Rectified Tiles And Their Effect On Your Bathroom Makeover
If you're having your bathroom remodelled, you may have come across the term rectified tiles. What are rectified tiles, and should you use them for your bathroom makeover?
What Are Rectified Tiles?
Rectified tiles have had their edges mechanically ground or cut so that each tile is an exact size. This term applies to ceramic or porcelain tiles that are fired in a kiln, then cut afterwards. Ordinary porcelain or ceramic tiles are moulded into shape, then fired. This firing process shrinks the tiles ever so slightly, and the amount by which each tile shrinks varies minutely. Because of this, normal tiles are not entirely uniform. If you take these fired tiles and mechanically cut the edges to an exact size, then you have rectified tiles.
Grouting And Normal Tiles
Rectified tiles then are merely normal tiles with their edges mechanically trimmed. You may wonder why anyone would do this; well it depends on the look you are after. As normal tiles are not uniform in size, they are laid using thick grout lines which accommodate the variances. Malleable unset grout allows leeway in tile positioning, so that size differences are not noticeable.
Grouting And Rectified Tiles
Rectified tiles, on the other hand, are precisely sized and do not need a thicker grout line to mask variances. So rectified tiles are usually laid with fine grout lines of up to 3 mm. This thin sliver of grouting combined with the sharp edges of rectified tiles creates a seamless look. Also, rectified tiles are usually made in large format sizes which reduces the frequency of grout lines within the tiles, further streamlining the effect.
Thickness Of Normal And Rectified Tiles
While rectified tiles are uniform in size, i.e. in length and width, the thickness of the tiles fluctuates slightly as it does with normal tiles. This variance can make rectified tiles more challenging to lay. When laying normal tiles with thicker grout joins, differences in thickness can be easily disguised through gradual slants. However, because rectified tiles are precisely fitted together, variations in tile thickness can become more apparent. This issue, where tiles don't look flush with each other, and there is a difference in elevation between tiles, is called lippage.
For anyone that likes the look of large tiles, thin grout lines, and a clean look, then rectified tiles might be the way to go. If you're having bathroom renovations, why not create a peaceful zen-like environment where everyone can relax and pamper themselves without clutter and visual distractions.
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