There are some terms that you should know before starting your project.
Adhesive : The glue used to attach/ fix tiles to the substrate. A wide range of adhesive products are available, so always ask your installer/ contractor for advice on your particular project and type of tiles being used.
Grout : A hardening compound used to seal the joints between tiles. A wide range of grout products are available in the market, always consult with your installer/ contractor for advice on your particular project and type of tiles being used.
Movement / Transitional : Joint Where tiles meet another surface, such as a shower tray, the joint is filled with silicone sealant, not grout, to allow for minor expansion and contraction. Movement/ transitional joints eliminate stress transferring from the substrate.
Pointing : is the process where grout is mixed to a thicker consistency than usual and applied into the joints with a squeegee, pressed in firmly and finished off with a grouting tool to give a neat finish. Any excess is removed using a damp sponge and the surface wiped clean.
Render : A wall finish usually made up of sand/ cement in the ratio of 4: 1.
Silicone Sealant : A material with elastic and waterproofing properties used to fill movement joints instead of grout.
Slurry Grouting : Where the grout mix is runnier than normal and is spread across a large area using a spreader. Care is needed to ensure the grout goes right into the joint and no areas are missed out. This method is recommended where a pitted tile (e.g. travertine) has been fitted and the pits or holes need to be filled in for hygiene or cleaning reasons (e.g. on a kitchen floor or backsplash).
Stud Wall : Internal walls in a home, usually constructed of plasterboard over a wooden framework.
Substrate : Any surface onto which tiles are laid.
Thin Set : A layer of adhesive applied to a depth of less than 1/4".
