The price of a clay roof tile from Morbi is set mostly by fuel, clay, the type of kiln, the finish and the packing. Testing, fittings and order size add to it. We do not publish prices, because they move with fuel and differ by factory, but these are the levers.
Knowing them helps you compare quotes fairly. Two offers for "Mangalore tiles" can describe very different products.
Fuel and firing
Firing is one of the biggest costs in any ceramic product. Clay roof tiles are fired at lower temperatures than vitrified floor tiles, but they are heavy, so a kiln uses a lot of fuel per tonne of tiles.
Morbi kilns mainly run on natural gas or propane. When fuel prices rise, quotes rise and validity periods shorten. In September 2026 the industrial gas price for Morbi tile makers was raised again. The background is in how gas prices affect Morbi tile costs.
A tile fired hotter and longer is usually stronger and more frost-resistant. It also costs more. A suspiciously low quote can mean an underfired tile.
Product factors
- Clay body: a cleaner, better-prepared clay costs more but gives fewer cracks and more even colour.
- Size and weight: heavier tiles use more clay and fuel per piece and fill a container with fewer pieces.
- Finish: natural red is the base. Engobed, glazed or coloured tiles need extra materials and often a second process.
- Fittings: ridge tiles, hips and end pieces are made in smaller runs and usually cost more per piece than the main tile.
- Grade: tighter sorting for colour and warpage rejects more tiles, and you pay for that.
Testing and compliance
If you need tests to EN 1304, frost tests to EN 539-2 or a Declaration of Performance, someone pays for the lab work. A maker that has already tested its product spreads that cost over all buyers. A maker that has never tested will charge for it or ask you to pay directly.
Do not see this as a reason to skip testing. A failed roof costs far more than a lab report. See what water absorption and strength roofing tiles should have.
Packing, loading and terms
- Pallets, separators and stretch wrap cost more than loose loading but cut breakage and unloading time.
- ISPM 15 treated pallets add a small cost and are required by most markets.
- Order size matters: a full container of one design is cheaper per piece than a mixed load with many fittings.
- Incoterms move costs between you and the seller; compare quotes on the same basis, as explained in FOB, CIF or DAP.
- Payment terms and quote validity also affect the number. A long validity in a volatile fuel market is worth something.
Comparing quotes fairly
Put every quote in the same table: tile size, weight, pieces per square metre, finish, test reports, packing, pieces per container and Incoterm. Only then compare the price. The method is the same as for floor tiles, covered in how to compare quotes from Morbi factories.
Next step
Real quotes come from real factories against a clear specification. We collect comparable quotes, audit the plants and test the samples. To get started, book a free sourcing review.