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Types of Tile

• Modular Tile: Designed in standardized sizes for easy installation and pattern creation, facilitating efficient design processes.

• Glazed Tile: Features a glass-like surface finish that resists stains and moisture, making it ideal for various applications.

• Ceramic Tile: Made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures; less dense and more porous than porcelain, suitable for interior dry areas.

• Porcelain Tile: Denser and fired at higher temperatures, making it more durable and less porous; preferred for high-traffic or wet areas.

• Rectified Tile: Cut to size after firing, allowing for minimal grout joints (1/16"), creating a seamless look but at a higher cost.

• Mosaic Tile: Small tiles (≤3") that are often mesh-mounted, ideal for intricate designs and flexibility around drains.

Tile Finishes and Characteristics

• Slip Resistance: Evaluated using the DCOF rating, crucial for safety in wet areas; Memorial Hermann requires a minimum DCOF of 0.5.

• Unglazed Tile: Lacks surface glazing, providing better slip resistance; often used in commercial settings.

• Matte Finish: Offers a natural appearance with a non-reflective surface, suitable for various design aesthetics.

• Polished Finish: Achieved through mechanical processes, resulting in a shiny surface that mimics natural stone.

• Honed Finish: A matte surface with texture, providing a smooth feel without shine, reducing slipperiness.

• Waterjet Cut Tile: Allows for intricate designs and shapes that cannot be achieved with standard cutting methods.

Tile Specifications and Standards

• DCOF Dynamic Coefficient of Friction): A standard test for measuring slip resistance; ANSI A326.3 was updated in 2022 to provide guidelines.

• TCNA (Tile Council of North America): Governing body for tile standards and installation practices in the U.S.

• Quarry Tile: Thick tiles (½") typically used in commercial applications, known for their durability and slip resistance.

• Slip Resistance Area Codes: Include ID (Interior Dry), IW (Interior Wet), and others to categorize tile applications based on moisture exposure.

• Color-Body Tile: Features a surface color similar to the body clay, with only the top layer glazed, providing aesthetic appeal.

• Tile Trim Options: Various profiles such as bullnose and cove base are available to finish tile installations neatly.

Specifications & Furniture

Specification Types

• CSI MasterFormat: A standard for organizing specifications in construction documents, crucial for clarity and consistency.

• Proprietary Specification: Specifies a particular product or manufacturer, ensuring quality and compatibility.

• Descriptive Specification: Describes the characteristics of a product without naming a specific brand, allowing for flexibility.

• Performance Specification: Focuses on the required outcomes rather than the specific methods or products used.

• Reference Standard Specification: Utilizes established standards to ensure product quality and compliance with industry norms.

• Unique Furniture Code: An alphanumeric identifier that captures all custom options for furniture, preventing errors in ordering.

Furniture Types and Codes

• U-Shape Desk: Comprises a main desk, bridge, and credenza, providing ample workspace and storage.

• L-Shape Desk: Features one return forming an L shape, suitable for smaller office spaces.

• Unique Furniture Code Usage: Essential for ordering specific variations in furniture, including upholstery and size.

• Expanded Unique Furniture Code: Captures detailed customizations, such as series, base style, arm style, finish, and fabric grade.

• Furniture Specification Importance: Ensures that the correct product is ordered, minimizing costly errors in procurement.

• Furniture Design Considerations: Includes functionality, aesthetics, and compatibility with existing office layouts.

Acoustics & Ceiling Systems

Acoustic Principles

• STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how well walls, ceilings, or floors block airborne sound, crucial for privacy in spaces.

• NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Rates how well a surface absorbs sound; ranges from 0 to 1.00, with higher values indicating better absorption.

• Reverberation: The persistence of sound after the source stops, influenced by room acoustics and surface materials.

• Sound Masking: A system that introduces low-level background noise to reduce distractions in work environments.

• Decibels (dB): A unit of measurement for loudness; OSHA mandates hearing protection at levels of 85 dB or higher.

• Poor Sound Transmission: Results in reduced speech privacy, making it essential to consider acoustics in design.

Ceiling Systems and Components

• Ceiling Grid System: Framework that supports ceiling tiles, typically available in 15/16" or 9/16" widths, crucial for
  installation.

• Main Beam and Cross Tees: Main beams carry the grid's weight, while cross tees support tiles and connect to the main beams.

• Mineral Fiber Tiles: Commonly used ceiling tiles that offer good sound absorption and blocking capabilities.

• Fiberglass Ceiling Tiles: Lightweight and excellent for sound absorption but less effective for sound blocking.

• Common Tile Sizes: Include 2x2, 2x4, and 30"x30"; 2x2 and 2x4 are the most frequently used sizes in commercial applications.

• Ceiling Specification Factors: Consider edge type, size, NRC/CAC ratings, visual design, and cost when selecting ceiling tiles.