Tiling trade jargon

Adhesive

Material used to attach a tile to the surface it is being added to.

Buttering

The spreading of adhesive on a tile.

Caulk

A waterproof material used for sealing joints.

Cove

A concave edge on a tile, used for tiles that will form the edge of a wall or floor and form a join with another tiled surface.

Epoxy adhesive / grout

A two part adhesive system for tiles, made up of epoxy resin and epoxy hardener.

Grout

A substance that fills the joints between tiles, made up of cement, silica sand and other chemicals.

Mastic

Term used for some high-grade adhesives and sealants.

Spacer

Small plastic pieces that are used to evenly separate tiles while they are placed.

Substrate

A prepared area under a ceramic tile installation.

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