When buying ceramic tiles, one of the options you may have (especially when it comes to larger ones) is whether to choose rectified tiles or not. This decision will largely depend on the type of look you want for the space you are designing.
Rectified tiles are ceramic tiles that have been precisely cut and processed to offer almost perfectly straight edges and exact dimensions. These tiles provide a very clean, symmetrical look and allow for extremely fine grout lines of up to 3 millimeters or even less.
The term “rectified tile” does not refer to the physical or mechanical properties of the tile. It is a finishing process for ceramic tiles that involves cutting the edges of the tiles with special machines with diamond blades. Rectification is a part of the production process that takes place after the ceramic tiles are taken out of the kiln. It involves processing (cutting) the edges of the tile so that their edges form a 90-degree angle. This is done to achieve fixed calibers and eliminate the marginal contour of the tile. It is an expensive process due to the additional energy consumption. Its advantages are perfect calibration, as the tiles can be mounted with very fine 2mm grout lines, and the removal of the marginal contour of the tile.
They are called “rectified tiles” because that is what the production process actually does, rectify their dimensions. Firing a ceramic tile never gives an exact, predictable result. Even if the tiles go into the kiln looking exactly the same, the change in moisture through the firing process is not something that can be controlled precisely, and the tiles will shrink slightly. When ceramic tiles come out of the kiln, they will always vary slightly in terms of their shapes and dimensions.
Any porcelain floor tile obtained through the pressing process, before entering the kiln, has larger dimensions than the final desired one. For example, to obtain a porcelain floor tile with dimensions of 60x30cm, the so-called “biscuit” has 65x33cm before entering the kiln.
Rectified tiles are practically identical in terms of length and width, and their edges have a perfect 90-degree angle, so surfaces covered with rectified floor tiles have a continuous, perfectly flat look with almost imperceptible grout lines.
That being said, the thickness of the tile is not normally taken into account during rectification – only length and width – so there may be slight variations in thickness. Also, in the firing process, ceramic tiles are inevitably subjected to slight deformations.
Since rectified tiles are usually laid very close to each other, with only a few millimeters of grout binding them together, these small differences can occasionally mean that the tiles are not (or appear to not be) level with each other.
Advantages of Rectified Floor Tiles
The main advantage of rectified floor tiles is their visual aspect. Because rectified floor tiles can be mounted with a minimal distance between them, they create a compact visual look for the entire floor. The advantage of rectified floor tiles is that they can be mounted with almost invisible grout, precisely because of that 90-degree angle of the rectified tile edge.
Disadvantages of Rectified Floor Tiles
Rectified floor tiles are more expensive than regular ones, and the installation cost is higher because the installation is more difficult, and therefore the craftsmen who install them have a higher cost.
Choosing rectified or non-rectified floor tiles depends on your preferences and the type of space you are tiling. Rectified floor tiles can give a more polished appearance.
How to install rectified floor tiles
Once you’ve decided to use rectified tiles, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you plan to install them yourself:
• Handle the tiles with care to avoid scratching, chipping or other damage;
• The surface on which the tiles will be installed must be perfectly leveled;
• The tiles should be fixed only after a layer of adhesive has been applied to both the floor and the entire surface of the tile;
• The edges of the tiles should be clean when the next tile is installed.
Straight installation can be used in any room where the owner wants rectified floor tiles. It is a perfect choice, especially for those who want a sophisticated design. Straight installation is also easier to implement, making it an ideal option for beginner craftsmen or even amateurs who want to put their renovation ideas into practice.
Another advantage of this type of installation is the savings in material, as there is no need for too many cuts, and the amount of floor tile used is very efficient. To install in this way, start from a corner with the tile placed correctly, horizontally and vertically, and continue along the wall, keeping the distance between tiles equal with the help of spacers.
Diagonal installation is more sophisticated, suitable for a bold design, but is more difficult to implement, requiring a higher level of experience and additional tools such as high-performance tile cutting machines. Another disadvantage is the material loss due to frequent cuts, which can be as high as 30%.
Types of rectified floor tiles that are tailored to your needs can be found in the CESAROM collections, available HERE.
The flatness of the support is essential. A few extra hours of work in this regard should not be avoided, precisely to avoid problems later on. For horizontal surfaces, self-leveling compounds work wonders in this regard.
The adhesive material must be of the highest quality, and it is recommended to use a fine mesh to remove any larger debris. The mixture will be much better with the help of a drill equipped with a special mixing head.
Material cuts are inevitable in most cases. These must be planned to be installed in areas that will be covered with furniture to avoid being visible at the end of the installation.
A large level or a laser level would be ideal for maintaining flatness on large surfaces and should not be missing from a craftsman’s arsenal.
Installing rectified tiles is a slower process than installing traditional tiles with margins, and it can also be more expensive, even if they are straight-edged. Some customers choose to glue the tiles together. However, we recommend that everyone allow at least a 1-2 mm joint to seal the floor and provide the necessary space for expansion and contraction, which are natural phenomena that inevitably occur, especially outside, but also inside, especially on a heated floor.
If you are going to install rectified tiles, we recommend that you also use a leveling system to ensure a correct finish. Of course, there is an additional cost to using this system, but if you consider the true economy and compare the final result, you will see that the money spent is justified because the time saved and the quality of the finished work will be superior.
In conclusion, installing rectified tiles may take a little longer and may be slightly more costly, but the aesthetic attractiveness of smaller grout lines, together with the use of an appropriate leveling system to ensure perfect work, will far outweigh any cost. It will also allow you to align the grout lines better to create a flawless design.
Maintaining rectified tiles
Rectified floor tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Simply sweep to remove any debris and mop weekly with a soap and water solution designed for these surfaces.
While the tiles themselves are resistant to stains and scratches, the grout lines typically need to be sealed occasionally to keep stains and mold at bay.
If a tile chips, it can be replaced, although this can be a bit more difficult with rectified floor tiles as the tiles are very close together, so it’s best to have a professional handle this task.