Tile Terminology
If you don’t do tile everyday, you might not understand some of the language that we use in the industry. Below is a list of some of the terms we use in the tile world.
Lippage
Lippage refers to one tile sitting higher/ lower than the tiles adjacent to it. This is typically caused by “cupped”, or bowed tiles. Uneven substrate, or poor installation practices can also cause lippage. Due to the nature of the materials we work with, minimal lippage is to be expected in all installations. The TCNA (Tile Council of North America), who sets the standards for the tile industry has set a standard for acceptable lippage listed below.
Termination Point
This is where the tile installation stops. These are typically exposed edges of the tile. For example, where the tile ends at the end of a countertop on a backsplash, or the outer edges of a shower.
Exposed Edge
This refers to the outer edges or parts of the installation. For example, the outer edge of a niche or bench in a shower, or a window on a backsplash.
Metal Profile Trim
Many people also call this a “Schluter Trim”, though Schluter is just a brand of this style of trim. These are metal pieces that come in a variety of finishes. These are used at termination points and exposed edges.
SLU
Refers to Self Leveling Underlayment. Though this is a bit of a misnomer as the material does more to smooth and flatten the floor than it does to level it. This is a concrete material that is used to smooth and flatten uneven floors.
Subfloor
Subfloor refers to the structure of the home under any tile prep for flooring. This would be the plywood or concrete structure of the home.
Underlayment
This refers to the tile prep materials that go between the substrate and the tile. A common type of underlayment is an uncoupling membrane.
Uncoupling Membrane
Its primary function is to decouple, or “uncouple,” the tile layer from the substrate, allowing for independent movement between the two surfaces. This decoupling helps to prevent stress, movement, and cracks in the tile and grout, which can occur due to factors such as substrate expansion and contraction.
