T-Z

Terra cotta

Hard baked clayware, including tile, of variable color, averaging reddish red-yellow in hue and of high saturation.

Thin-set

A term used to describe the bonding of tile with suitable materials applied approximately 1/8 inch thick.

Tile cutter

The tile cutter is one of the most efficient and economic tools in the tile setting trade. A popular model is the hand-drawn tile cutting board that is adjustable.

Tile nipper

Special pliers that nibble away little bites of ceramic tile to create small, irregular or curved cuts.

Underlayment

An application of a relatively thin layer of mortar primarily used to level out-of-plane surfaces such as concrete slabs.

Unglazed tile

A hard, dense tile of homogeneous composition throughout, deriving color and texture from the materials of which the body is made. The colors and characteristics of the tile are determined by the materials used in the body, the method of manufacture, and the thermal treatment.

Vapor Barrier

Waterproof membrane placed under concrete floor slabs that are placed on a grade.

Vitreous

0.5 percent to 3 percent water absorption.

Wall tile

A glazed tile with a body that is suitable for interior use and which is usually non-vitreous, and is not required nor expected to withstand excessive impact.

Waterproof membrane

A membrane, usually made of built-up roofing, to provide a positive waterproof floor over the substrate, which is to receive a tile installation using a wire reinforced mortar bed.

Weephole

Opening at the base of a shower drain to collect moisture collected above membrane and dispense it into drain.

Wet area

Interior or exterior tiled areas subject to periodic or constant wetting. Examples: showers, sunken tubs, pools, exterior walls, roofs, exterior paving and interior floors.

Wood float

The wood float is sometimes used in place of the flat trowel for floating mortar. It is good for smoothing small irregularities left on the mortar bed, working the surface of the mortar before troweling on the pure coat, or compacting floor and deck mortar.