Drawer menu
When decorating your home, choosing a colour scheme and what material you’d like your tiles to be made from is stressful enough. But, as you finally settle on either ceramic or porcelain tiles, you’ll also be faced with choosing between rectified tiles and unrectified.
So, what exactly does this mean? That’s what we’ll be looking at today. Below, you’ll find all of the information you need about both rectified and unrectified tiles. We’ll explore their differences, look at which is best for your project, and make things much clearer along the way.
First things first, let’s take a look at the key differences between rectified tiles and unrectified tiles.
The term "rectified tiles" simply refers to the fact they have been through a rectifying process to create uniformity. This involves cutting the tiles into a precise shape once they have come out of the kiln, either through grinding or cutting with a diamond saw.
As you can probably guess from their name, unrectified tiles do not undergo the grinding or cutting "rectifying" process. This means that they'll have curved or uneven edges.
Durability comes down to the specific materials used to make each tile rather than whether or not they have been rectified, but porcelain rectified tiles are among the most durable you'll find.
Unrectified tiles can be equally as durable as rectified tiles, as it really depends on what they're made from. Ceramic unrectified tiles, for example, will be less durable than porcelain unrectified tiles.
When it comes to the lifespan of a rectified tile, you need to look at the grouting rather than the actual tile itself. Generally speaking, the grout lines on a rectified tile will have a shorter lifespan because you need to use unsanded grout to achieve the thin lines, which breaks down faster than sanded grout.
As you don't need to create thin grout lines with unrectified tiles, you can use sanded grout to lay them, which is much more durable and, in turn, prolongs its life span.
Because more work goes into creating rectified tiles, they tend to be more expensive than unrectified tiles. There can also be an extra expense depending on the size of the grout lines and special bedding needed to get the tiles sitting perfectly flush.
Since unrectified tiles don't go through an extra process or require specialist installation, the overall cost is generally lower.
Again, this will depend on whether you've chosen ceramic or porcelain tiles, with ceramic tiles being much easier to cut. One thing to note, however, is that you'll want to match the expertly cut edges of rectified tiles to keep everything looking seamless, which can be difficult without the help of a professional tile installer.
The same rule applies here with unrectified tiles, with the material you choose determining how easy they'll be to cut. However, since they haven't been through the rectifying process, you don't need to worry as much about razor-sharp edges when cutting at home, making them a better choice for DIY projects.
Because of the thin grout lines rectified tiles call for, there's less chance of water absorption because there's less surface area on the grout. Of course, the tile material itself will also play a role, with ceramic tiles being more absorbent than porcelain tiles
The larger grout lines on unrectified tiles mean that there's more risk of water damage, which can lead to mould and staining. Again, you also need to think about tile material, as porcelain tiles provide better water resistance than ceramic.
Because the grout line on rectified tiles is much thinner, dirt and staining won't show as easily, which means you don't have to worry about cleaning them as regularly.
The thicker grout lines on unrectified tiles mean that dirt and grime will be more obvious and, as such, will need cleaning more regularly.
Rectified tiles are best used if you're aiming to create a patterned focal point using tiles or going for a super modern look. They're also the best choice if you have less time available for ongoing maintenance.
Unrectified tiles are best if you're trying to stick to a lower budget or if you want to attempt cutting and installing tiles yourself. They'll also generally last longer due to the sanded grout used to lay them.
One of the biggest benefits rectified tiles offer is the ability to lay complicated, geometric patterns like chevron or herringbone. This is because the thin grout line between each space produces a seamless finish, and because each tile has been purposefully cut and shaped for uniformity, there’s no risk of anything looking out of place.
The thin grout lines used to lay rectified tiles also help to produce a more natural look for certain materials and are especially good for achieving an authentic marble look.
Rectified tiles are also much easier to maintain and clean, and the thin grout lines won’t show dirt or stains as easily as unrectified tiles.
Rectified tiles tend to be more expensive than unrectified tiles, and they can also be complicated to lay and may require professional installation. All of these things will add up and can potentially cost quite a lot of money, so they may not be the best choice for people trying to limit their spending.
Another disadvantage of rectified tiles is that you have to use unsanded grout to achieve the thin grout line. This breaks down faster than sanded grout, giving them a shorter life span.
Rectified tiles are best for people who want to create a patterned focal point or achieve a seamless finish across a wall or floor. They are also a good choice for people who don’t have the time for regular cleaning but want to keep everything looking good.
Perhaps the biggest benefit unrectified tiles have to offer is that they are less expensive than rectified tiles. This makes them a good choice for anyone working with a lower budget, and since they are generally easier to lay yourself, you don’t necessarily have to factor professional installation into your costs.
Another benefit offered by unrectified tiles is that you can use sanded grout to lay them, which, unlike its unsanded counterpart, is much more durable, which will help prolong the life span of the grout.
Since unrectified tiles call for a larger grout line, you aren’t able to create the same seamless finish as you can with rectified tiles. Likewise, a pattern across a large tiled space will become disjointed and unsightly.
As unrectified tiles haven’t been through the rectifying process, you won’t get the same sharp edges or depth, which can make things look uniform across a larger space.
The larger grout lines will also become dirty and stained much quicker, so regular cleaning and maintenance will be needed.
Unrectified tiles are best for those who are trying to stick to a smaller budget, as not only are the tiles themselves cheaper than rectified tiles, but you may not need professional help with installation. They’re also a better choice in terms of longevity, as you aren’t limited to using unsanded grout.
Ultimately, when choosing between rectified and unrectified tiles, you’ll need to think about what you’re trying to achieve with your overall design. Those looking for a slick, modern, seamless finish should choose rectified tiles, while people trying to tile a larger space with a limited budget may be better off with unrectified tiles. Remember, also, that the actual tile material will play a huge role in durability and longevity.
