Carrelage

Porcelain is denser and absorbs very little water (0.5% or less), so it’s harder-wearing and suits floors and wet areas. Ceramic is softer and easier to cut, which makes it a good choice for most walls.

A rectified tile has had its edges ground after firing so every tile is the same size with square edges. That allows very narrow grout joints.

It isn’t compulsory, but large-format tiles are more prone to lippage, where one edge sits proud of the next. Levelling clips and wedges help hold the edges flush while the adhesive sets, on top of a flat substrate and full adhesive coverage.