What are rectified tiles?

Rectified tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles that have all their edges mechanically ground and finished to achieve near perfect square edges and exacting dimensions. The edges are ‘rectified” to correct the size differential that occurs during the firing process. Using these tiles can result in clean, smooth, monolithic look, and allow for minimal grout lines. By rectifying tile, a tile manufacturer can produce a single precise size eliminating the need to sort different calibrations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Rectified tiles

The appeal of a thin, minimal grout line is the main reason people choose these tiles. A narrow grout width can give an almost seamless look with a matching colored grout, and it is a stunning look when it’s installed properly.

Because the installation of rectified tiles is generally done with a tight grout joint, with only a sliver of grout separating them, the subtle differences between each tile can be magnified, resulting in a less than perfectly flush look. This difference between each tile edge is called ‘lippage’. Using a wider grout line would be minimized lippage. Also, some installers are less comfortable with using narrow grout lines, particularly when the floor is not perfectly level. We would recommend checking with the installer to see what is recommended for each individual installation.