
    The filler material placed between tiles to secure them and protect against moisture. Available in various colours and types.
  8. Honed/Satin Finish (LPM)
    A smooth, satin surface with little to no gloss — commonly used on natural stone tiles.
  9. Indent
    A special order placed directly with the manufacturer or overseas supplier, rather than being supplied from local stock.
  10. Lappato Finish
    A semi-polished finish that combines gloss and matt for a subtle sheen — often seen in stone-look tiles.
  11. Large Format Tile
    Tiles larger than 600x600mm, often used to create a modern, expansive feel with fewer grout lines.
  12. Matt Finish (RM)
    A non-reflective, smooth finish that gives a natural, understated appearance and provides slip resistance.
  13. Mitre Edge
    An angled cut (typically 45 degrees) used to create clean lines or corners. Often seen on external edging on the corner of walls, recess shelves, benchtops, tables (without showing raw edge).
  14. Mosaic
    Small tiles, often mounted on mesh sheets, used for decorative accents or curved surfaces.
  15. Nurajack System
    An adjustable pedestal system used for raised exterior tile installations, allowing drainage and airflow.
  16. PEI Rating
    Stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, which measures tile durability. Ranges from PEI 1 (light use) to PEI 5 (heavy traffic).
  17. Polished/Gloss Finish (LP)
    A high-gloss, reflective surface that enhances colour and pattern but can be slippery when wet.
  18. R Rating (Slip Resistance)
    A classification for slip resistance, especially on wet or outdoor surfaces. R9–R13 indicates increasing levels of traction.
  19. Rectified Tile
    A tile that has been mechanically cut to precise dimensions for minimal grout joints and a seamless look.
  20. Slab
    A large-format porcelain or stone tile, typically measuring 1200x2400mm or larger, used for seamless wall, floor, or benchtop applications.
  21. Subway Tile
    A rectangular tile (commonly 75x150mm or larger) named after its use in the early 1900s New York subway system. Popular for splashbacks in kitchens, laundries or decorative feature walls both indoors and outdoors.
  22. Tile Adhesive
    A specialised glue or mortar used to bond tiles to the substrate (wall or floor).
  23. Tile Trims
    Profiles used to finish exposed edges of tile installations, often made of metal or plastic.
  24. BBQ Surround
    Tiled surfaces surrounding an outdoor barbecue area, designed to withstand heat, grease, and weather exposure.
  25. Fire-Rated Tile
    Tiles tested for high-temperature resistance, suitable for areas near open flame or outdoor pizza ovens.
  26. Non-Slip Tile
    A tile with textured or treated surface to reduce slipperiness — essential for outdoor kitchens or poolside cooking zones.
  27. Outdoor Porcelain Paver
    Thick, durable porcelain tile (usually 20mm) designed for external use — often laid dry or on pedestal systems.
  28. Pizza Oven Cladding
    Heat-resistant tiles or natural stone used to clad the outside of outdoor pizza ovens — both decorative and functional.
  29. Porcelain tiles
    What are porcelain tiles? Porcelain tiles are made of a high density, strong, non-porous ceramic material and can be used for floor and wall coverings. They are extremely resistant to abrasion, waterproof, hypoallergenic, safe and environmentally friendly.
  30. Splashback
    A tiled area behind cooktops or prep zones — protects from grease, smoke, and weather; common in outdoor kitchens.
  31. UV Resistant
    Tiles or materials that maintain their colour and integrity under prolonged sun exposure — essential for outdoor use.
  32. Weatherproof Grout
    High-performance grout that resists cracking, fading, and moisture — ideal for outdoor tiled benchtops or BBQ surrounds.
  33. Work Surface Tile
    Heat- and stain-resistant tile used for outdoor benchtops or prep stations in alfresco kitchens.