How to Check Quality of Tiles Before You Buy – Expert Tips

Ever walked into a beautifully tiled home and thought, “Wow, this place looks stunning”? Now imagine if those same tiles started chipping, fading, or absorbing water after a few months. Not so impressive anymore, right?

Tiles aren’t just a background feature—they define the tone of your space. Choosing high-quality tiles ensures safety, beauty, longevity, and even sustainability.

So, the next time you’re at a tile showroom:

• Tap them.
• Measure them.
• Test them.
• Compare brands.
• And never forget to check the certifications.

Because you’re not just picking out tiles—you’re setting the foundation of your home’s style and strength.

That’s why checking tile quality before you buy is more than just good advice—it’s essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know (and actually understand) about how to inspect tiles smartly—like a pro but without the jargon overload.

Let’s dive in!

What Does “Quality” in Tiles Really Mean?

When we talk about tile “quality,” we’re not just discussing how pretty it looks on the shelf. Quality covers a checklist—durability, finish, uniformity, tile hardness, material composition, resistance to wear, porosity, frost resistance, and more.

High-quality tiles resist water, don’t chip, don’t crack easily, and maintain colour and shape over time. Low-quality ones? Let’s say they start turning your living room dream into a DIY nightmare.

Types of Tiles in the Market

Understanding tile types helps set expectations for quality:

• Ceramic Tiles: Affordable, versatile, and best for walls or low-traffic floors.
• Porcelain Tiles: Denser and more durable—ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens.
• Vitrified Tiles: Have ultra-low porosity, high abrasion resistance, and a glossy finish.
• Natural Stone Tiles: Includes marble, slate, and granite. They look luxurious but require more upkeep.
• Eco-friendly Tiles: These sustainable options are gaining popularity among homeowners seeking green building materials.

Why Tile Quality Matters

Tiles are a long-term investment. You’re not redoing your floors every year, are you?

• Poor-quality tiles crack, fade, and absorb moisture.
• High-quality tiles are resilient, easier to clean, and maintain their look for years.
• Some even come with slip resistance and frost resistance, which is especially important in bathrooms or outdoor installations.
• Plus, they boost your property’s resale value.

How to Physically Inspect Tile Quality

Visual Inspection

Look closely at the tile’s surface:

• Is it smooth and even?
• Are there any bubbles, pits, or chipped edges?
• Place a few together to check for colour consistency.

Tap or Sound Test

This old-school trick still works. Tap the tile lightly:

• A hollow sound? It might mean poor tile density or internal cracks.
• A solid, sharp sound is a good sign—it means it’s well-formed and dense.

Uniformity in Shape and Size

Lay 4-5 tiles edge-to-edge. If you notice mismatched corners, that’s a red flag.

Use a calliper or measuring tape to check for millimetre-level uniformity—especially with rectified tiles, which are expected to have edge precision for tight grout lines.

Perform a Water Absorption Test

Here’s a super easy test you can do:

1. Pour a few drops of water on the back of a tile.
2. Wait 5 minutes.

If water is absorbed quickly, that means it’s porous—which is bad news for durability. Porcelain and vitrified tiles typically have low water absorption rates, making them excellent for bathrooms or balconies.

Check Certifications, Ratings, and Grades

Tile Grading System

Tiles come in 3 standard grades:

• Grade 1 – Premium, flawless tiles.
• Grade 2 – Slight imperfections, okay for less visible spots.
• Grade 3 – Lowest quality, mostly decorative.

ISO and BIS Certifications

Look for ISO and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) marks. These indicate the tiles meet standard production benchmarks for thickness, finish, and durability.

PEI Rating for Wear Resistance

The PEI rating (by Porcelain Enamel Institute) helps you choose tiles based on wear-and-tear capacity:

• Class 1: No foot traffic (wall only)
• Class 2: Light traffic (bathrooms)
• Class 3: Moderate traffic (bedrooms)
• Class 4-5: High traffic and commercial areas

Also, ask about the tile’s MoH scale rating—a score that indicates scratch resistance.

Advanced Quality Factors to Ask About

Slip Resistance (Coefficient of Friction)

For wet areas like bathrooms, check the tile’s slip resistance rating or R-value. A higher R-value = better grip = fewer bathroom slip dramas.

Frost Resistance

For outdoor tiles or colder regions, frost resistance is a must. Non-frost-resistant tiles can crack or deteriorate with temperature changes.

Expert Tips to Avoid Regret

Always Ask for Samples

A good tile vendor should let you take samples home. Test them under light, pour water on them, and even do a light scratch test using a coin or key.

Research Brands and Reviews

Don’t fall for showroom glam. Look up tile brands, check real-life installations, and read user reviews to spot patterns.

Batch Number Consistency

Tiles should come from the same batch number. Mixing batches can lead to colour mismatches or texture variation on your floor.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Uneven edges, chipped corners, and visible pinholes right out of the box
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• No ISO/BIS or wear resistance data
• Lack of transparency about tile sourcing or manufacturing standards

When to Involve a Professional

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consult your contractor or architect. They’ll help you assess tile specifications, avoid pitfalls, and choose the best type for your home.

Spending a little upfront can save thousands in rework later.

FAQs