Glossary of terms

A broad term which encompasses various ageing/distressing methods, including tumbled, provence & brushed which are used to achieve a worn look to the stone.

Please note, the effect of the various antiquing methods will vary dependent upon the stone and the country of origin.

A pattern resembling woven fabric, created by arranging tiles in an interlocking design that mimics the appearance of a basket’s weave. This pattern adds texture and visual interest to floors or walls, often used to create a classic or traditional look.

A term which refers to slabs which offer mirror images of each other as if opening on the pages of a book. This can be achieved with natural stone whereby two slabs are cut from the same block and the two adjoining faces are finished. Porcelain ‘slabs’ can be used to create this look, the opposite slabs being exactly symmetrical. Bookmatch slabs are always ordered in pairs or multiples of two to achieve the ‘bookmatching’ effect.

Chevron tiles are cut so that the short edges are at an angle, enabling them to create this on-trend ‘arrow head’ pattern. Left and right Chevrons will be supplied and should be fitted accordingly.

Chequerboard is a pattern of alternating square tiles in two contrasting colours, arranged in a grid so that no two adjacent tiles share the same colour.

Generally a smaller stone format of greater thickness which is used externally. Cobbles in 50mm thickness are suitable for use on driveways.

Decor tiles are strikingly patterned, have an ornate shape or surface texture to serve as a counterpoint to more neutral base tiles within their range.

Decorative tiles have intricate and beautiful, hand-designed patterns applied to the surface by various means or ornate surface textures which can be used as a focal point, usually in contrast with plainer surfaces.

Fluted tiles feature a series of shallow, vertical or linear grooves or channels on their surface, creating a textured, ribbed appearance often used for decorative effect and added dimension.

Usually presented in a mosaic format, long thin fingers of stone or porcelain are aligned in rows to create a striking linear look. This arrangement adds texture and movement to surfaces, making it a popular choice for feature walls, backsplashes, and decorative accents.

This style features rich, earthy colours and intricate designs, often seen in Spain or Italy, that bring a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere and reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the Mediterranean region.

Monochrome designs using black, white, and greys create bold visual contrasts that highlight simplicity and clarity. The varying shades of grey add depth and dimension, making the design more dynamic while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

Small chips of stone are arranged on a mesh backing or have a plastic sheet on the face for ease of installation, The chips can vary in size and format from squares or rectangles through to hexagons or scallops.

The mesh backing or covering is designed to hold the chips together during transportation and installation, so excessive handling should be avoided. Mosaics allow intricate and complicated patterns to be installed quickly and easily.

Because of this method of production, nominal variation of both chips and spacing should be expected.

In tile format, a large square tile that has each corner cut off to accommodate a smaller ‘inset’ tile, usually made of a contrasting coloured material. This design creates a distinctive geometric pattern often used in classic and decorative flooring or wall installations.

Small circular tiles that are often used in vintage or retro layouts. Their distinctive shape and size make them popular for creating classic, timeless patterns, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

A style that embraces natural textures and aged or weathered looks. It highlights the beauty of imperfections and organic materials, creating warm, inviting spaces with a timeless, lived in feel.

Terrazzo is a composite material, poured in place or precast. It has been used for floor and wall coverings for over 500 years. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable material, poured with a cementitious binder

Textured tiles features raised or recessed patterns, creating a tactile feel and a 3D effect that adds visual depth and enhances the overall aesthetic of walls or floors.

Tiles with a retro or nostalgic aesthetic, often referencing styles from specific decades. These tiles bring a classic, timeless feel to a space and are popular for creating charming, period-inspired interiors.

Handcrafted Moroccan tiles, each bearing the unique marks of artisanal craftsmanship. These tiles often feature slight imperfections and variations that add to their charm, character, and authenticity, making every piece truly one of a kind.

A finish applied to natural stone which is achieved by using steel brushes to age the surface of the stone, giving a slight surface texture and a satin patina to the surface. Depending on the material, a subtly softened edge may also be associated with this finish.

The term is also used for Porcelain tiles that have a subtle surface texture which mimics the brushed finish of natural stone tiles.

Glazed tiles are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, with a coloured or patterned glaze applied to the surface. This glaze creates a smooth, protective layer that adds colour, texture, and often a glossy or matt finish, making the tiles both decorative and durable.

A reflective, shiny surface finish option commonly available for porcelain, ceramic, decorative, or glazed tiles. This finish enhances the tile’s colours and patterns by giving them a bright, polished look that can make spaces feel larger and more vibrant.

A smooth, matt, non-polished finish applied to the face of stone, providing a soft, natural appearance. The edges can be either straight or bevelled, offering a versatile look that works well in both contemporary and classic design styles.

A non-reflective, more natural finish commonly applied to porcelain, decorative, or glazed tiles. This finish offers a subtle, understated look that minimizes glare and hides smudges or scratches, making it a practical choice for both floors and walls.

A highly reflective, gloss finish applied to the surface of stone, enhancing its natural colours and patterns with a bright, mirror-like shine. Polished tiles can feature either straight or bevelled edges, adding to their sleek and elegant appearance. This finish is often chosen for its luxurious look and smooth texture.

A broad term which encompasses various finishing methods used to achieve a traditional antique floor effect. Each piece of stone is finished by hand; some pieces will have a soft stippled surface, whereas others will have smooth undulations or pillowed edges. These finishes generally create the most authentic looking time-worn floors.

To create a ‘riven’ surface, blocks of stone are split by hand along naturally occurring laminations. This process creates an uneven gently undulating surface. This term usually relates to Slate, Sandstone and sometimes Limestone.

A soft sheen finish that is smoother and slightly more reflective than a matt surface. It provides a subtle glow without being overly glossy, offering a balanced, elegant look that is both durable and easy to maintain.

A method of hand finishing which gives a highly textured, variegated and tactile surface. This method of finishing is also used to give texture to the external surfaces of some Stone Basins.

A method of ageing stone, whereby the tiles are ‘tumbled’ to give them a rounded, antique edge finish. On certain stones, this process may also leave the surface more open and slightly textured.

Ceramic is not only the blanket term for any product made from clay and fired in a kiln to harden, but also the term for tiles which are fired at lower temperatures than porcelain and have greater water absorption.

These ceramic tiles are usually glazed with either high-gloss, colourful or patterned surfaces and usually for wall use only, although some ceramics can be used for flooring.

Classified as a sedimentary rock, Limestone is formed by the accumulation of fine sediments, seashells and other organic matter deposited over millions of years.

Limestone is used to create beautiful and unique wall and floor tiles, which vary a great deal in density, colour, finish and overall look. Some degree of edge chipping may occur to the edges of limestone tiles along with occasional surface pitting, mineral veining, fissures, striations and resin fill.

An acid-sensitive material, limestone wall and floor tiles should be cleaned with a gentle, pH neutral cleaner.

The term Marble has traditionally been used to describe any natural stone which can have a polished finish applied to it, however geologically speaking a Marble is a limestone which has been subjected to thermal metamorphism.

This process which takes place deep below the Earth’s surface leads to a dense stone with a closed surface. Marble is a beautiful, striking and diverse material which can be pure white through to blue, green or purple, usually interlaced with contrasting mineral veins, marble has been used as a hard-wearing surface or as striking, feature pieces for millennia.

The dense nature of this material can lead to surface pits, something which should be expected but does not detract from the beauty of the product. It is not unusual for there to be a degree of resin fill to the surface of a marble, usually in more prominent or open veins. Due to its acid-sensitive nature, a pH neutral cleaner should be used on marble surfaces.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic fired at extremely high temperatures, making it incredibly dense and hard-wearing with almost no absorption. Porcelain tiles can be either full-bodied, where the colour or pattern runs through the entire tile, or glazed, where the design is applied only to the surface.

These tiles can mimic the appearance of materials like wood, stone, or metal, or feature intricate patterns and designs. However, due to the way porcelain tiles are produced, there may be slight variations in size or colour between different batches. For this reason, it’s recommended not to mix tiles from different batches to ensure a consistent look.

In terms of stone, a large piece of stone which can be fabricated into worktops, vanity tops, bath surrounds etc. Stone slabs are usually available in either 20mm or 30mm.

Porcelain ‘Slabs’ are large pieces which are usually only 6mm in thickness, so suited to panelling walls and other installations.

Characterised by its ability to be split into broad sheets, slate is a fine-grained & durable stone which can be a multitude of colours and has traditionally been used for roofing but also, in thicker formats, for flooring.

Dense and hard-wearing, slate can be used for outdoor and indoor surfaces.

Coarse-grained, and robust, sandstone has traditionally been used as external pavers for patios and terraces. The riven finish applied to the surface of the tiles creates a textured and uneven surface combined with a hand-chipped edge.

Literally meaning ‘baked earth’ terracotta is clay that has been shaped and fired to harden the material into tiles. Ideal for creating a rustic Mediterranean style, our terracotta comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some efflorescence may occur after installation, this can be removed with an acid-reaction cleaner but using a rapid setting adhesive helps minimise this occurrence.

Travertine is a material formed by hot springs, the mineral-rich waters evaporate leaving behind deposits of calcium carbonate which solidifies to form travertine. Geologically very young, this stone is often deposited around vegetation which then decays leaving voids in the stone. These voids may be on the surface of the tile or can sometimes be just below the surface of the tile and can become exposed with use.

The surface voids may be filled as part of the finishing process, if any fill becomes dislodged or holes become exposed then a suitable resin-filler  can be used to rectify. Use pH neutral cleaners to avoid any damage to this acid-sensitive material.

A laying format which utilises tiles of a fixed width but varying lengths. i.e. 400mm or 600mm and the lengths of the tiles vary randomly or are a mix of a minimum of two different lengths, offering a look which is reminiscent of traditional stone floors. Please see Stone Layouts for available stones.

A method of laying whereby tiles are laid perpendicular to each other to give a staggered ‘V’ pattern. This fixing pattern works well with small rectangular tiles but can be achieved with any rectangular tile format.

A layout using various tile sizes that are designed to fit together in specific, planned patterns. This approach creates a coordinated and often decorative effect, allowing for intricate designs that enhance the visual appeal of floors or walls.

A repeating modular pattern made up of at least three different tile sizes in order to give a random effect to the floor. There are various Opus patterns available in specific products. Please note you cannot choose a material to come in a particular Opus, the material will come in the Opus stated. Please see individual product pages and Stone Layouts. NB. Where a product is available in an Opus pattern, tiles are sold to the nearest full module but priced per m².

Achievable in ranges that have several tiles which share a common width. Tiles are laid in courses of the same width and the sizes alternated to give a more random appearance.

When the edges of a tile or stone are cut at an angle instead of straight down. This angled edge adds a bit of depth and style, making the surface look more interesting and finished. Bevelled edges are great for adding a subtle detail to walls, backsplashes, or countertops.

A unique firing method that creates a cracked and glossy surface on tiles, ensuring that no two tiles are exactly the same. This distinctive finish adds character and texture to any installation. Unlike many man-made tiles, Crackle Glaze tiles require sealing with products such as Fila MP/90 Eco Xtreme to protect the surface and maintain their appearance over time.

Exclusively relates to Travertine and indicates that the blocks are cut so the planar face of the tile is at right angles to the predominant course of the veining. This cutting method highlights a different pattern and texture compared to other cuts, showcasing the stone’s unique characteristics from a contrasting perspective.

Fabrication is the term used for the process of creating bespoke pieces from natural stone slabs or tiles. These custom made pieces can include worktops, vanity tops, bath surrounds, stair treads, risers, and other tailored applications. Porcelain slabs can also be fabricated for similar uses, offering a versatile option for both functional and decorative elements in interior and exterior design.

This term is related primarily to Travertine, which is characterised by surface pits and holes. These holes can be pre-filled at source by a stone resin which is as similar as possible to the colour of the stone. Once filled the stone is then worked to a Honed or Polished finish. Not every single pit/hole will be completely filled, and therefore even a pre-filled Travertine may require some filling by grout during the fixing process. It is not unusual for any natural stone tile to have some degree of surface fill present. Ongoing resin filling may be required as part of your maintenance regime.

This is a thin line of mineral veining that can occur naturally in stone, usually contrasting with the base colour of the stone. Because of its appearance, a fissure can sometimes be mistaken for a crack in the tile. Unlike cracks, fissures are natural features formed during the stone’s geological development and do not typically affect the tile’s structural integrity.

Generally used to refer to a larger stone or porcelain tile of greater thickness, suitable for both external and internal use. Many 20mm thick outdoor porcelain tiles come in large ‘flag’ sizes, offering durability and strength for patios, walkways, and other heavy-use areas. These thicker tiles provide added stability and resistance to wear, making them ideal for various architectural applications.

A mix of square and rectangular tiles laid in courses and alternated to achieve a more random appearance than using one size alone. This pattern creates a balanced yet varied look, adding visual interest and texture to the surface.

A fossil is ‘evidence of past life, in natural stone wall and floor tiles, this usually takes the form of ancient animals or plants which can be found in certain types of natural stone,  generally Limestones, Marbles and occasionally Sandstone. Fossils add unique character and a sense of history to the stone, making each tile distinctive and often highly valued in architectural and design applications.

When adjacent tiles are not perfectly level with each other, resulting in an uneven surface where the edges of one tile sit higher or lower than the neighbouring tiles. Lippage can affect both the appearance and safety of the tiled area, creating noticeable ridges that may cause tripping hazards or make cleaning more difficult. It often occurs due to improper installation, uneven substrate, or variations in tile thickness.

Minerals are naturally occurring, non-living solids, which combine to form rock. Certain minerals may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to moisture, giving various results. Quartz and Calcite are two of the minerals most commonly found in stone.

A small variation from stated sizes and thicknesses which occurs due to production methods used. This variation should always be expected and can be more pronounced the larger the tile.

Unlike Rectified products, Non-rectified Porcelain or Ceramic tiles are not cut to size after the firing process. When firing, the wet clay is subject to expected shrinkage and warpage. The tiles are graded after firing but do not undergo any additional cutting. Because of this, greater variation in size between tiles should be expected than with a rectified tile. Non-rectified tiles are usually smaller, patterned or glazed tiles which would mean cutting after firing would affect the overall look of the material.

This indicates that performance data for a specific product feature has not been provided or tested. It’s commonly found in technical documentation and product specifications, particularly in construction and manufacturing. When a characteristic is marked as NPD, it means the manufacturer hasn’t supplied evidence or test results for that specific aspect

PTV stands for Pendulum Test Value which is a measurement used to determine the slip resistance of a surface, especially tiles and flooring. It’s a key part of assessing whether a tile is safe for environments like bathrooms, kitchens, commercial spaces, or outdoors.

PTV (Dry/Wet)

• 0-24 – High slip risk (Not recommended in wet areas)
• 25–35 – Moderate slip risk (May be acceptable in dry indoor areas)
• 36+ – Low slip risk (Recommended for wet areas, outdoors, commercial kitchens etc)

Measures slip resistance on a ramp with oil underfoot. Commonly used in Europe for commercial and outdoor settings.

• R9 – Very low slip resistance (mainly indoor dry areas)
• R10 – Moderate slip resistance (suitable for kitchens, bathrooms)
• R11 – High slip resistance (wet rooms, commercial kitchens)
• R12 – Very high slip resistance (heavy-duty industrial or outdoor)

This term is applied to Porcelain or Ceramic tiles that are cut to size after the firing process. Rectified tiles are ‘dimensionally stable’ and will exhibit little variation in size of tiles from one production run. Tiles from different production runs will tend to exhibit greater variation and so enough tiles to complete the installation should be ordered in the first instance. Different sizes within ranges will vary significantly however so should not be mixed.

A term referring to how much grip a tile offers. This can be measured in several ways, the two most common methods being the Pendulum & Ramp test. This property is more relevant to commercial applications than residential however, additional grip in wet areas or externally is always preferable to increase safety. This information is readily available for Porcelain products.

A rectangular, glazed tile featuring a raised, angled edge or profile that adds texture and dimension to walls. This design detail creates subtle shadows and depth, making the tile surface more visually interesting and tactile.

This term primarily relates to Travertine which is characterised by surface pits and holes. An unfilled finish leaves these holes open. Unfilled Travertine will need to be ‘slurry grouted’ across the surface of the stone in order that the holes are filled. Small holes can sometimes be found in Limestone and Marble which can be left unfilled or filled with grout dependent on preference.

The occurrence of irregular lines of minerals found in stone, most notably Marble although it can be present in all natural stone. Formed by mineral deposits over time, veining creates unique patterns that enhance the stone’s visual appeal and is often prized in interior design for its natural beauty.

As porcelain or ceramic tiles are fired they can shrink and bow or warp. This is usual with man-made tiles but can be more pronounced with larger tiles. To avoid emphasizing this warpage, larger tiles should not be ‘brick-bonded’.