Tiles procurement guide
How to buy tiles: ceramic, porcelain and stone compared by body, rating, size, finish and installation system, with specification and delivery checks.
Tile is durable, but it is a system: the tile, the bonding mortar, the substrate, the movement joints and the grout all have to work together. Procurement mistakes are mostly about mismatch, such as buying a beautiful tile that cannot handle the traffic, slip risk or movement in the space. This guide lists what to specify and what to check on delivery.
Tile types and use
| Type | Common use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glazed ceramic wall tile | Interior walls | Not suited to heavy floor traffic |
| Glazed porcelain | Floors and walls, indoor and outdoor depending on rating | Check absorption, wear class, frost resistance if exterior |
| Through-body porcelain | High traffic areas | Chips less visible; consistent color |
| Natural stone (marble, limestone, slate, granite) | Feature and high-end areas | Sealing, staining, variation, thickness and flatness |
| Mosaics | Showers, walls, accents | More grout joints; mesh backing and setting method |
| Large-format tile | Modern spaces | Substrate flatness, handling, mortar coverage |
The family names are a starting point; the actual product data sheet decides suitability.
Properties to put in the specification
- Dimensions, thickness, edge type (rectified or not) and permitted caliber variation.
- Water absorption class and frost resistance for exterior or freeze-thaw exposure.
- Wear or abrasion class and breaking strength for the expected traffic.
- Slip resistance method and value required for wet or ramped areas.
- Chemical resistance if used in kitchens or labs.
- Shade variation rating and finish (matte, polished, textured).
ANSI A137.1 sets requirements for ceramic tile in North America; outside it, the product may be certified to ISO 13006 or a national standard. Ask the supplier which one applies and request the test report.
The setting system
Choose the mortar and substrate preparation to suit the tile size, substrate and exposure. Large-format tile needs high coverage and a flat substrate; wet areas need a membrane and proper slope to drain. Movement joints are needed over structural joints and at set intervals in large areas; the TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108 series are widely used references. Check that mortar, membrane and grout are compatible and, ideally, from a documented system. Link to the waterproofing guide for showers and balconies and the sealants checklist for movement joints.
Ordering quantity and lots
Calculate area from drawings, then add waste. Waste depends on layout, tile size and cuts; diagonal patterns and large format tiles need more. Add spares for future repairs, since discontinued tiles and lot changes make later matching hard. Put the lot number and caliber on the order, and ask the supplier to confirm the full quantity is available from one lot. Use the RFQ builder to request this on the same basis from each bidder.
- Measure net area by room.
- Add waste per layout (ask the tiler or supplier for a figure for the pattern).
- Add spare boxes for repairs.
- Confirm box count, coverage per box and lot.
- Confirm delivery schedule and storage space.
Delivery inspection
Open several boxes from different pallets and lay out a small area in daylight. Check shade variation against the approved sample, flatness, edge chips, size and caliber marks on boxes. Report issues before installing; tiles that have been cut or set are usually not returnable. Store boxes flat, dry and off the floor, and keep trims and accessories together with their matching tiles.
Grout, sealers and maintenance
Select grout by joint width, area and exposure: cement-based, polymer-modified or epoxy. Natural stone and some porcelains may need sealing; ask the maker for approved sealers and cleaning products. Provide care instructions to the owner, including what to avoid (for example, acidic cleaners on some stones). Keep spare grout and record the color code.
This page is general education. Confirm slip resistance, structural and waterproofing requirements with the designer and the local authority.
Quote comparison grid
Compare bids on tile, setting materials, membrane, grout, trims, labor, waste and delivery. A low tile price can hide expensive setting materials or a thin allowance for trims. Ask whether the installer holds any manufacturer or association training, and request references for similar work. For stone, visit the stockyard or request slab photographs and approve the selection in writing. Keep the approved sample sealed and labeled for comparison on delivery.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain is generally denser with lower water absorption than other ceramic tile, but definitions come from the product standard. Check the stated water absorption class.
What rating matters for floors?
Slip resistance, abrasion or wear class, and breaking strength matter, and requirements depend on use. Ask the designer which values apply.
Why is batch matching important?
Tiles from different production runs can differ in shade and size (caliber). Order all tiles from the same lot plus spares.
What installation standards apply?
In North America, ANSI A108 and A118 series cover installation and materials, and ANSI A137.1 covers ceramic tile. Check the current editions.
Sources and further reading
Have a project outline or drawings?
Organize your scope, then contact Digital Oro through its official channel. Availability, engineering, pricing and delivery terms need project-specific confirmation.
Explore Digital Oro →Digital Oro International advertises on The Company Chronicle. This guide was written by our editorial team from public sources and general professional practice; it does not describe a guarantee, quote or offer from Digital Oro International. Confirm current terms, prices and availability with the operator before you decide.