Glossary

Bed 

A natural layer of sedimentary rock defined by a change in geological structure.

Blooming 

This is often a result of either poor sealant trapping moisture beneath or minerals from the substrate leaking through the stone.

Bookmatched 

Two adjoining pieces of stone which mirror each other giving the impression of an open book, most impressive with heavily veined marbles.

Bullnose

A semi-circular step edge profile.

Calcite Vein

Natural veining in the stone created by recrystallized calcium carbonate.  Veining does not represent any structural weakness.

Calepinage

Custom plan of layout and specifications.

Calibrated

Tiles which are produced to a uniform thickness.

Cappings

Weather protective stone wall capping which can either be overhanging or flush to the wall.

Chamfer

A transitional edge between two faces usually at 45°, although this can vary.

Cobble

A small unit with cropped/cleft faces at either uniform or variable thickness.

Copings

Weather protective overhanging stone wall covering with drip grooves.

Cross Overs

Large cobble-like slabs used in entrances likely to receive heavier traffic.

Decoupling Membrane

Matting which absorbs tension between substrate and floor tiles preventing cracking.  It also helps to evenly spread heat from underfloor heating systems.

Downstand

A deeper section at the front of a worktop.

Dot and Dab

This is where adhesive or mortar is only applied to sections of a tile’s surface area instead of completely covering it with an even layer which is the traditional method.  It results in poor adhesion and areas without adhesive will be weaker and more likely to crack under pressure.  It can also result in blooming on the surface of the stone.

Drip Groove

A groove on the underside of a coping or cill to prevent water running along the underside of the stone.

English Batts

Uniquely created by Artorius Faber, Batts are small brick shaped units.

English Longboys

Uniquely created by Artorius Faber, Longboys are fixed-size elongated brick-shaped units.

English Pitchers

Uniquely created by Artorius Faber, Pitchers are random size narrow cobbles with a rustic appearance.

English Pitchlings

Uniquely created by Artorius Faber, Pitchlings are ultra-narrow brick-shaped units.

Flexible Bedded

Tiles and slabs are laid on loose grit or sand without any adhesive or mortar.

Free Stone

Stone which can be cut in any direction as it has no natural bed.

Gauged

A grinding and cutting process to make all pieces of stone the same width or thickness.

Haunched

This is where the bedding material is raised up the sides of the tile or slab.

Jamb

A side post of a fireplace, door or window frame.

Ogee

A concave step edge profile.

Pavers

Interior cobble type unit with a flat surface.

Pedestals

These are used for dry installation of paving where flexibility or open space for pipes and drainage is required underneath.

Pencil Round

A small even round applied to a step edge.

Picture Framing

Occurs when the tile surface has been incorrectly sealed prior to joint grouting or fully wash grouting.  The grout seeps into the tile creating a dark border around the edges.

Pre-grout Sealer

Applied to flooring before grouting to avoid staining or marking of tiles.

Random Length

Courses of even widths and random lengths.

Riven

A rough, natural and uneven finish created when stones are skilfully cleft by hand along the natural bed layer.

Setts

Sawn on all sides with a flatter surface than traditional cobbles.

Solid Bedded

Where tiles and slabs are fixed directly to a concrete or screeded substrate.

Stooled

Raised flat sections at either end of a cill or step to support fenestration.

Substrate

Underlying surface which another material is bonded to.

Threshold

Strip of floor between door jambs.

Throated

Refer to Drip Groove.

Travertine

A hardwearing, sedimentary limestone with natural pits and voids.

Tuckers

Sawn on five sides with a flat surface.

Upstand

Placed at the back of a worktop where it meets the wall to cover the gap and create a seamless look.

Verona

A profile with a small bullnose and concave ogee shaping beneath.

Wash Grouting

The correct grouting process of covering the entire tile and joint with grout as opposed to the incorrect practice of just filling the joints.