When choosing finishing materials, attention is often focused on design, while thickness is treated as a secondary detail. In reality, thickness directly affects strength, durability, and suitability for specific applications. That is why the question what thickness of porcelain stoneware to choose usually arises at the planning stage.
An incorrectly selected thickness may lead to unnecessary costs or long-term performance issues, especially when the material is used for flooring or installed on demanding substrates.
When determining the thickness of porcelain stoneware tiles, several factors must be considered: expected load, type of base, tile format, and installation area. Requirements for floors and walls differ significantly because load distribution is not the same.
It is also important to understand that thicker material does not automatically mean a better solution — excessive thickness can create unnecessary stress on the structure.
For floor applications, strength and wear resistance become critical. Porcelain stoneware floor thickness of 8–10 mm is considered a universal solution for residential spaces. It withstands everyday loads well and maintains stability over long periods of use.
For areas with heavy foot traffic, commercial interiors, or high-load zones, tiles with a thickness of 10–12 mm are more commonly used. This thickness of porcelain stoneware floor tiles provides increased resistance to impact and abrasion.
Wall cladding places lower demands on strength compared to floors. Here, weight and ease of installation are more important. Porcelain stoneware thickness for walls typically ranges from 5–6 mm, reducing structural load and simplifying installation.
However, large-format tiles require special attention even at smaller thicknesses. Perfectly level substrates and precise cutting are essential, which is why proper processing techniques are so important. These aspects are explained in detail in the article How to cut porcelain stoneware.
The type of substrate plays a crucial role in choosing tile thickness. Concrete screeds allow the use of thicker porcelain stoneware, while wooden structures require careful load calculations. In such cases, thickness alone is not enough — correct surface preparation is equally important.
Installation specifics for non-standard bases are discussed in the article How to install porcelain stoneware on a wooden floor, which explains how to prevent deformation and cracking over time.
The thicker the porcelain stoneware, the higher the requirements for adhesive selection and installation accuracy. Thicker tiles are more difficult to cut and level, but they offer greater resistance to mechanical loads. Thinner tiles are easier to install but demand perfectly prepared substrates.
For this reason, choosing the right thickness always involves balancing technical characteristics with real operating conditions.
To correctly determine what thickness of porcelain stoneware is right for your project, it is essential to understand where and how the material will be used. Walls require minimal thickness and reduced weight, while floors demand strength reserves and load resistance.
This approach helps avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures long-term performance without compromising appearance.
Thickness is one of the key parameters that directly influences renovation results. Properly selected porcelain stoneware provides not only aesthetic appeal but also durability for years to come. If you are selecting porcelain stoneware for floors or walls, the itum website offers a wide assortment of materials in various thicknesses, making it easy to choose the optimal solution for specific operating conditions.