A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O.P.Q.R.S.T.U.V.W-Z

ABRASION RESISTANCE CLASSIFICATION: ASTM C-1027 describes the standard test method for determining visible abrasion resistance of glazed ceramic tile. Class 0 - Generally not recommended for use on floors; Class I - Light Traffic, for residential bathroom floors; Class II - Medium - Light Traffic, residential interiors with the exception of kitchens, stairs, landings and areas near external entries; Class III - Medium-Heavy Traffic, All residential applications. Commercial applications which are similar in traffic to residential applications. Specifically excepted are areas of prevalent circulation or turning points; Class IV - Heavy Traffic, all residential and most commercial applications such as the public areas of exhibition halls, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shops and schools; Class IV - Extra Heavy Traffic,
all residential and most commercial applications similar to class IV where extra durability may be required.
ABSORPTION: The relationship of the weight of water absorbed to the weight of the dry specimen, expressed in percentages.
ACCELERATORS: Materials used to speed up the setting of mortar.
ACCESSORIES: Ceramic or non-ceramic fixtures such as towel bars, paper and soap holders, grab bars and the like.
ACID: A chemical substance usually corrosive to common metals (iron, aluminum, zinc). Acids are generally divided into two classes:
a. strong mineral or inorganic acids such as sulfanic, sulfuric, phosphoric, hydrochloric or nitric.
b. weak organic or natural acids such as acetic (vinegar), citric (citric fruit juices), oxalic and fatty acids (oleic, palmitie, stearic, etc.).
Acid Etching --Process of applying a solution of hydrochloric or muriatic acid and water to the exposed surface of Cast Stone in order to remove the cement film from the aggregates, achieving a fine-grained finish which simulates natural cut stone.
ACOUSTICAL SEALANT: A sealant with acoustical properties used to seal the joints in the construction of sound rated ceramic tile installations.
ACRYLIC: (CARPET)-A generic term including acrylic and modified acrylic (modaerylic) fibers. Acrylic is a polymer composed of at least 85 percent by weight of acrylonitrile. Modacrylic is a polymer composed of less than 85 percent but at- least 35 percent by weight of acrylonitrile.
               (CERAMIC)-A general class of resinous polymers used as additives for thin-set mortar and grout. See Portland Cement Mortar or Grout.
                (WOOD)- The generic name for wood-plastic-composites utilizing wood
impregnated with acrylic monomers and polymerized within the wood cells by gamma irradiation. Some versions are cured by heat radiation. (in the case of acrylic/wood parquet, a semi-built-in finish is developed.)
ADHESIVE: See organic Adhesive.
ADMIXTURE: A material other than water, aggregates, or hydraulic cement, used as an ingredient of grout or mortar and which is added immediately before or during its mixing.
Agates: include Blue Lace Agate, Moss Agate and Tree Agate; see individual listings.
: A man made stone product generally consisting of either crushed natural marble, natural granite or quartz chips with a matrix of resins and mineral pigments. The product is available in assorted tile sizes as well as large slabs.
AGGREGATE: Granular material such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone, used with a cementing medium to form a hydraulic-cement or mortar.
AGGREGATE, LIGHTWEIGHT: Aggregate of low specific gravity, such as expanded or sintered clay, shale, slate, diatomaceous shale, perlite, vermiculite or slag; natural pumice, scoria, volcanic cinders, tuff and diatomite; sinter fly ash or industrial cinders; used to produce lightweight concrete.
AIR-DRIED-Dried by exposure to air in a yard or shed without artificial heat.
Amethyst - transparent purple stone, sometimes with inclusions. Hues range from lavender to deep regal purple.
Amethyst Quartz - see Cape Amethyst.
ANNUAL GROWTH RING- The layer of wood growth, including spring and summerwood formed on a tree during a single growing season.
ANSI: American National Standard Institute.
Antefix - an ornament along the edge of a roof, often shaped like a shell or shield
ANTI-STATIC -- Ability of a fabric to disperse electrostatic charges to prevent the buildup of static electricity.
APA: American Plywood Association.
APRON: Trim or facing on the side or in front of a countertop, table edge or windowsill.
Anchor --Metal device used for securing units to a rigid structure.
Architrave --The bottom portion of an entablature bearing on the column capitals and supporting frieze.
Arris --Angle, corner, or edge of a unit.
Ashlar --Flat units square or rectangle in size, bonded and laid in mortar.
: American Society for Testing and Materials.
ATTACHED CUSHION -- A cushion material permanently adhered to the back of a carpet or rug during the manufacturing process.
Aventurine - green or blue semi-translucent to mostly opaque stone with mica flecks that cause a slight metallic iridescence.
AXMINSTER -- One of the basic weaves used in making carpet. The pile tufts in this weave are individually inserted and woven into the back in a manner similar to the hand knotting of Oriental rugs, making possible almost unlimited combinations of colors and patterns.