Flooring and Tile Stores Industry Terminology

AC Rating (Abrasion Class)

A durability scale for laminate flooring wear resistance, typically AC1 to AC5 or AC6 (higher numbers = tougher surfaces). Set by EN 13329, it guides suitability from light residential to heavy commercial use.

- This laminate is AC4, so it will hold up in busy family rooms. - The client wants AC5 for a boutique entryway with rolling racks. - AC3 is fine for bedrooms but not ideal for small retail spaces.

Adhesive (Mastic vs Thinset)

Materials that bond flooring or tile to substrates. Mastic is a premixed organic adhesive for dry or light-moisture wall applications. Thinset is a cementitious mortar (powder mixed with water or additive) used for floors and wet areas. Other adhesives include pressure-sensitive, epoxy, and urethane types.

- Use mastic on a kitchen backsplash, not on a shower floor. - The porcelain over concrete needs a polymer-modified thinset. - For LVT, the spec calls for a pressure-sensitive adhesive with low VOCs.

ANSI Standards (A108, A118, A136.1)

U.S. tile installation and material standards. A108 covers installation practices; A118 covers performance requirements for mortars, grouts, and membranes; A136.1 covers organic adhesives. They ensure products and methods meet minimum performance.

- The spec references ANSI A118.4 mortar for large-format porcelain. - Follow ANSI A108 for setting methods and grout joint tolerances. - The mastic must comply with ANSI A136.1 for wall tile.

Backer Board (Cement/Fiber)

Rigid underlayment panels (cement, fiber-cement, or glass-mat) installed over framing or subfloors to provide a stable, moisture-resistant surface for tile in wet and dry areas.

- We’re using 1/2 inch cement backer board in the shower surround. - Fasten fiber-cement board with alkali-resistant screws and tape the seams. - Do not substitute greenboard where cement board is required.

Bullnose

A trim piece with a rounded, finished edge used to transition exposed tile edges, steps, or borders for a clean, safe finish.

- Order 20 pieces of 3x12 bullnose to finish the tub surround edges. - The client wants a bullnose stair tread for a softer look. - If the line has no bullnose, consider a metal edge profile.

Calibrated Tile

Tiles that are sorted to nominal sizes but not mechanically cut to exact dimensions. They have small size variations and typically require wider grout joints than rectified tiles.

- This line is calibrated, so plan for a larger grout joint. - If you want tight joints, choose the rectified version instead. - Calibrated tiles can vary slightly in size from box to box.

COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)

The direct costs of the products a store sells, including purchase cost, freight-in, and certain handling expenses. It is used to calculate gross margin and pricing.

- With freight added, our COGS is 2.45 per square foot. - To hit a 40 percent margin, price it at 4.08 before labor. - COGS for special orders includes inbound freight and restocking risk.

CTI (Certified Tile Installer)

A credential from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation demonstrating a tile installer’s knowledge and hands-on proficiency per industry standards.

- We’ll assign a CTI installer to your large-format porcelain job. - CTI certification helps reduce callbacks on shower installs. - The bid specifies CTI or equivalent credentials for crew leads.

DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction)

A measurement of slip resistance while in motion. In the U.S., ANSI A326.3 guides testing and recommends a minimum wet DCOF of 0.42 for level interior walking surfaces.

- This tile has a DCOF of 0.42 wet, meeting ANSI A326.3 for interiors. - For a sloped ramp, the architect wants a higher DCOF value. - Use a matte finish tile to improve DCOF in locker rooms.

Drop-and-Lock System

A click-locking mechanism for floating floors (laminate, LVT, SPC/WPC) that allows planks or tiles to be angled and dropped into place without glue or nails.

- The 5G drop-lock makes this SPC easy for DIY installs. - Don’t use a tapping block on this drop-and-lock profile. - We can float over tile because the click system tolerates minor variation.

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. A common measure of operating performance for retailers and multi-store operators.

- We improved EBITDA by 2 points after renegotiating freight. - Labor attach rates lifted EBITDA despite flat comps. - The buyer wants stores with stable EBITDA through cycles.

Expansion Joint

A deliberate gap in tile or flooring assemblies that allows for movement from thermal or moisture changes, preventing tenting, cracking, and debonding.

- Follow TCNA EJ171 for movement joints at perimeters and doorways. - Add soft joints every 20 to 25 feet inside this sunlit lobby. - The crack mirrors thermal movement from a missing expansion joint.

FF&E (Fixtures, Furniture & Equipment)

Items used to equip a store or commercial space that are not part of the building structure, such as displays, counters, and specialty racks.

- The GC’s bid excludes FF&E, including display racks and checkout counters. - Budget for FF&E when planning the new showroom layout. - Vendor credits helped offset FF&E costs for the tile boards.

Floating Floor

An installation method in which planks or tiles interlock or lay in place without being glued or nailed to the subfloor, relying on weight, friction, and perimeter gaps.

- Maintain a 1/4 inch expansion gap around the room for this floating LVP. - Don’t pin the floating laminate under kitchen islands. - An acoustic underlayment will quiet the floating SPC in apartments.

Grout (Sanded, Unsanded, Epoxy)

The filler material placed between tiles. Sanded and unsanded cementitious grouts are common; epoxy and premixed grouts offer higher stain and chemical resistance.

- Use sanded grout for 1/8 inch joints and larger. - Epoxy grout is ideal for a commercial kitchen backsplash. - Color-consistent grout reduces post-install touchups.

Grout Haze

A thin, dull film left on tile surfaces after grouting if not cleaned properly. Removed with designated haze removers or mild acids depending on tile type.

- Use a grout haze remover after the initial cure window. - Microfiber pads help lift haze without scratching polished porcelain. - Avoid acidic cleaners on cement tiles when removing haze.

Hardness (Mohs Scale)

A scratch resistance scale from 1 to 10 used to gauge mineral hardness. Guides expectations for wear and maintenance of stone and some ceramic surfaces.

- Porcelain ranks around 7 to 8 on the Mohs scale. - Softer stones like marble at Mohs 3 need gentler cleaners. - Choose a higher Mohs surface for a commercial entry.

Herringbone Pattern

A classic zig-zag layout made by placing rectangular tiles or planks at right angles. Popular for both wood-look tile and hardwood/LVP installations.

- Herringbone requires more waste; add at least 10 to 15 percent. - The designer wants a 3x12 porcelain in a 45-degree herringbone. - Ensure the subfloor is flat to minimize lippage in herringbone.

Impervious Tile (Water Absorption)

Tiles with water absorption below 0.5 percent (per ASTM C373). Impervious tiles, such as porcelain, perform better in wet or freeze-thaw conditions.

- Porcelain is impervious with absorption under 0.5 percent. - Avoid non-impervious tile in constant-immersion areas. - The ANSI spec calls for impervious tile in the locker room showers.

Inventory Turnover

A retail metric showing how many times inventory sells through in a period, typically calculated as COGS divided by average inventory. Higher turns mean better cash efficiency.

- We improved inventory turns from 3.8 to 5.1 by reducing slow-movers. - Higher turns on LVP freed cash for premium marble slabs. - Use planograms to lift turns on trim and setting materials.

Janka Hardness

A measure of wood hardness indicating resistance to denting and wear. Helps compare durability among hardwood species and set customer expectations.

- Red oak is 1290 Janka; hickory is harder at 1820. - The client with big dogs should consider a higher Janka or a rigid core vinyl. - Site-finished floors may show dents more on lower Janka species.

Keystone Pricing

A retail pricing method that doubles the cost to set selling price, implying roughly a 50 percent gross margin before other expenses.

- On accessories we use keystone pricing to target a 50 percent margin. - Keystone is less common on commodity tile where MAP applies. - Do not keystone installation labor; price it by market rate.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

Quantifiable metrics used to assess store and sales performance, such as gross margin, average ticket, conversion rate, labor attach rate, and inventory turns.

- Track gross margin, close rate, and average ticket as core KPIs. - Our installer attach rate KPI improved after spiff changes. - Inventory turns and special-order cycle time are key KPIs.

Laminate Flooring

A multi-layer floor with a high-density fiberboard core and a melamine wear surface. Known for realistic visuals, AC wear ratings, and click-together installation.

- This water-resistant laminate carries an AC4 rating and click system. - Laminate needs an underlayment for sound control in condos. - Avoid wet-mopping traditional laminate due to HDF core swell risk.

LVT/LVP (Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank)

Resilient vinyl flooring in tile or plank formats. Installation options include glue-down, loose lay, and click. Wear layer thickness, core type (SPC or WPC), and embossing drive performance.

- The property spec calls for 20 mil wear layer LVP in all units. - Use glue-down LVT for rolling loads; SPC click for DIY projects. - Confirm the floor is flat within tolerance before floating SPC.

MAP (Minimum Advertised Price)

A supplier policy setting the lowest price a retailer may publicly advertise. Helps protect brand value and dealer margins; differs from actual selling price.

- We cannot advertise below 3.49 per square foot due to MAP. - MAP holidays let us promote the brand during Memorial Day. - Violating MAP can jeopardize co-op funds and supplier status.

MVER (Moisture Vapor Emission Rate)

The rate of moisture emissions from a concrete slab, often measured by ASTM F1869 (calcium chloride), expressed in lbs per 1000 sq ft per 24 hours. Used to determine adhesive or mitigation needs.

- The slab tested at 6 lbs, within the adhesive’s MVER limit. - If MVER is high, add a moisture mitigation system first. - Consider in-situ RH alongside MVER for a full picture.

Natural Stone

Materials like marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and slate. Each has unique porosity, durability, and maintenance requirements; often needs sealing and careful cleaner selection.

- Seal the honed marble before grouting. - Expect shade variation and veining in this limestone. - Use a stone-specific cleaner to avoid etching on travertine.

Non-Stock (Special Order)

Products not regularly carried in store inventory. They are ordered on demand and typically have longer lead times, deposit requirements, and stricter return policies.

- This decorative mosaic is a non-stock item with a 3-week lead time. - Special orders may require a deposit and have restocking fees. - Verify dye lot and caliber before placing the special order.

Open Time (Adhesive/Mortar)

The window after application during which adhesives or mortars remain tacky or workable and will properly bond. Related terms include pot life and set time.

- Set tiles within the mortar’s open time to ensure bond. - Skinning indicates the thinset is past open time. - High heat can shorten open time; mix smaller batches.

Overage/Waste Factor

The extra material ordered to account for cuts, breakage, and layout patterns. Typically 5 to 15 percent depending on tile size, pattern, and room geometry.

- Add 10 percent waste for straight lay; 15 percent for herringbone. - Include extra for cuts around cabinets and doorways. - For rectified large-format tile, plan a bit more waste on out-of-square rooms.

PEI Wear Rating

An abrasion resistance classification for glazed ceramic and porcelain surfaces, generally I through V (higher is more wear resistant). Guides appropriate use by traffic level.

- This glazed porcelain is PEI IV, suitable for busy retail floors. - PEI II is best for bathroom walls, not heavy traffic areas. - Unglazed tiles do not use PEI; look at DCOF and body hardness instead.

Point-of-Sale (POS)

Hardware and software used to process transactions, manage pricing, track inventory, and produce sales and margin reports in retail operations.

- The POS automatically applies tiered pricing for contractors. - We track SKU-level margins through the POS reports. - POS integration speeds purchase orders for special orders.

Porcelain Tile

A dense, impervious ceramic tile with water absorption below 0.5 percent. Available as glazed or through-body; prized for durability, low maintenance, and design versatility.

- Porcelain’s low absorption makes it ideal for showers and patios. - Choose a rectified porcelain if you want tighter grout joints. - Through-body porcelain hides chips better than glazed options.

Quarry Tile

Extruded, unglazed tile made from natural clay, typically very durable with good slip resistance. Frequently used in back-of-house commercial areas.

- Quarry tile is common in commercial kitchens for its durability. - Use an appropriate slip-resistant finish in wet prep areas. - Specify epoxy grout with quarry tile in heavy-use restaurants.

Rectified Tile

Tiles mechanically cut to exact dimensions with crisp edges, enabling narrower grout joints and precise alignment. Requires a very flat substrate to limit lippage.

- Rectified edges allow 1/16 inch joints if the floor is very flat. - We recommend leveling clips to control lippage on rectified 24x48s. - Mixed production lots can vary; verify caliber with rectified tile.

RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)

A formal approval process required by suppliers or distributors before goods can be returned for credit or replacement.

- Obtain an RMA before returning overage to the distributor. - Special orders often are not eligible for RMA. - Photos of the defect are required to issue the RMA.

Shade Variation (V1–V4)

A manufacturer’s scale indicating color and pattern variation between tiles in a series: V1 uniform to V4 substantial variation. Helps set customer expectations.

- This wood-look porcelain is V3, so expect noticeable color shifts. - The client wants V1 for a uniform hotel corridor. - Blend multiple boxes to distribute shade variation evenly.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A unique identifier for each product or variation in inventory systems, used for tracking stock levels, pricing, and sales performance.

- The POS shows low stock on SKU 102934 bullnose. - Each trim piece needs a unique SKU for accurate margins. - Create a new SKU for the updated carton size.

Subfloor

The structural layer beneath underlayment and finish flooring. Its material, flatness, and deflection characteristics directly impact installation quality and longevity.

- Check for flatness; tile needs tighter tolerances than LVP. - Wood subfloors must meet L over 360 for tile and L over 720 for stone. - Use a self-leveling underlayment to correct dips in the subfloor.

Takeoff (Quantity Survey)

The process of measuring plans or site dimensions to calculate material, trim, and accessory quantities, including allowances for waste and layout.

- The takeoff shows 1,250 square feet plus 10 percent waste. - Include nosings, transitions, and base tile in the takeoff. - Digital takeoffs reduced errors on our commercial bids.

TCNA (Tile Council of North America)

Industry body that publishes the TCNA Handbook with approved tile installation methods and guidelines used by architects, specifiers, and installers.

- Follow the TCNA Handbook methods for shower pans. - TCNA details EJ171 for movement joints. - The architect referenced TCNA F122 for installing over wood.

Thinset Mortar (Modified vs Unmodified)

Cement-based mortar used to bond tile. Modified thinsets contain polymers for improved adhesion and flexibility; unmodified rely on cement hydration alone. Performance is governed by ANSI A118 classifications.

- Use ANSI A118.4 modified thinset for porcelain over concrete. - A118.11 is required when bonding to exterior-grade plywood. - Unmodified thinset is specified over some membranes; check the manufacturer.

Underlayment

A layer installed over the subfloor to provide a suitable surface for flooring. For tile, often cement board or self-leveling compounds; for floating floors, foam, cork, or rubber for sound and minor imperfections.

- Add a cork underlayment to meet the condo’s IIC sound rating. - Use cement backer as underlayment under floor tile on wood. - A 1.5 mm foam underlayment smooths minor subfloor texture for laminate.

Uncoupling Membrane

A sheet membrane that separates tile from the substrate to reduce the transfer of movement and stress, helping prevent cracks and debonding. Some also provide waterproofing or vapor management.

- Install an uncoupling membrane over the cracked slab before tiling. - The membrane also helps with vapor pressure under porcelain. - Follow the membrane’s trowel size and cure schedule.

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Emitted organic chemicals that can affect indoor air quality. Flooring stores monitor VOC content and emissions in adhesives, finishes, and sealers to meet regulations and certifications.

- Choose a low-VOC adhesive to meet the school’s air quality spec. - Greenguard Gold certification limits VOC emissions. - Ventilate the space after using solvent-based sealers with higher VOCs.

Vitrified (Through-Body Porcelain)

Porcelain with a highly dense, low-porosity body where color and pattern can run through the tile. Offers excellent durability and low water absorption.

- Chips are less visible on vitrified porcelain because the color goes through. - Vitrified body tiles perform well in high-traffic retail spaces. - The spec calls for vitrified tile for the loading dock vestibule.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

Waterproof materials prevent water from passing through under normal conditions; water-resistant materials resist water for a limited time or to a limited extent. Installation details often determine real-world performance.

- SPC core LVP is waterproof, but flooding can still damage the subfloor. - Laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof; wipe spills quickly. - Use a waterproofing membrane in showers before tiling.

Wear Layer (mil)

The transparent top layer on LVT/LVP that protects the design film. Measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), with thicker layers offering more abrasion resistance.

- Go with a 20 mil wear layer for the dentist’s office. - The 6 mil product is fine for guest rooms with light traffic. - Thicker wear layers often allow more aggressive maintenance cycles.

Z-Bar (Carpet Transition)

A metal transition profile used primarily to secure and tuck carpet where it meets a hard surface like tile, creating a neat, protected edge.

- Use a Z-bar to tuck the carpet cleanly against the tile edge. - The remodel needs two Z-bars at the hallway transitions. - If clearance is tight, consider a low-profile metal transition instead.