Tiles — price, types and what to check
Vitrified, ceramic, anti-skid and large slabs.
Tiles cover floors and walls in most Indian homes. They are fast to lay and easy to clean — the finish depends as much on the adhesive and grout as on the tile.
The basics
- Vitrified tiles absorb under 0.5% water; ceramic tiles are more porous and suit walls.
- Sizes run from 300×300 mm to 1200×2400 mm slabs.
- GVT and PGVT are glazed vitrified tiles printed to look like marble or wood.
Tiles types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-charge vitrified | 600×600, 800×800 | Living and bedrooms | ₹50–110 |
| GVT / PGVT | 600×1200 | Marble-look floors | ₹60–180 |
| Full-body vitrified | Through-colour | High-traffic areas | ₹70–150 |
| Ceramic wall tile | 300×450, 300×600 | Bathroom and kitchen walls | ₹30–70 |
| Anti-skid matt tile | R10+ | Bathrooms and balconies | ₹35–80 |
| Parking tile | 12–20 mm thick | Parking and driveways | ₹45–90 |
| Large slab tile | 800×1600, 1200×2400 | Premium floors and walls | ₹120–350 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Check the shade and batch number on every box — mixed shades show.
- Lay four tiles together to check size and flatness.
- Buy Premium or Standard grade, not Commercial.
- A water drop on the back of a vitrified tile shouldn't soak in.
- Place two tiles face to face to check the edges are straight.
- Look for pinholes and colour spots on the surface.
- Check the box for grade, size, shade and caliber codes.
Pro tips
- Use polymer tile adhesive (C2/C2TE) for large tiles. Full coverage prevents hollow-sounding tiles.
- Use 2–3 mm spacers and epoxy grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Leave a 5 mm gap at wall edges and hide it under skirting.
- Bathroom floors need an R10 or higher slip rating.
- Lay a 1 m² mock-up before committing to a pattern.
- Start from the room's centre line for even edge cuts.
- Use levelling clips on large tiles to prevent uneven edges.
- Seal cement grout in kitchens with a penetrating sealer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing batches.
- Walking on tiles before the adhesive sets.
- Cement grout in showers — it stains and cracks.
- Tiling straight onto uneven screed.
- Glossy tiles on stairs, ramps and outdoor areas.
Where you can save
- Factory-direct or clearance stock works well for utility areas.
- Standard 600×600 tiles cost less to lay than large slabs.
How much you need
Floor area plus 8–10% wastage; add 4-inch skirting around the perimeter.
Brands to know
Kajaria, Somany, Johnson, Nitco, Orientbell, AGL, Simpolo, Varmora