Frequently Asked Questions

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Both offer a wide range of styles, but suitability for floors, walls, wet areas, and exterior applications depends on the specific product. Review the manufacturer’s recommended uses before specifying a tile.

No. Glazed describes the coating applied to the tile’s surface, rather than its shine. Glazed tile can have a matte, honed, glossy finish, or even a combination of these!

Rectified tile has mechanically finished edges for more consistent dimensions. This can create a precise appearance, but does not eliminate grout joints or guarantee a particular joint width. Follow the tile manufacturer’s spacing recommendations.

A smooth, glossy (Polished) surface tends to be more slippery than a matt surface, particularly wet. Therefore, it’s usually not good to use glossy tile for flooring – particularly for bathroom or wet-room flooring or in high traffic areas such as entrance halls.

The exception to this rule is when a tile passes the DCOF slip resistance test. The factory runs this test to measure how slip-resistant a tile is when wet.

Through-body porcelain has color throughout the tile body, rather than relying solely on a surface glaze. This can make wear or small chips less noticeable, depending on the product. It does not necessarily mean that every detail of the surface pattern continues through the tile.

The exception to this rule is when a tile passes the DCOF slip resistance test. The factory runs this test to measure how slip-resistant a tile is when wet.

Pricing reflects factors such as raw materials, manufacturing methods, country of origin, size, finish, and additional processing. Specialized shapes, decorative details, and rectified or polished finishes can also affect cost. Price alone does not determine whether a tile is appropriate for an application.

Porcelain generally requires less maintenance and typically does not require sealing. Many natural stones benefit from sealing and require care products suited to the material. Stone-look porcelain can offer a similar appearance with a simpler maintenance routine.

Joint width depends on the tile’s dimensions, dimensional variation, edge type, layout, and manufacturer’s recommendations. The selected grout must also be approved for that width. Rectified tile still requires grout joints.

It means staggering each row by no more than one-third of the adjacent tile’s length. This helps reduce lippage—uneven edges between adjacent tiles—associated with slight curvature in some rectangular tiles.

Additional material is needed for cuts, layout, and future repairs. About 10% is a common starting point for a straightforward installation; detailed patterns or extensive cuts may require more. The installer should confirm the final quantity before ordering.

An exact match is not guaranteed. Color and dimensions may vary between lots. Whenever possible, obtain the full project quantity from the same production lot and retain spare material for future repairs.

Confirm the product, size, finish, quantity, and carton labels. Review material from multiple cartons for color and pattern variation. Any concerns about damage, incorrect material, or appearance should be addressed with the supplier before installation.

Bullnose is tile trim with a rounded, finished edge. When coordinating bullnose is unavailable, alternatives may include other ceramic trim pieces or edge profiles from LATICRETE and Schluter.

Profiles provide a finished appearance while helping protect exposed tile edges. Select the shape, material, and finish appropriate for the installation.

Fitzgerald Tile carries LATICRETE and Schluter profile trims in a variety of shapes, materials, and finishes to complement tile and protect exposed edges.

LATICRETE offers profiles in colors coordinated with its grout palette for a cohesive finished appearance.

Available styles, colors, sizes, and coordinating accessories vary by product.

Select the profile according to the tile thickness, format, and manufacturer’s installation requirements. Confirm sizing before installation so the tile and profile align correctly.

Grout joints accommodate dimensional differences between tiles and provide space for grout to fill the joints. Grout does not replace movement joints or waterproofing.

Options include:
PERMACOLOR & PERMACOLOR SELECT: A high-performance cement-based grout mixed with water.
SPECTRALOCK 1: A premixed grout requiring no mixing or sealing.
SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium: An epoxy grout offering durability, color consistency, and stain resistance.

Select the product according to the tile material, joint width, application, and installation requirements.

No. SPECTRALOCK 1 is a premixed grout without epoxy resins. SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium is an epoxy grout. Their preparation and installation requirements differ.

A coordinating color creates a more continuous appearance, while a contrasting color emphasizes the tile’s shape and pattern.

Generally, unsanded grout should be used in joints that are less than 1/8-inch-wide. It has a smooth texture and clings well to vertical surfaces, which makes it useful for grouting ceramic wall tiles. Sanded grout should be used for flooring and wall tile joints wider than 1/8 inch because it resists shrinkage and cracking.

We have what is referred to as a “universal grout.” It has an aggregate in it that is smaller than that in a typical sanded grout, so you can still get a very small grout joint but also have the benefits of the sturdiness of a typical sanded grout. Laticrete’s Permacolor grout also has the added benefit of anti-microbial technology to prevent mold and mildew buildup in your grout joints.

Please check out this video from our grout manufacturer on how to mix grout!

It depends on the product. LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK 1 and SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium do not require sealing. Current PERMACOLOR and PERMACOLOR Select formulations also do not require sealing.

For grout that benefits from sealing, select a compatible STONETECH sealer and follow the instructions for the exact grout installed.

No. Even sealed grout is not a substitute for waterproofing. A shower requires a properly designed waterproofing assembly beneath the tile.

Fitzgerald Tile carries both LATICRETE HYDRO BAN Shower Systems and Schluter Shower Systems, including shower bases, drains, and waterproofing components.

LATICRETE offers liquid- and sheet-applied waterproofing options. Schluter KERDI provides sheet-applied waterproofing. Select compatible components and follow the chosen system’s complete installation requirements to maintain manufacturer system warranties.

Smaller tiles more easily follow the slopes toward a central drain. Tile selection must also meet the shower base manufacturer’s requirements and be suitable for shower-floor use.

Often, yes. Linear drains, including LATICRETE HYDRO BAN Linear Drains and Schluter KERDI-LINE, can accommodate a shower floor sloped in a single plane. Tile suitability, drain placement, and shower system requirements still govern the design.

STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner is a pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning of compatible natural stone, tile, and grout. Follow the label directions and the surface manufacturer’s care recommendations.

STONETECH KlenzAll Cleaner is a heavy-duty alkaline cleaner designed to remove dirt, grease, and grime from compatible natural stone, tile, and grout. Follow the recommended dilution, application, and rinsing instructions.

No. Cement grout haze, epoxy residue, and mineral deposits may require different treatments. Identify the residue and surface before selecting a cleaner, and test in an inconspicuous area.

Many natural stones benefit from a penetrating sealer to help resist staining. STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is an option for compatible porous natural stone, tile, and grout.

Sealing does not make the surface waterproof or prevent acid etching.

There is no single schedule for every installation. Resealing needs depend on the material, sealer, exposure, cleaning practices, and use. Depending on use, we suggest every 6-12 months.

Yes. Spare material is useful for repairs, particularly when a collection is discontinued or production lots change. Store it with a carton label identifying the product and production lot.