Descriptive Symbols

Like many of our brochures and catalogues from our Spanish & Italian factories, We have opted to include many of their descriptive symbols so that you – our customers – can easily analyse and evaluate whether each unique range is suited to your technical needs.


Primary Technical

Thickness

Tile thickness in millimetres. Used to clearly indicate the thickness (or thicknesses) of the pieces within each range. This will allow you to properly plan for skirting boards, door thresholds etc. in your new-build or renovation project.

Through-body

Also known as fully vitrified. This means that the indicated range/piece is the same colour from the surface to the under-belly of the tile. These are great for commercial or heavy duty areas as – if damaged through accidental excessive pressure or force – will show through as the same colour as the surface glaze.

Coloured body

Used to indicate ceramic, coloured bodied tiles. These tiles are suitable for low ware areas such as bathrooms and ensuites and should be avoided in areas of high traffic such as kitchens, living areas etc.


Finishes

Natural

Also known as Matt. This is used to describe a tile with a non-shiny surface. A matt surface diffuses light; when light is reflected off a matt surface it is spread out over a wide area, which creates a flat, non-glossy finish.

Lappato

also known as semi-polished or honed. They are partially polished tiles with fewer iterations of polishing wheels used than fully polished tiles, giving these ranges a stunning speckle look when under direct light.

Polished / Gloss

A glossy glazed, or fully polished tile has a reflective surface and can brighten up any space. They are easy to clean and can add a sense of luxury and a very modern feel.

Anti-slip

Also known as a grip or relieve finish. Ranges marked with this symbol have been treated with a coating that reduces the slipping risk. These tiles work well in areas that might be exposed to water or moisture, which can increase slippage. These ranges are ideal for outdoor and/or commercial use.


Factory Edges / Surfaces

Pressed

A pressed edge is sometimes referred to as a cushion edge, this describes the tile where the surface edge still has the curved edge caused by the factory’s press during manufacturing. Pressed edge tiles have wider grout joins and rounder corners ideal for a feature.

Rectified

Rectified tiles are tiles that have been manufactured to a very precise tolerance. This means they are cut to near exact measurements with a near-perfect straight edge.

Chiselled

A chiselled edge refers to a tile that has been chipped deliberately to create an aged, antique look. These rough, irregular edges are intended to give the tile a more weathered appearance – perfect for that country cottage or chateau stone style!

Surface

This indicates that a range holds a piece or decor with an undulating or raised surface or decorative effect – perfect for casting shadows and adding an air of dramatic effect by using your existing lighting options.


Piece Variations

Light Variation

Signifying that the indicated range has some mild variation.

Moderate Variation

Signifying that the indicated range has some noticeable variation in prints, colours, or tones.

High Variation

Signifying that the indicated range has a vast array of variations throughout the prints.

This variation can be readily seen in wood or marble effects where the veins or knots vary to allow a natural finish.

Repeating / Rotating Prints

Signifying that the indicated range has repeating or rotating print to create an overall design. This is almost exclusively seen in traditional-style, small-format patterned ranges.


Range Designations

This shows that the indicated range is made of porcelain and is suitable for both wall and floor tiling if the suggested wall can support it’s weight.

Porcelain tiles are thicker than wall tiles and thus will carry substantially more weight.

This shows that the indicated range is designated suitable for wall tiling ONLY. This can be marked on both base pieces or decor pieces within each range. Our wall tiles will be made of one of three materials; White-body ceramic, Red-body ceramic or Porcelain.

This shows that the indicated range includes complementary mosaic pieces.

This shows that the indicated range includes complimentary special pieces. Special (or exclusive) pieces are patterns, prints or colours unique to that range.

This shows that the indicated range includes outdoor or technical porcelain pieces. These include through-body and 20mm outdoor pieces.