Porcelain tile is one of the most popular building materials for flooring and wall coverings thanks to its high resistance to water and long-lasting durability. One of the main reasons behind its popularity is its low water absorption rate.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this feature and introduce you to the methods used to measure water absorption in porcelain tiles. Understanding this can be crucial when choosing tiles based on their intended use and environmental conditions—so stick with us!
How Much Water Does Porcelain Tile Absorb?
Porcelain tiles are made from fine-grained materials and fired at high temperatures. As a result, they are dense and contain very few pores. The tiny gaps between the grains are what we refer to as pores, and the fewer these gaps are, the less water the tile will absorb.
Since water absorption is a key factor to consider when buying tiles, it's important to know that the lower the absorption rate, the more resistant the tile is to moisture. Tiles with high absorption rates are more likely to crack or warp over time and aren't ideal for long-term use. On the other hand, tiles with low water absorption are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and even swimming pools.
In general, porcelain tiles absorb very little water—less than 0.5%. That means both wall and floor porcelain tiles have incredibly low water absorption rates.
How Is Water Absorption in Porcelain Tiles Measured?
To measure the water absorption rate of a porcelain tile, you can follow these steps:
- Place a piece of porcelain tile in a container filled with boiling water for 5 hours.
- Remove the tile and let it dry completely.
- Before soaking, weigh the dry tile.
- After drying post-soaking, weigh the now-wet tile.
- Use the following formula to calculate water absorption:
Benefits of Low Water Absorption in Porcelain Tiles
You might think porcelain floor tiles are a bit pricey, but their low water absorption rate makes them a worthy investment. Here are some key benefits:
- Moisture Resistance: These tiles are highly resistant to moisture and can withstand warping, cracking, and rotting caused by humidity.
- Stain Resistance: Thanks to their low absorption rate, porcelain tiles are less likely to get stained.
- Long Lifespan: Porcelain tiles are among the most durable options on the market and require little maintenance or repairs.
Types of Tiles Based on Water Absorption
Although porcelain tiles have low water absorption, not all tiles are created equal. Based on density and absorption, tiles can be grouped into four categories:
- Non-vitreous (Low density): Absorbs more than 10% water. Suitable only for indoor use.
- Semi-vitreous (Medium density): Absorbs 3–10% water. Also best for indoor use.
- Vitreous (High density): Absorbs 0.5–3% water. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Impervious (Very high density): Absorbs less than 0.5% water. Ideal for any space, including pools. Porcelain tiles fall into this category.
How Are Tiles Grouped Based on Water Absorption?
Tiles are typically divided into three groups based on their absorption rate:
- Group 1 – Low Absorption (Up to 3%): Includes porcelain and granite tiles. Their high density makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor areas, even constantly wet places like bathrooms or pools.
- Group 2 – Medium Absorption (3–10%): Usually includes glazed floor tiles. With proper grouting, they can last a long time, but they're generally better suited for dry indoor areas like rooms and halls.
- Group 3 – High Absorption (Over 10%): Often includes glazed and unglazed wall tiles. Recommended only for dry indoor walls.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we explored water absorption in porcelain tiles. As you’ve seen, porcelain tiles have very low absorption due to their high density and minimal porosity. This makes them some of the best and most versatile tile options on the market, suitable for a wide range of spaces.