Different Thicknesses In Full Body Tiles And Their Applications

Full body tiles are the new and increasingly popular choice for residential as well as commercial areas. They offer durability, aesthetics, and long-lasting performance, which makes them a top choice among various architects and designers. Full body tiles are also known as through-body tiles because of their consistent color and texture throughout the thickness. This feature ensures that even if your surface is chipped or torn, the appearance of the tile remains unaffected. That’s the beauty of full body tiles.

To select the right full body tile for your space, you need to consider its functionality and choose the appropriate thickness. Let us explore the different tile thicknesses to make it easier for you to pick the right full body tile for your next project.

Standard Thicknesses In The Market

Generally, full body tiles are manufactured in a variety of thicknesses to cater to a wide range of applications. Today, we will explore the standard thicknesses available in the market, along with their applications, advantages, and limitations, to give you a better idea for your selection. The common thicknesses available in the market, as well as with Mozart, include 9mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, and other larger custom sizes for specific needs. Let us explore these full body tile thicknesses in detail.

1. 9mm – 10mm

9mm is considered the standard thickness in the ceramic industry. It is mostly preferred for residential projects. These tiles are comparatively lightweight, easy to maintain, easy to install, and cost-effective. The thickness is strong enough for typical kitchen floor tiles, living room floor tiles, and areas with less foot traffic.

Applications:

• Areas with moderate foot traffic

• Kitchen floor tiles

• Bathroom floor tiles

• Living room floor tiles

Advantages:

• Light-weight

• Easy to handle

• Easy to install

• Low installation cost

• Durable enough for residential spaces

Limitations:

• Not ideal for heavy commercial or industrial floors

• Risk of cracking under pressure

2. 12mm

The 12mm thickness is used for areas where moderate to high foot traffic is expected. This thickness is an ideal choice for outdoor installations, where slip resistance, daily wear and tear, and heavy loads are a must. Full body tiles with a 12mm thickness are typically sized 600×1200mm or larger.

Applications:

• Outdoor pathways

• Kitchen floor tiles

• Living room floor tiles

• Garage flooring

• Offices, restaurants, and shopping malls' floor

Advantages:

• Lasting performance

• Resistant to cracks and impact

• Ideal for heavy load areas

Limitations:

• Moderate increased cost

• Heavy weight

3. 15mm

Full body tiles with 15mm thickness are considered heavy-duty. They are typically used for industrial as well as commercial settings where high foot traffic and heavy pressure are expected. Generally, 800x1600mm and above-sized full body tiles come in this thickness format. They make any contemporary space look aesthetically pleasing while providing it with durability and lasting performance.

Applications:

• Ideal for open space designs

• Industrial floors

• Commercial areas like malls, airports, basement parking, etc.

• Living room floor tiles in residential spaces

Advantages:

• Exceptionally durable and lasting

• Available in large-format slabs, which helps maintain structural integrity

• Perfect choice for commercial or outdoor areas 

Limitations:

• Difficult to install because of the weight

• Requires skilled artisans

• Requires strong adhesion

4. 20mm & Above

Full body tiles with 20mm thickness or above are known as ultra-heavy-duty tiles. They are used for industrial or any specialized architectural project. They are extremely durable and robust, capable of withstanding heavy loads, ensuring lifelong performance. They are a top choice for projects that require a sleek and seamless look with minimal grout lines, particularly where foot traffic or load is extremely high.

Applications:

• Industrial floors with heavy machinery

• For luxury commercial or residential projects

• Outdoor installations such as pathways or driveways

• Where high durability and resistance to wear are a priority

Advantages:

• Low maintenance – one swipe and you are good to go

• Can handle extreme stress and heavy foot traffic

Limitations:

• High transportation cost

• High installation cost

• Requires professional installation

• Requires strong adhesion

Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Tile Thickness

The area you are choosing for:

Living room floor tiles, kitchen floor tiles, or vitrified floor tiles do not require the same thickness as those for garages, factories, or outdoor spaces. So if you are selecting for any residential area, choose 9mm or 10mm thick full body tiles, and if for outdoor or commercial areas, full body tiles with 15mm thickness or above are preferred. Check out Mozart’s collections, which offer a variety of thickness ranges for full body tiles and vitrified floor tiles.

Size of the tile:

Tile sizes up to 600x1200mm require a thickness of 5mm-9mm, whereas large slab formats of 1200x1800 mm or above require a thicker structure to prevent bending or cracking during installation. Explore Mozart’s Syncstone Collection to find the right tile size.  

Budget & installation:

Full body tiles with thick structure are costly and require professional installation, while the tiles with less thickness are comparatively less costly and can even be installed by homeowners. So make sure your budget and installation needs are balanced.

Aesthetic preference:

Thin full body tiles offer a sleek and modern look, whereas thick ones provide a solid structure and a seamless, luxurious appearance. Pick what fits your design vision. For more aesthetic designs, check out Mozart’s Rare & Unique Collection.

Maintenance & longevity:

Full body tiles with higher thickness guarantee lasting performance and resistance to daily wear. So, if you’re choosing tiles for commercial or outdoor areas, opt for thicker options. Maintenance and longevity help you differentiate the purpose of each tile and ensure long-term performance.

To Sum It Up

Mozart’s full body tiles are a smart and durable choice for any residential or commercial setting, as their wide range of sizes and thickness options help you choose the right tile for your project. If you are building a cozy home, a sophisticated office area, or a high-traffic industrial area, Mozart and its thickness options help you understand the difference and pick what’s best.

Choosing the right thickness gives your space an aesthetic look, lasting performance, ensures longevity, and strength for years. If you are confused about which tile thickness to choose for your next project, this is for you!

FAQ’S

What is the ideal thickness for kitchen floor tiles?

For kitchen floor tiles, a thickness of 9mm-12mm is recommended, as they are easy to install, maintain, and have the durability required for the kitchen.    

Which thickness should I choose for vitrified floor tiles in commercial areas?

For commercial areas, a thickness of 12mm–15mm is recommended as they are impact-resistant, provide strength, durability, and lasting performance.

Are tiles with high thickness always better?

Not necessarily. Though thick tiles are heavy and reliable, they can be expensive and hard to install. The correct thickness depends on your specific application.

Can I use the same tile thickness for both indoor and outdoor areas?

Not really. Indoor spaces require tiles with a thickness range of 9mm to 12mm, while outdoor areas require thicker tiles with a thickness of 15mm or above, as they can handle more weight and wear.