What Is The Minimum Floor Tile Thickness [Everything You Need To Know]

You might be thinking about tiling your floor but can’t decide on the type of tile to use. Let us tell you, selecting the right type of floor tile can be a game-changer. Along with the type, you also need to know about the thickness of tiles for your floor.

Unfortunately, most of us become confused when it comes to the floor tiles thickness. But today, we’ll clear that out for you!

What should be the minimum floor tile thickness?

A decent floor tile is at least 10mm thick, yet any floor tile can be utilized on the wall. The thickness of a tile is influenced by the material used and the manufacturing process used to produce it. 

Want to hear more about it? Come read through our article to learn more!

What is the Minimum Tile Thickness: 4 Types of Tiles

The thickness of a tile determines its strength. The thicker the tile the more pressure it can take. But not too thick that it doesn’t insulate heat. There is a very specific thickness that is required for floor tile. 

The average thickness for the floor tile is ½ inch to ¾ inch for each sq of tile. Contrasting with the wall tile which is 3 to 6 inches thick. But too thick floor tile may interrupt the doors from functioning.

The standard floor tile sizes range from just two inches broad to a foot and a half. The more common and fashionable sizes include 12”×12”, 18”×18”, 12”×24”. 

Types of Tiles & Their Thickness

The floor tiles have to be strong and suitable enough for the weight it has to hold. Otherwise, the floor will get damaged and will need repairing constantly.

For instance, bathroom floor tiles have to be dense, porous, and water-resistant for obvious reasons. Or else, it might get damaged and be dangerous for you. On top of that, the time taken to retile a bathroom is huge and fixing sounds exhausting. 

It is necessary to make sure the correct type of tile is used on the respective floors. Here’s a list of some of the common floor tiles and their thickness. You can measure the thickness of your tiles based on the type:

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are said to be ⅛ to ⅜ inches thick. They opt to be softer, less porous, less dense than any other tile. Their thickness determines it can’t take hard hits or tough pressure.

Ceramic tiles come in various sizes and shapes. The standard ceramic is made of rectangles.  This includes sizes 16” x 16”, 12” x 12”, 6” x 6”, or 4” x 4” with different types of finishes.

Also, ceramics are highly durable and water-resistant. This wouldn’t leave you wondering about the reasons for piled-up water underfloor tiles as it repulses water. 

The only repercussion would be it’s hard to install. So, you may find yourself asking how to tile the kitchen floor or how to tile around the bathroom floor drain with it all the time.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are ¼ to ¾ inches thick. It is heavier, porous, and denser. It is also more durable and moisture resistant. Their thickness indicates they can’t withstand a harder strike or more pressure.

Most porcelain tiles are at least 7 millimeters thick. But the thin porcelain tile is only 3 to 6 millimeters thick. That means the tiles could be as thin as 0.12 inches thick.

Though porcelain is expensive, they are long-lasting and low maintenance. But you can’t press it too hard though or it will fall out like bed slats.

Cement Tiles 

The average thickness of cement tiles is about ⅝ inches. It may vary as there is no constant value. They are extremely strong, heavy, and porous. Their thickness determines it can take extreme hard hits or tough pressure.

Universal standard 8″ tiles are approximately 5/8th inch thick (16mm). 10″ and 12″ tiles may be up to 3/4″ thick. 

Cement tiles are highly insulating. It keeps your house cool. And they are super long-lasting.  Even though it has high durability, it’s still pretty porous and prone to stains. Also, it may crack under a heavy cold. 

Stone Tiles

Internal natural stone tiles are available in thicknesses of ⅜ inches mostly. They are the thickest and heaviest kind of tiles for the floor. Their thickness determines it can take extreme hard hits or tough pressure as well.

A stone tile is usually 12″x12″ and smaller are usually going to be 3/8″ thick. And each tile which is 3/8″ thick is going to weigh about 5.5 lbs per sq foot. 16″x16″ and 18″x18″ are usually advancing to be 1/2″ thick. A tile that is 1/2″ thick is going to weigh about 6 lbs per square foot.

The durability of stone tiles is insane but so is their cost. They are the most expensive tile breed and come with various options.

How to Measure Floor Tiles Thickness

Measuring the tile thickness will help you determine the perfect floor tile for you. On top of that, measuring the floor tiles’ thickness isn’t that difficult. You can carry out the procedure following our easy guide.

Tools Required

Before you begin the measurement process, gather up everything you need. Here‘s what you need for this project:

• Something to keep tabs of your measurements i.e. paper, pen, etc.
• A calculator
• Someone to help

The calculator is a must to calculate the measurements of the floor tile. Here are our favorite brands:

Calculator 1
Calculator 2

Now, let’s begin the process!

To begin, you’ll need a tiled floor with a minimum thickness of 1-1/8″.

Second, slate should never be laid directly on the tiles. Use a 1/4″ square notch trowel to lay down 1/4″ backer board over a 1/8″ bed of mortar. Or use a membrane-like Ditra that comes in at 1/8″.

The thickness of the mortar beneath the tile will be determined by the tool size employed. This in turn will be determined by a variety of other factors.

If your tiles are 12″ in diameter and use a 3/8 trowel. We’re estimating the mortar height behind the tile will be roughly 3/16″ or slightly less. 

That’s what we had regarding floor tiles thickness. We believe this will be useful for you!

If you are also thinking about what tile pattern you wanna go for the kitchen floor. You can look into straight and staggered patterns.

FAQs

Question: Do large tiles crack fast?

Answer: Yes, larger tiles are more prone to splitting. Because the larger the tile surface, the more external deflection it will have to suffer, and hence the balance would be, so the floor.

Question: What should be the best color theme for floor tile?

Answer: Neutral colors, whites, and lights should be picked for the floor. Otherwise, it will make the whole house look dark.

Question: Why do my tiles keep breaking?

Answer: Cracked tiles are frequently the consequence of underlying problems, the most common of which is improper installation. If not, then extreme heat, or supporting too much weight could be a factor.

Conclusion 

Hope this article gives you an insight into the minimum floor tile thickness. For further queries, contract professionals. 

In conclusion, a floor tile should be ¼ inch or 10mm thick. It will help in insulation, holding heavyweight, maintaining, etc. better. 

Until then, adios!