Backer Board: Cement-based panels installed over subfloors to provide a stable, moisture-resistant base for tile installation.
Bullnose: A tile with one or more rounded, finished edges used to create a clean transition at the edge of a tiled area.
COF (Coefficient of Friction): A measurement of a tile's slip resistance. Higher COF values indicate better traction.
Grout: A cement or epoxy-based material used to fill the joints between tiles. Available in sanded (for wider joints) and unsanded (for narrow joints) formulations.
PEI Rating: The Porcelain Enamel Institute scale (0-5) measuring a glazed tile's resistance to surface abrasion and wear.
Porcelain: A type of ceramic tile made from finer clays and fired at higher temperatures, resulting in a harder, denser, and more water-resistant product.
Thin-Set: A cement-based adhesive used to bond tile to the substrate. Available in modified and unmodified formulations for different applications.
Waterjet: A cutting technique using high-pressure water to create intricate, custom tile designs and patterns.