What are Rectified Tiles and When Should You Use Them?
Tiles have long been a popular choice for flooring and wall installations due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, achieving a flawless and precise installation can be challenging with conventional tiles, as each tile may have slight dimensional variations.
Rectified tiles offer a solution to this issue, boasting uniformity and clean lines that result in a seamless and polished appearance. In this article, we explore what makes rectified tiles unique, their advantages, and when they are the ideal choice for your tiling projects.
What are Rectified Tiles?
Ordinarily, tiles are produced through a moulding and firing process, resulting in their strength and durability. However, the edges of conventional tiles might not be perfectly straight and uniform.
So, what makes rectified tiles special? Rectified tiles, on the other hand, undergo an additional mechanical cutting or grinding process after firing, precisely squaring them to a 90-degree angle. This process is called “rectification” or “squaring”, and it ensures that each tile has consistent dimensions with less than 0.1% size difference (compared to ~1.5% size difference in conventional tiles), creating a virtually flawless surface when installed.
Advantages of Rectified Tiles
Rectified Tile Advantage #1: Precise Uniformity
The primary advantage of rectified tiles lies in their uniformity. This allows for tighter grout lines and a more seamless appearance, as each tile fits snugly against the next without visible size variations.
Rectified Tile Advantage #2: Sleek Aesthetics
The clean 90-degree edges of rectified tiles contribute to a modern and sophisticated look, making them a popular choice for contemporary design styles.
Common Tiling Mistake #3: Improper Adhesive Application
Although it may seem intuitive to add adhesive dots to tile corners, this is a common misconception. Uneven application of adhesive can cause the tiles to break or crack over time. To ensure a sturdy bond, spread the adhesive evenly across the back of the tiles and the installation spot using a tile trowel.
Big slab tiles are another popular method of reducing grout lines.
Rectified Tile Advantage #4: Time and Cost Efficiency
Although rectified tiles may be more expensive due to the additional manufacturing process, the reduced installation time and waste can offset the higher initial cost.
When to Use Rectified Tiles
Rectified tiles make installation possible where close joints or thin grouting are required. While non-rectified tiles typically require a standard minimum grout of 3-5mm, the uniformity of rectified tiles’ clean 90-degree angles allow for perfectly straight and narrower grouts of 2-3mm, which is preferrable if you would like to achieve a seamless or continuous look.
Keep in mind that such a close installation will also require greater precision and skill from your contractor, as any unevenness arising from improper tile installation methods would be immediately noticeable. Therefore, it is crucial to hire experienced and skilled contractors familiar with handling these tiles to achieve the desired results. Learn more about how to select the right tile installer or flooring contractor.
In summary, rectified tiles offer an excellent option for achieving a seamless and polished appearance in your tile installations. With their precise edges and uniform dimensions, they enable narrow grout lines and a modern aesthetic. However, their installation requires meticulous planning and skilled contractors to ensure a flawless finish. Consider using rectified tiles in spaces where precision and a contemporary look are essential, and enjoy the beautiful, continuous surface they create.
