The world of tile and ceramic is full of technical words and terms that can seem confusing at first glance. Expressions such as rectified, caliber, water absorption, or PEI rating might make choosing the right product feel like a challenge. But understanding these concepts goes beyond general knowledge—it’s a powerful tool that helps you make smart, economical, and lasting choices.
When you’re familiar with tile and ceramic terminology, you can easily tell the difference between a tile suitable for a garage floor and a luxury ceramic piece for a lobby wall. This awareness not only helps you select something beautiful but also ensures the product fits the space’s requirements—saving you from future repair or replacement costs. In this complete guide, we’ll help you “speak the language” of professionals and choose with confidence, ensuring you enjoy both durability and elegance for years to come.
Part One: Basic Concepts and Structure
1. Tile vs. Ceramic
While in many markets these terms are used interchangeably, they are technically different:
- Tile: Usually refers to thinner pieces with an emphasis on the glaze surface. Tiles are most often used on walls since they are less resistant to pressure and wear.
- Ceramic: Fired at higher temperatures with denser, stronger bodies. They are more versatile and suitable for both walls and floors.
2. Body / Bisque
The body is the base or structural part of a tile or ceramic that forms after the initial firing. Its strength depends heavily on the raw materials and firing process. Among body types, porcelain ceramic stands out due to its extremely high firing temperature (above 1200°C) and use of special clays, resulting in a dense, strong body with near-zero water absorption.
3. Glaze
The glaze is a thin glass-like layer applied to the surface. It provides:
- Protection: Shields the tile against water, stains, and chemicals.
- Aesthetic appeal: Adds gloss, matte, or patterned effects that transform the look of a space.
- Ease of cleaning: Its smooth surface makes maintenance simple.
4. Digital Printing
This modern technology has revolutionized the ceramic industry. With it, manufacturers can reproduce marble veins, wood grains, or even complex graphics with high precision. Luxury collections like IMPERIO and PMA use this method to create stunningly realistic finishes that are almost indistinguishable from natural materials.
Part Two: Key Technical Terms
1. Grading
Ceramics are graded based on quality:
- Grade 1: Perfect, flawless, ideal for premium spaces.
- Grade 2: Minor imperfections, barely visible.
- Grade 3–4: More noticeable flaws, used in less critical spaces or budget projects.
Tip: Always choose Grade 1 for main areas to ensure flawless results.
2. Water Absorption
This measures how much water the body absorbs, a critical factor for durability. Based on international standards:
- Non-Vitreous: Over 7% absorption, only for dry interior walls.
- Semi-Vitreous: 3–7%.
- Vitreous: 0.5–3%, suitable for most areas.
- Impervious: Below 0.5%, extremely dense and durable.
Porcelain ceramics fall into the impervious category, making them perfect for wet areas, outdoor façades, and high-performance industrial settings.
3. Caliber & Tonality
- Caliber: The actual measured size of tiles after production. Slight deviations (e.g., a “60x60” tile may actually measure 59.8x59.8 cm) are grouped into caliber batches.
- Tonality: Refers to slight shade differences between production batches.
Always buy tiles from the same caliber and tonality batch for a uniform installation.
4. Rectified Tiles
These tiles are mechanically cut after firing, ensuring perfectly straight edges and exact dimensions.
- Advantage: Allows installation with very thin grout lines, creating a seamless, modern look—ideal for large-format tiles like those in the IMPERIO and PMA collections.
5. PEI Rating (Abrasion Resistance)
This measures glaze durability against foot traffic:
- Class 0: Walls only.
- Class 1–2: Light use (bathrooms, bedrooms).
- Class 3: Moderate traffic (kitchens, hallways).
- Class 4: Heavy residential or medium commercial use (stores, offices).
- Class 5: Very heavy commercial/industrial use (airports, malls).
6. Slip Resistance
Measured by the Coefficient of Friction (COF), this shows how slippery a surface is. Tiles with textured finishes or special glazes (like Grip surfaces) are essential for bathrooms, pools, and outdoor spaces.
Part Three: Surface Finishes
The surface finish dramatically affects both aesthetics and performance:
- Polished: High-gloss, mirror-like, adds luxury and enlarges spaces visually.
- Matte: Non-reflective, hides dirt well, popular in modern and minimal styles.
- Semi-Polished (Lappato): A mix of polished and matte, offering depth and elegance.
- Structured/Natural: Textured like stone or wood, with high slip resistance—ideal for outdoor or industrial use.
Part Four: Installation Terms
Choosing the right product is only half the journey—installation matters just as much.
- Tile Adhesive: Modern adhesives replace traditional mortar, offering better bonding, flexibility, and durability. High-quality solutions like PMA adhesives ensure long-lasting installations.
- Grouting: Filling the gaps between tiles with specialized material prevents water penetration and enhances aesthetics.
- Anchoring (Scoop Method): In ventilated façades or dry installations, tiles are secured with metal clips for safety, preventing detachment over time.
Conclusion: Knowledge is the Key
Now that you’re familiar with the most important tile and ceramic terms, words like porcelain, rectified, PEI, or water absorption will no longer sound intimidating. This knowledge empowers you to look beyond design and color, focusing on the technical qualities that truly matter.
Every space has its own unique needs. With collections like IMPERIO and PMA, whether you’re aiming for luxurious, eye-catching interiors or durable, high-performance façades and commercial projects, you can now make informed decisions with confidence.
The world of ceramics is where art meets engineering—and with this knowledge, you hold the key to navigating it successfully.