Ceramic Tile Thickness Guide

Durability

• The thicker the tile, the more durable it is. A thin tile is adequate for a countertop or backsplash, but you'll want a thicker tile for a floor, especially in a high-traffic area or kitchen. If you drop heavy dishware or a stockpot on a thin tile floor, you risk cracking the floor. In addition to the thickness of the tile, consider the process by which the tile was colored. Most ceramic tiles have a painted top coat that is adhered to the base. If these tiles are chipped, you'll see the underlying surface. Mexican tiles and a few other kinds of tile are colored throughout.

Transitions

• Another aspect to consider when you're selecting tile is how it transitions to another surface. If you're tiling a backsplash, for example, you'll need bullnosed tiles that are rounded and smoothly finished for the edge of the backsplash. These tiles reduce the obvious line between the wall and the backsplash. The thicker the tile, though, the more obvious the demarcation. This is also true for floors. If you select a thick tile, it may sit higher than an adjoining floor, creating an awkward bump between the two surfaces. If you absolutely must have a tile that will raise the height of your floor, consider getting a transition strip to go between the two surfaces.

Installation

• When you're installing handmade ceramic tiles, you may notice that some of the tiles are slightly thicker than others. To compensate for these variations, simply apply a thicker bed of thinset underneath the thin tiles. If you are installing thick tiles on a vertical surface, such as a shower wall, you'll also need a thicker layer of thinset to hold the tiles in place.

Considerations

• In addition to the thickness of the tile, consider the durability of the tile. All tile is classified according to tile quality, thickness, water permeability and wear. Grade 1, for example, means that the tile has no imperfections and is durable enough for use on floors, while a grade 3 is assigned to tiles that are thin, have imperfections and should be used on walls only. The Porcelain Enamel Institute's wear rating classifies the tile's ability to withstand foot traffic, scratches and stains.