Difference in Floor Tile Thickness

How thick are floor tiles? That depends on the type of material and the style of the particular tile. Each material comes in a variety of thicknesses to serve various purposes in the home from flooring to wall tiles. When shopping for floor tile, it's important to choose a material that is suitable for flooring. You want a tile that is functional and able to withstand foot traffic.

Most floor tiles have a thickness of about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. When comparing the thickness of wall tile vs. floor tile, the ones made for floors are generally thicker than wall tiles. A tile's thickness usually depends on the material. Some tile materials can be thicker or thinner than the standard. For example, mosaic floor tiles tend to be thinner, whereas natural stone can be thicker.

Slate floor tiles are made of metamorphic rock that is a combination of quartz, mica, calcite and chlorite. It's a natural material that develops when sediment is fused together from the heat of the earth's crust. Slate is a hard stone that is ideal for residential and commercial flooring. Variations in slate thickness depend on the size and type of the tile.

Chinese and Indian slate 12-inch by 12-inch tiles can range in thickness from 3/8 and 7/16 inch. Chinese slate tiles of 16-inch by 16-inch can have a thickness of 1/2 to 9/16 inch, whereas Indian slate tiles of the same size can vary between 7/16 and 1/2 inch in thickness. Since the product is installed with medium-bed mortar, adjustments can be made to accommodate for different floor tile thickness to ensure the floor is level.

Homeowners frequently choose ceramic tile for flooring in their homes because it's hard-wearing and easy to maintain. It can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, as it's water-resistant. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of styles and textures to accommodate multiple functions and diverse personal tastes. It also comes in different thicknesses ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 inch. In general, the thicker the tile the more resilient it is and the less likely to break.

Porcelain tile looks similar to ceramic tile only it's denser. It's highly tolerant to stains, scratches and moisture, which make it a good choice for residential and commercial flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas. Porcelain is available in smooth or raised textures in an array of colors. Select a porcelain tile thickness of 5/16 inch thick or thicker for flooring.

When selecting floor tile, compare the thickness on different tile options. A thicker tile can interfere with doors opening or cause an uneven transition between rooms, so choose a tile that works in the room.