For indoor floors, most vitrified tiles from Morbi are typically around 8 to 10 mm thick. Larger sizes, double-charge and heavy-duty tiles are usually thicker, and outdoor pavers are often 20 mm.
There is no single right thickness. What matters is that the tile is strong enough for its size and use, and that the factory makes it to the thickness it promised. Each factory sets its own figure for each size, so always read the data sheet.
What the standards say
ISO 13006 and EN 14411 do not set one thickness for all tiles. The manufacturer states a work thickness, and each tile must stay within a tolerance of that figure. Thickness is measured to ISO 10545-2.
Thickness also links to strength. For porcelain tiles in group BIa, the standard requires a breaking strength of at least 1,300 N for tiles 7.5 mm thick or more, and at least 700 N for thinner tiles. The detail is in what breaking strength means.
Typical ranges by type
These are rough guides only. Ask each factory for its exact figure per size.
- 600x600 GVT and PGVT: commonly around 8 to 9 mm.
- 600x1200 and 800x800: commonly around 9 to 10 mm.
- Double-charge tiles: often a little thicker than GVT of the same size.
- Large slabs such as 800x1600 and up: ranges from about 6 mm for wall use to 15 mm or more for floors and counters.
- Parking and heavy-duty tiles: thicker bodies, often well above 10 mm.
- Outdoor porcelain pavers: commonly 20 mm, for laying on gravel or pedestals.
Choosing thickness for your use
- Homes and light commercial floors: standard thickness is fine on a flat, well-bonded screed.
- Shops, offices and public areas: a standard tile works if it is fully bedded. Ask for higher breaking strength figures.
- Areas with trolleys, pallet trucks or vehicles: choose heavy-duty or parking tiles with a thicker body.
- Raised outdoor floors on pedestals: use 20 mm pavers made and tested for that system.
Installation matters as much as thickness. A thick tile laid on dabs of adhesive with hollow spots below can still crack. A standard tile with full adhesive coverage on a sound base performs well.
Thickness and freight
Thicker tiles weigh more per square metre. Tile containers are limited by weight, not space, so every extra millimetre reduces the square metres you can ship. Ask for the factory's packing list and loading plan, which state box weight and boxes per container. See square metres of tiles in a 20 ft container.
How to check it
Measure several sample tiles with a calliper at the points ISO 10545-2 describes, not just one corner. Compare the result with the data sheet. Some lower-grade suppliers save material by pressing thinner tiles than they quote, so measure production tiles at loading as well.
Put the work thickness and tolerance in your purchase order. That turns a vague promise into something you can check and enforce.
Next step
The right thickness balances strength, freight and the floors your customers lay. We check thickness on samples and on production before loading. Book a free sourcing review to set your specification.