We are now flooded with cheap tiles. The price sold is getting lower and lower by the day. Is that good news? Or bad news?

As a matter of fact, tiles are a popular material for both interior and exterior construction. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, making them versatile with multiple applications, including floors, walls, and countertops. However, the cost of tiles has always been a chief concern for most people. Recently, there has been a trend for thinner tiles, which come at a reduced cost compared to thicker ones. We now need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of thinner tiles and whether they are worth the investment.

Firstly, thinner tiles are a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. The main reason is that thinner tiles require fewer materials than thicker tiles. As a result, the manufacturing cost of thin tiles is lower than that of thicker tiles. In addition, thinner tiles require less effort and time to cut and shape than their thicker counterparts, which also translates to lower costs.

Secondly, thinner tiles are lighter and easier to handle than thicker ones. Since they are lighter, they are easier to transport from the manufacturing plant to the installation site. They are also easier and lighter to install, thus translates to lower labor costs. Furthermore, due to this fact, thinner tiles exert minimal pressure on the installation surface, reducing the possibility of structural damage. Hence, thinner tiles contribute to lower cost in overall construction costs.

However, the major downfall of thinner tiles is that they are less durable than thicker ones. Thinner tiles can break, crack, or chip easily, especially when exposed to heavy foot traffic or placing heavy furniture over them.

This is because thinner tiles have a lesser breaking strength. The thicker the tiles, the greater the breaking strength, and vice versa.

Below is the test report showing the breaking strength of a 7.6mm thickness as it failed the standard test set by International ISO Standard 13006 (Verdict F being Failed).

On the other hand, below shows a gradual increase in thickness to 8mm, and the breaking strength increased significantly, passing the International ISO Standard 13006 with flying color.

In summary, thinner tiles have both advantages and disadvantages. While they are more affordable, lighter, and allow for more flexibility, they are less durable and can break, crack, or chip easily. Therefore, the good idea is to weigh the pros and cons of thinner tiles before investing in them. Now, the question would be, which would you sacrifice? Your tiles or your savings in the bank?

The solution is to ensure the quality of the product you intend to purchase is upheld by requesting a minimum thickness of 8mm for tiles size of 60x60cm or 30x60cm to have the best of both worlds.