beige stone effect porcelain tile 90x90 floor close-up with modern wooden coffee table

How to Recognize a High-Quality Porcelain Tile

Complete guide to first-choice porcelain stoneware

Recognizing a high-quality porcelain tile is essential to obtain a floor or wall covering that is visually flawless, durable over time and consistent with the style of the home. The differences between a high-grade porcelain and a budget product concern materials, quality control, colour stability and production accuracy.

Here are the objective criteria to consider.

1. Check the quality grade: “first choice”

Tiles are classified according to the final selection after production.

First choice

  • uniform surface
  • regular edges
  • no visible defects
  • reduced tolerances
  • consistent colours

This is the ideal category for modern layouts and continuous spaces.

2. Check rectification and edge accuracy

A rectified tile has perfectly straight, machine-cut edges.

Advantages:

  • narrow joints
  • visual continuity
  • more precise installation
  • more contemporary look

On large formats (60×120, 80×80, 90×90, 120×120) rectification is almost always essential.

3. Shade, calibre and number of faces: what real quality means

This is one of the most important and most misunderstood aspects.

Shade

Each production batch may show slight colour variations. This is normal in porcelain stoneware.

A quality product:

  • keeps shade consistency within the same batch
  • shows natural, never random variations

Calibre

This indicates the actual size of the tile. Quality porcelain keeps the same calibre within the batch, ensuring an even installation.

Number of faces (different graphics)

In modern concrete-, stone-, marble- and wood-effect tiles, graphic variety is a real added value.

There are two main families:

Shaded products (V2–V3–V4)

  • feature intentional, widespread shade variation
  • recreate a natural, dynamic look
  • may have 6, 12 or more different faces

They are highly appreciated in contemporary interiors.

Uniform products (V1)

  • controlled repetition
  • very uniform colour and structure
  • ideal for minimal or linear spaces

A quality product is recognised by its coherent graphics, not by total uniformity.

4. Technical performance of the material

High-quality porcelain stoneware shows excellent values in all technical tests.

What to check in the technical data sheet:

  • Water absorption ≤ 0.5%
    Essential standard to define true porcelain stoneware.
  • Breaking strength / flexural strength
    Indicates resistance under load and long-term durability.
  • Surface hardness
    Important for kitchens, entrances and high-traffic areas.
  • Chemical resistance
    The surface should not be affected by common detergents and household products.

5. Surface quality: natural, soft or anti-slip

The surface should be even and consistent.

Natural or soft finish

  • balanced light reflection
  • pleasant touch
  • no unwanted shiny spots or defects

Perfect for modern interiors.

R9 / R10 finishes

  • ideal for all indoor areas
  • R10 is versatile for covered balconies or sheltered outdoor spaces

R11 finish

  • required for fully exposed outdoor areas
  • ensures grip and safety

6. Complete technical data sheet

A quality tile is always supplied with clear, detailed documentation.

It should include:

  • shade and calibre
  • quality grade
  • water absorption
  • anti-slip rating
  • mechanical resistance
  • intended use
  • type of surface

Transparency of data is one of the clearest signs of quality.

7. Consistency between format and effect

A good porcelain tile enhances its graphic design with the right format.

Concrete effect

Recommended formats:

  • 80×80
  • 90×90
  • 60×120
  • 120×120

→ provides continuity and a contemporary look.

Stone effect

Ideal in:

  • 60×60
  • 80×80
  • 60×120
  • 120×120 for modern series

→ realistically recreates natural stone slabs.

Marble effect

Best in:

  • 60×120
  • 120×120

→ enhances veining and surface appearance.

Wood effect

Perfect formats:

  • 20×120
  • 30×120
  • 26×160

→ delivers maximum realistic effect.

Conclusion

Recognizing a high-quality porcelain stoneware tile means assessing:

  • first-choice grading
  • rectification and precision
  • consistency of shade and calibre
  • number and quality of graphics
  • technical performance
  • proper surface finish (natural, soft, R10, R11)
  • complete technical documentation
  • format suited to the style of the series

A carefully manufactured tile maintains its appearance and performance over time, guaranteeing a superior final result.

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