When buying tiles, they may all look the same at first glance. But not all tiles are high quality, some may crack, fade, or absorb too much moisture over time. So, how can you tell if a tile is truly premium?

At Novoglobe Exports, we specialize in top-grade ceramic and porcelain tiles, ensuring our customers get the best in terms of durability, style, and value. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify high-quality tiles so you can make a smart purchase.

1. Check the Tile Material: Porcelain vs. Ceramic

The type of tile you choose matters. Understanding the difference between porcelain and ceramic helps in selecting the right quality for your space.

Porcelain Tiles:

• Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures.
• Denser, stronger, and more water-resistant than ceramic.
• Ideal for floors, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

Ceramic Tiles:

• Made from regular clay, fired at lower temperatures.
• Less dense than porcelain but great for walls and decorative areas.
• More affordable and lightweight.

Tip: If you need high durability and low water absorption, porcelain is the best choice.

2. Look for Water Absorption Rate

A good-quality tile should not absorb too much water, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Test:

• A high-quality porcelain tile absorbs less than 0.5% water.
• Ceramic tiles absorb more, making them less suitable for wet areas.

Pro Tip: Drop a little water on the back of the tile. If it quickly absorbs into the tile, it’s not high-quality for moisture-prone areas.

3. Check Tile Strength & Durability (PEI Rating)

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating measures how much wear and tear a tile can handle.

PEI Rating	Best For	Durability
PEI 1	Walls & low-traffic areas	Least durable
PEI 2	Residential floors (bedrooms, guest rooms)	Moderate
PEI 3	Kitchens, living rooms, offices	High
PEI 4	Heavy foot traffic areas, hotels	Very High
PEI 5	Commercial spaces, outdoor areas	Extremely durable

For high foot traffic areas, always choose PEI 3 or higher.

4. Examine the Tile Finish & Surface Quality

A well-finished tile will be:

• Even in color with no unexpected variations.
• Smooth with no visible cracks, dents, or warping.
• Free from pinholes, air bubbles, or surface defects.

How to test?

• Glossy Tiles: Hold them under light—good-quality tiles reflect evenly.
• Matte Tiles: Feel the surface—should be smooth yet textured for grip.

Pro Tip: Run your fingers over the tile’s surface. If it feels uneven, it’s likely a lower-grade tile.

5. Scratch & Stain Resistance – Essential for Durability

Low-quality tiles can easily scratch, stain, or wear out over time.

• Scratch Test: Use a coin or key to lightly scratch the tile surface. If it leaves a mark, the tile isn’t durable enough for high-traffic areas.
• Stain Test: Try spilling coffee, tea, or ink on a sample tile. If it absorbs or leaves a stain, it lacks a protective coating.

6. Tile Size & Thickness – Does It Matter?

• Standard thickness for floor tiles: 8mm to 12mm
• Wall tiles are thinner: Usually 6mm to 8mm
• Why it matters? Thicker tiles are more durable and less prone to cracking, especially in heavy-use areas.

Pro Tip: If tiles are too thin (below 6mm), they may break easily—avoid them for floors.

7. Industry Certifications & Standards

High-quality tiles meet international quality standards. Some key certifications to check:

• ISO 13006 – Ensures tile strength and durability.
• EN 14411 – Confirms water absorption and slip resistance.
• CE Marking – Guarantees tiles meet European safety standards.

Always buy from trusted exporters like Novoglobe Exports who provide certified, top-grade tiles.

8. Test the Tiles Before Buying in Bulk

Before purchasing a large quantity, ask for tile samples and do the following:

• Water Absorption Test – Drop water on the back of the tile.
• Scratch Test – Use a coin to check for durability.
• Size Consistency – Lay tiles side by side to ensure uniform sizing.

Pro Tip: If tiles vary in size, they may cause uneven gaps during installation.

Choose Quality Over Price!

Investing in high-quality tiles ensures durability, beauty, and long-term value. Don’t be fooled by cheap options that might crack, fade, or stain over time.

At Novoglobe Exports, we supply premium ceramic and porcelain tiles that meet international quality standards. Whether you’re renovating a home or a commercial space, we help you choose the perfect tiles with confidence.

At Novoglobe Exports, we offer a curated selection of the latest ceramic and porcelain tiles to help you bring these trends to life.

Need expert guidance? Contact us today and let us help you select the best-quality tiles for your project!