Tiling & Waterproofing Glossary
Clear, plain-English definitions of the tiling and waterproofing terms you are most likely to encounter during a renovation or build.
What do common tiling and waterproofing terms mean?
Waterproofing
The process of making a wet area resistant to water penetration before tiling, protecting the building structure behind the tiles.
Waterproofing →Membrane
A waterproof layer applied to walls and floors in wet areas. It is the barrier that actually stops water reaching the substrate.
Membrane systems →Liquid Membrane
A paint-on or trowel-on waterproofing applied in coats that cure to form a seamless waterproof layer. Well suited to complex shapes and detailing.
Membrane systems →Sheet Membrane
A pre-formed waterproof sheet bonded to the substrate. It offers consistent thickness and is often used where speed and reliability are priorities.
Membrane systems →Wedi System
A modern bathroom construction system built around waterproof foam-core boards and prefabricated components such as shower bases and niches.
Wedi systems →CodeMark
A voluntary New Zealand and Australian product certification scheme that provides a recognised way to show a product meets specified Building Code requirements.
Schedule 1 Exemption
A category in the Building Act describing certain building work that may be carried out without a building consent. Whether it applies depends on the specific project.
Compliance overview →Substrate
The surface that tiles or waterproofing are applied to, such as a concrete floor, sheet board or screed.
Screed
A layer of mortar applied to create a smooth, level or correctly sloped surface ready for tiling or waterproofing.
Falls
The deliberate slope built into a wet-area floor so water drains towards the waste outlet rather than pooling.
Flood Test
A check where a waterproofed area is temporarily filled or covered with water to confirm the membrane holds before tiling begins.
Epoxy Grout
A durable, water-resistant and stain-resistant grout made from epoxy resins. Ideal for wet areas, pools and high-traffic surfaces.
Epoxy grout →Cement Grout
A traditional cement-based grout. Cost-effective and widely used, but more porous than epoxy and may require sealing.
Tile Trim
A finishing edge or profile used to protect and neaten tile edges, corners and transitions for a clean result.
Movement Joint
A flexible joint that allows tiles and substrates to expand and contract, reducing the risk of cracking and tile failure.
Expansion Joint
A gap designed into a tiled surface or structure to absorb movement from temperature change and structural shifts.
Rectified Tile
A tile with precisely cut, squared edges that allows for very thin, consistent grout lines and a sharp modern finish.
Large Format Tile
A tile with at least one edge longer than 600mm. Popular for a seamless modern look but requires a very flat, stable substrate.
Compare tile sizes →Mosaic Tile
Small tiles mounted on sheets, often used for shower floors, feature walls and curved surfaces such as pools.
Porcelain Tile
A dense, low-porosity tile that is hard-wearing and water-resistant, suitable for floors, wet areas and high-traffic spaces.
Porcelain vs ceramic →Ceramic Tile
A versatile, cost-effective tile that is generally softer and more porous than porcelain, commonly used on walls.
Porcelain vs ceramic →Natural Stone Tile
Tiles cut from natural stone such as marble, travertine or slate. Beautiful but porous, requiring sealing and careful maintenance.
Efflorescence
A white, powdery mineral deposit that can appear on tiled surfaces and grout when moisture moves through the material.
Problems & causes →Drummy Tile
A tile that sounds hollow when tapped, indicating poor adhesion to the substrate and a risk of cracking or lifting.
Problems & causes →Silicone Joint
A flexible silicone seal used in internal corners and around fittings where rigid grout would crack as the surfaces move.
Shower Niche
A recessed, waterproofed storage shelf built into a shower wall for shampoo and toiletries.
Bathroom renovations →Under-Tile Heating
An electric or hydronic heating system installed beneath floor tiles to warm the surface for comfort in bathrooms and living areas.
Related Guides
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