When it comes to choosing the perfect tiles for your space, it's important to consider several variables, from exclusive aesthetics to practicality. One such variable is undoubtedly thickness. In this short article, we'll explore the options available for ceramic granite tile thickness and how to choose the thickness that meets your needs. In particular, we'll look at thinner options, evaluating the potential and reliability of the ultra-thin, oversized tiles that revolutionized the ceramic market nearly twenty years ago.
Thickness is a crucial factor in determining how durable ceramic tiles are. As a general rule, thicker tiles are recommended for floors than wall coverings, as they better withstand the weight of furniture, impact and long-term movement. Nevertheless, thanks to the continuous improvement of production technology, this is primarily true for public spaces, which must adhere to specific national and international standards, more than private ones.
In the case of underfloor heating, the thickness of the tile (a material with excellent thermal conductivity) can affect the heat transfer in the room, given that thicker tiles conduct heat less than thin ones. This is a very good reason to consider using ultra-thin wood-like porcelain stoneware instead of real hardwood, which is an excellent insulator.
Thickness of slabs: available options
Keramogranite tiles are known for their durability. This, along with its outstanding practicality and affordable aesthetic options, is what makes it the preferred choice for flooring in high-traffic public spaces such as shopping malls, train stations, airports and hospitals.
The durability of ceramogranite - an aspect that will be the focus of a future article - depends primarily on its physical and chemical characteristics, which have been perfected by a manufacturing process perfected over the last forty years by a group of Italian companies.
Depending on the purpose and the aesthetic requirements of the project, we can divide the tiles into three main groups.
1. Ultra-thin ceramic granite tile: 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm thick
Such minimal thickness is associated with ultra-thin, large-sized tiles, a product of a manufacturing process that combines the properties of ceramogranite with reduced weight, ease of processing and versatility. These tiles are produced without the use of molds and reach truly massive sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of non-traditional applications.
2. Standard ceramic granite tile: 10 mm thickness
The thickness of the floor slab is usually about 10 mm. These tiles come in many formats and are used for flooring and cladding (including facades) in many residential and public contexts, including those where foot traffic occurs. They provide a good balance of durability, versatility, ease of installation and affordability.
3. Extra thick tiles: from 12mm to 20mm thick
These are the most durable tiles designed for outdoor flooring, industrial areas and areas with high traffic. They can be installed dry, on sand, grass, gravel or self-leveling floors. When installed with adhesive on a cement layer, they are suitable for outdoor areas where vehicles are maneuvered. In general, they have a surface finish with a high degree of slip resistance.
