If you've heard of rectified tile, you may wonder what it is and if it's suitable for your home. Rectified tiles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many benefits, such as easy maintenance, durability and cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about rectified tiles so that you can decide whether they would be best suited for your project. From the materials used in their production to their installation info, we'll cover all the details for determining if a rectified tile is the way to go when updating your floors and walls.

What is a rectified tile?

Rectified tiles are a popular choice for many construction and decorating projects. The main differentiator of rectified tiles is that the edges have been ground down, producing a "true" 90-degree angle. This grinding process helps create exact joints, making them especially popular in tiling applications. In addition to providing greater accuracy in installation, rectified tiles can also help create an illusion of a continuous surface, as the differences between tiles become much less visible.

Furthermore, this allows for creative patterning that would not be possible with standard non-grounded tiles. While rectified tiles require an experienced hand and extra time during installation, their high precision makes them an excellent option for various projects.

What's the difference between rectified and non rectified tiles?

When deciding which type of tile is best for your flooring or wall application, understanding the difference between rectified and non-rectified tiles is essential. Rectified tiles have been ground down on all sides to create precise right angles and uniform edge lengths, making them ideal for achieving an exact fit and tight grout line.

Non-rectified tiles are not machined in such a way and can come with slightly irregular edges so that they may be slightly larger than the exact size needed. Non-rectified tile installation often requires more grout lines to connect each piece, while rectified tile installation reduces these requirements. Ultimately, both types have their own advantages, and it will depend on the project's specific needs when choosing between them.

Benefits of rectified tiles

The most apparent benefit of rectified tiles is their uniformity. Because they are cut so precisely and consistently, they can be laid closer together than traditional tiles without leaving any unsightly gaps between them. It gives your floor an even, seamless look that enhances the beauty of your home's interior design. Additionally, because rectified tiles adhere better to grout lines than traditional ones, you won't have to worry about dirt or debris collecting in those tiny spaces between each tile.
   
Rectified tiles also make installation easier since they require less time and effort during the laying process. The uniform shape and size mean you don't have to worry about pieces being mismatched or unevenly spaced out like traditional tiling techniques. Furthermore, because they adhere better to grout lines than regular ceramic or porcelain tile products, you won't need as much mortar when installing them, reducing installation time and cost.

Lastly, rectified tile products come pre-cut into consistent shapes and sizes, so post-installation trimming is unnecessary, saving even more time during installation! 

The manufacturing and installation process

Rectified tiles are increasingly popular for residential and commercial projects due to their improved accuracy compared to traditional tiles. The manufacturing process of rectified tiles involves specialised machinery that shapes the edges with established precision compared to the more generalised cutting technology used with traditional tiles. Once they are cut, rectified tiles are soaked and glazed before being cured to ensure maximum durability and strength.

When it comes to installation, rectified tiles require more attention to detail than regular tiles, as they must be installed in a grid-like pattern that is precise down to the millimetre. It means level floors must be created before installation for the rectified tile pattern to appear symmetrical once complete. With some additional time and effort during the manufacturing and installation stages, ensuring you have a beautiful finished product is a highly achievable goal when using rectified tiles.

How to determine if rectified tiles are suitable for your home

Selecting the right rectified tile for your home can be tricky, so research and determine if the product you are considering is suitable for its intended use. Rectified tiles are cut on the sides to attain precise dimensions and uniform sizes. This is important when laying tiles in a pattern that requires precise alignment. To ensure that a rectified tile meets your specific needs, check its shape, colours and patterns beforehand. Consider the tile's finish, whether it has a glossy sheen or matte surface, as this affects its aesthetic appeal.

Lastly, take note of its edge angle – rectified tiles should have a very narrow grout joint of only 1mm or 2mm wide, ensuring a clean look with well-defined lines or shapes. With these tips in mind, you are ready to find the best-rectified tiles for your home and achieve that perfect flooring makeover you have been dreaming of!

Different types of rectified tile

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is one of the most popular materials for rectified tile because it is highly durable and resistant to staining, scratching, and fading. Porcelain tiles come in various colours and textures, making it easy to find a style that matches your desired aesthetic. In addition, porcelain tiles are easy to install, which makes them ideal for DIY projects. However, they can be expensive compared to other materials such as ceramic or natural stone.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and fired at high temperatures until they become hard and dense. They come in various colours, sizes, textures, and finishes to create any look you want for your home. Ceramic tiles are also relatively inexpensive compared to porcelain tiles, so if you're on a budget, this may be an excellent option. The downside is that ceramic tiles can be prone to cracking over time due to their fragile nature.

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles are made from genuine stones like marble or granite, which give them an elegant appearance. Like porcelain or ceramic tiles, natural stone comes in many different colours, sizes, textures and finishes, so you can create any look you want with these options. Natural stone is also known for its durability so it will last longer than ceramic or porcelain tile options, but it can be more expensive depending on the type of stone you choose. 

Preparing your floors or walls for installation

Preparing concrete floors or walls to install rectified tiles is critical to ensure that your finished project looks beautiful. You must first clean the area thoroughly, as it needs to be free from any dirt and debris. You should also inspect the surface for any cracks or imperfections – if a crack is larger than 3 mm, you will need to fill it with a cement-based filler.
Afterwards, ensure that the flooring or wall has been leveled correctly and waterproofed before laying down the tiles. With these steps completed sincerely, your tiling job should result in beautiful new floors or walls that you can be proud of.

Installing rectified tiles

Laying rectified tiles can be complicated, but with pre-planning and patience, any homeowner can successfully achieve professional results. To begin the job, it's essential to correctly measure the area to be tiled and order enough material for the task. Once the tiles arrive, it's essential to inspect each one for chips and other defects before beginning the installation.

These tiles have been cut with precision and accuracy, meaning they must all line up perfectly when placed on the floor or wall. By carefully laying out your pattern beforehand, ensuring perfect alignment during installation, and selecting quality materials, you'll be well on your way to achieving stunning results.

Maintaining rectified tiles over time

The first step in maintaining your rectified tiles is regular cleaning. Dirt and debris can build up quickly on the surface of rectified tiles if they're not cleaned often enough. You should clean your tiles at least once a week with a damp cloth or mop. Be sure to use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for tile surfaces; avoid harsh abrasives or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the tile's finish and cause discolouration.

Another vital step in caring for your rectified tiles is sealing them regularly. Sealing your tiles helps protect them from moisture, dirt, spills, and other debris that could damage their finish over time. It's recommended that you seal your tile surfaces every 12-18 months depending on usage levels—more frequently if used heavily or in areas like bathrooms or kitchens where there could be higher moisture exposure. 

When applying sealant, be sure to use one specifically designed for ceramic or porcelain surfaces, such as natural stone sealant; avoid using silicone caulk or any other type of sealant, as these may damage the surface of your tile over time.

Conclusion

Rectified tiles are an excellent choice for many projects, but they require special care and attention when installing and maintaining. Following the instructions outlined here, you can ensure that your finished project looks beautiful and lasts for years! Happy tiling!

Shop our full range of rectified tiles online and enjoy the perfect finish for your tiling project.