A calibrated tile, also known as a rectified tile, is a type of ceramic tile that has been precisely cut using laser technology, allowing it to be installed with minimal to no visible grout lines. These tiles are typically made of porcelain and are more expensive than standard tiles.
Their sleek and flawless appearance gives a refined and luxurious look to any space. In this article, we’ll explore the features, production process, and benefits of calibrated tiles.
Features of Calibrated Tiles
Calibrated tiles (also called rectified tiles) have gained popularity due to their high precision and clean appearance. They’re easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and create a nearly seamless look once installed. One key feature is the extremely small dimensional variance between tiles—less than 0.00001 mm—meaning all tiles are virtually identical in size, resulting in a uniform surface. Key characteristics include:
- Precisely measured and consistent dimensions
- Smooth, straight edges
- Seamless installation with continuous design flow
How Are Calibrated Tiles Made?
Calibrated tiles are known for the special cutting process they undergo at the final stage of production. After being manufactured, these tiles are placed in large machines where they're trimmed using a waterjet or laser cutter. This ensures smooth, straight edges and allows for clean, tight installation using tile adhesive. Here's how the process works:
- Large ceramic slabs are placed in cutting machines where rounded or uneven edges are removed using a waterjet.
- The glaze buildup around tile corners, which can cause bulges, is also trimmed to ensure uniform dimensions.
- All tile edges are cut precisely to be sharp and straight.
Note: There is virtually no dimensional error in rectified porcelain tiles, which means they align perfectly during installation. This results in a groutless, uninterrupted look and a seamless continuation of the tile’s design.
Benefits of Calibrated Tiles
The main advantage of calibrated tiles is the precision in size, allowing for nearly groutless installation. This is especially valuable for large-format tiles used in expansive areas like lobbies or halls. Their uniformity makes them easy to install with clean lines and minimal visual breaks. Benefits include:
- Seamless tile layout (very narrow joints)
- Continuous flow of tile patterns
- Reduced errors during installation and layout, especially in large spaces
- Perfectly straight and square edges
- Accurate dimensions and minimal size variation
Price of Calibrated Tiles
Calibrated tiles are more expensive than standard ones due to the advanced waterjet cutting technology used to achieve their flawless edges. Although some material may be lost in the cutting process, the end result is a visually stunning product—justifying the higher price tag. If you need a specific quote, feel free to contact our sales team.
Final Thoughts
Calibrated tiles offer exact, true-to-size dimensions and help minimize installation errors. With their smooth, sharp edges and high-end appearance, they are suitable for both large and small spaces. If you're considering purchasing laser-cut calibrated tiles, feel free to reach out using the contact numbers listed on this page for pricing and order information.