Thick Tiles vs Thin Tiles: Which Tile Thickness is Right?
06 December 2024
Tiling projects, whether one goes for a new home, renovation, or even doing a commercial space, they all require the right tile thickness. Tiles vary in their measurements and knowing the difference between thick and thin tiles will assure you of making an informed decision that addresses aesthetic preferences as well as practical requirements. The thickness of the tile plays an important role in how durable it is, the process involved when installing it, and the general appearance that your floors and walls should have. In this blog, we will discuss choices for thin tiles and thick ones and which thickness is advisable for what application.
Tile Thickness Options: Thin Tiles vs. Thick Tiles
Tiles are offered in various thickness ranges, and although the specific measurements will vary with manufacturer and style, some standard options are widely available for most types of tile, including ceramic, porcelain, and even natural stone tiles.
Thin Tiles
Thin tiles come from those whose thickness is less than 8 mm, and some are as thin as 3 mm. In these thin tiles, the less bulkful and sleek, modern look motivates the use of such tiles in various areas. Below are some common thicknesses for thin tiles.
• 3 mm to 6 mm : Also known as ultra-thin tiles or thin porcelain tiles, lightweight, and easy to handle while being possible to provide applications in which weight is an issue, such as walls and floors.
• 6 mm to 8 mm: Another very popular range for thin tiles, used typically for wall claddings, such as in kitchens or bathrooms, where you want to gain a slim look without the effect of massive impact.
Thick Tiles
Most tile measurements go between 8 mm and 20 mm or thicker. These are often more dense, heavier, and provide the sense of presence when applied to a room. Some of the options available for thick tiles include:
• 8 mm to 10 mm: Tiles in this range have good strength along with durability and are easy to install. They are often used for floor-laying purposes since they have enough strength but can still be managed.
• 10mm to 15 mm: These tiles are generally used for high-traffic areas, or places that will add durability; these could be applied in living rooms and hallways, even outdoor areas. They are thicker in construction; this will give more resistance against wear and tear.
• 15 mm to 20 mm: that is, some of the thickest tiles there are. They are used when service is expected to be heavy. They have a preference for high-traffic commercial spaces, outdoor patios, or areas exposed to high impact and heavy loads such as garage floors.
Thin Tiles: Advantages and Applications
Thin tiles are increasingly being used because of their sleek looks and versatility. Despite being thin, they can still be incredibly durable and effective in some situations.
.webp)
Advantages of Thin Tiles
• Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Thin tiles have a lightweight, so it is easier to transport, carry, and install them compared to the thick ones. Lightness contributes to faster and smoother installation in large areas.
• Modern Look: Super skinny tiles are usually very modern with a minimalist look. Their profile is extremely slim for those wishing to have a clean and classy look in residential and commercial locales.
• Used in Walls: Thin tiles are highly used on walls because of their not-so-intrusive nature of design. Most commonly, they are used in features like the backsplash, the use of shower walls, and feature wall.
• The Versatility in Use: Thin tiles are increasingly used for their versatility. They could be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, even countertops, without the chunkiness that thicker tiles sometimes add.
Where Thin Tiles Are Suitable
• Walls and Backsplashes: Thin tiles, particularly those in the 3 mm to 6 mm size, also dominate wall use and especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. Their slimmer profile is perfect for a modern, urbane look.
• Decorative use: Thin tiles are also ideal when utilized in the decorative modes of producing mosaic patterns or accent walls. The thinness allows diverse intricately designed diversified details without overpowering the space.
• Light-Duty Floors: Thin tiles in the 6mm to 8mm range can work great in situations that are not heavily trafficked. They also perform well for floors, say in a room with only light usage need, like in a bedroom or office area, or even guest rooms.
Thick Tiles: Advantages and Applications
The thicker tiles are said to be very robust in terms of durability, possessing great strength. They are rather heavy and difficult to install but will work very well in places that have high traffic or require reinforcement.
Advantages of thick tiles
• Durability and Strength: Thicker tiles, those in 10 mm to 15 mm, are generally durable with less chance of chipping and cracking. These need to be in places with lots of movement or impact.
• Better for High Traffic Areas: They are meant for heavy traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, which have other commercial application. Due to their sturdiness, they will last longer and endure more wear and tear.
• Better insulation: Due to their thickness, they can offer more insulation than the thinner ones, hence perfect for floors in colder places where they will retain heat than the thinner kind.
• Resistant to Moisture: Thick tiles can provide a stronger resistance to water and moisture, making them suitable for wet areas like bathrooms, pool decks, or even exterior flooring.
Where Thick Tiles Are Suitable
• High Traffic: Heavy tiles are very effective for a busy section, such as a kitchen, sitting room, or hallways, as they can withstand consistent shoe-wearing pressure. The extra thickness prevents damage resulting from heavy loads or moving.
• Outdoor Places: Thicker 10 mm to 20 mm tiles have widespread application in outdoor paving of patios, driveways, and walkways. Their strength and the rigidity can stand the elements of nature-such as moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations.
• Heavy-Duty Flooring: where heavy furniture or equipment are placed upon floors, because of its thickness, solid tiles possess the strength required, hence they do not crack down or warp. They are also found within restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls.
• Garage and Industrial flooring: Heavy floors like tiles can be used in garages or warehouses because it can handle heavy machinery and automobiles, plus other high-impact activities.
Conclusion: Which Tile Thickness is Right for You?
Choosing the right thickness of tile depends entirely on your application and the aesthetic you are aiming to create. Here is a simple, illustrative guide to help you make your decision:
• Thin Tiles: For places where a clean, modernistic appearance is required, they are suitable. They can be ideally used for wall applications, decorative features, and less traffic areas.
• Thick Tiles: To high-traffic, heavy-duty flooring or more exposed areas to harsh weather. Provides enhanced durability with improved impact resistance and better insulation properties.
So, do both thin and thick tile have their strengths, but the final choice is a matter of your necessity, design preference, and the needs that a specific space demands. If you are confused, professional advice regarding which tile thickness is appropriate to use in order to achieve the perfect compromise between style, functionality, and longevity of the tiles is suggested for further consideration.
