Rectified porcelain tiles
When it comes to sleek and modern options for tiling, rectified porcelain tiles are often a preferred choice to get the right aesthetic. But what are rectified tiles, and what are their pros and cons? In this article, you will discover more about rectified and non-rectified porcelain tiles on Atlas Plan.
What is a rectified porcelain tile?
We define rectified tiles as tiles that have been adjusted and aligned precisely to achieve a pristine, flawless appearance. This refinement typically entails grinding or polishing the tile's peripheries. Because of these treatments, the rectified floor tile corners maintain a 90-degree angle, which is crucial for specific applications. Rectification applies exclusively to ceramic, porcelain, or fired tiles due to their inherent precision, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy.
The pros and cons of rectified tiles
There are some advantages and drawbacks of rectified floor tiles to consider. Let’s look at some examples.
Pros of rectified floor tiles
- Easier to install than non-rectified tiles
Rectified tiles have precise edges. This makes it easier to install and gives you a smooth and clean finish. This is especially true if you are planning to use larger tiles. - Can be cut to specific sizes
This ensures that you can get a specific style according to the floor patterns that you are looking for, such as for wood effect porcelain tiles or concrete effect porcelain tiles. - Modern designs
The tight grout lines and precise edges of rectified tiles provide a sleek and modern look, contributing to a clean and uniform surface, which is particularly desirable in modern and minimalist design styles. - Incredible versatility
Rectified tiles are suitable for various applications, and in some cases, floor tiles can be used for walls and exterior cladding, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and even business spaces thanks to their beautiful designs.
Cons of rectified floor tiles
- Will need a slightly higher budget
Rectified floor tiles come at a higher cost than non-rectified tiles. This is due to the additional manufacturing processes involved in achieving precise edges. - Can be subject to chipping over time
Because of their sharp edges, rectified tiles could chip, potentially affecting their durability over time. This means extra care needs to be taken when installing these tiles to ensure their edges are not exposed. - Might show dirt easily
While rectified tiles are easier to clean and maintain due to their uniform surface and tight grout lines, they can be less forgiving in terms of hiding dirt and debris compared to non-rectified tiles with wider grout lines.
What are the differences between rectified and non-rectified tiles?
A rectified tile is produced with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each side has identical measurements. Therefore, rectified tiles enable the creation of minute grout gaps, fostering the impression of a single expansive tiled region. By requiring lesser grout, tiles with a rectified edge minimise the visibility of grout lines, promoting a streamlined aesthetic.
In comparison, non-rectified tiles refer to irregular edges, lending themselves to a more organic appearance. Due to their uneven nature, non-rectified tiles necessitate broader grout joints, yielding a conventional tiled effect. The type of tile that you ultimately choose will depend on your personal preference. Rectified tiles tend to exude a modern flair through their seamless finish, while non-rectified options afford greater flexibility when using decorative grouts.
The choice between rectified and non-rectified porcelain tiles may be influenced by design requirements: typically, non-rectified tiles are preferred in large formats (162 x 324) for bathrooms, kitchens, or areas where the presence of niches and openings requires a certain freedom in cutting to create custom furnishings. On the other hand, rectified porcelain tiles are suited for the design of spacious areas or those with a more traditional charm, as they provide a uniform result due to their dimensional precision.
Embrace the beauty of rectified porcelain tiles
Rectified floor tiles offer precise edges, a modern aesthetic and easier maintenance, making them a popular choice for achieving a seamless and polished appearance in tile installations.
Get in touch with the Atlas team today to find out more about our available options, including lapped porcelain tiles.
