Vitrified Tiles — Complete Guide
Vitrified tiles are high-density ceramic tiles fired at over 1,200°C until they vitrify (turn glass-like). The result is an extremely dense, virtually water-impervious tile (water absorption < 0.5%) with high strength, abrasion resistance, dimensional accuracy and a wide variety of designs that mimic marble, granite, wood, fabric, stone and metals at a fraction of natural cost.
Vitrified tiles are India’s #1 premium flooring material for living rooms, bedrooms, halls, commercial spaces and offices. They are governed by IS 15622:2017 — Pressed Ceramic Tiles — Specification. Top Indian brands include Kajaria, Somany, RAK, Asian Granito, Johnson, Nitco, Orient Bell, Cera, Simpolo and Varmora.
What are Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles are made by hydraulic-pressing a mixture of refined ball clay, kaolin, feldspar, quartz and other minerals, then firing at > 1,200°C. At this high temperature, the silica vitrifies (becomes glass) and forms a non-porous, dense ceramic body. The surface is decorated with high-resolution digital prints, glazes or pigmented salts.
Vitrified tiles have water absorption < 0.5% (compared to 3–10% for ceramic tiles), making them virtually waterproof, stain-resistant, frost-proof and suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, balconies, swimming pool decks and even outdoors.
Types of Vitrified Tiles
| Type | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|
| Soluble Salt Vitrified Tile | SST | Pattern only on surface (2–3 mm), economy grade |
| Double Charge Vitrified Tile | DCT | Two-layer pigment (3–4 mm), can be polished |
| Full Body Vitrified Tile | FBV / FCT | Same colour throughout, no surface pattern but consistent |
| Glazed Vitrified Tile | GVT | Digital glaze top, high-definition designs |
| Polished Glazed Vitrified | PGVT | GVT with mirror polish, marble-look common |
| Nano Vitrified Tile | NPGVT | Nano-polished sealer fills micro-pores, ultra-smooth |
| Sugar Finish (Anti-Slip) | -- | Slightly textured, anti-slip |
| Matte / Carving Finish | -- | Non-reflective, modern look |
| Lappato (Semi-Polished) | -- | Soft sheen, less glare than full polish |
| Wood-Look Vitrified Tile | -- | Mimics plank wood floor |
| Stone-Look Vitrified Tile | -- | Mimics marble / granite / slate |
| Large-Format / Slab Tile | -- | 1200x2400 mm or larger, premium |
| Rectified Tile | -- | Edge-trimmed for minimal grout lines |
Standard Sizes (IS 15622)
| Size (mm) | Thickness | Common Use |
|---|
| 300 x 300 | 8 mm | Bathroom, kitchen walls |
| 600 x 600 | 9 – 10 mm | Most popular, all rooms |
| 600 x 1200 | 9 – 10 mm | Living rooms, offices, large halls |
| 800 x 800 | 9 – 10 mm | Premium homes, lobbies |
| 800 x 1600 | 9 – 12 mm | Premium villa flooring |
| 1200 x 1200 | 10 – 12 mm | Luxury homes, hotels |
| 1200 x 2400 | 9 – 12 mm | Large-format luxury, walls |
| 1600 x 3200 | 6 – 12 mm | Slab tile (premium villa) |
| Plank: 150 x 600 / 200 x 1200 | 8 – 10 mm | Wood-look flooring |
Physical Properties (IS 15622)
| Property | BIa Group (Vitrified) | Test Method |
|---|
| Water Absorption | < 0.5% | IS 13630 Part 2 |
| Breaking Strength | > 1300 N | IS 13630 Part 6 |
| Flexural Strength | > 35 MPa | IS 13630 Part 6 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 – 7 | EN 101 |
| Density | 2200 – 2400 kg/m³ | IS 13630 |
| Abrasion Resistance (PEI) | Class 3 – 5 | ISO 10545-7 |
| Surface Hardness | 700 – 900 N/mm² | EN 102 |
| Stain Resistance (Class) | 5 / 5 (best) | ISO 10545-14 |
| Chemical Resistance (HCl/NaOH) | Class A / B | ISO 10545-13 |
| Frost Resistance | Pass | ISO 10545-12 |
| Slip Resistance (DCOF) | 0.42 – 0.62 (varies) | ANSI A137.1 |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | Pass | ISO 10545-9 |
| Linear Thermal Expansion | 6 – 8 x 10⁻⁶ /°C | ISO 10545-8 |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ± 0.5% | ISO 10545-2 |
PEI Wear Class (Abrasion Resistance)
| PEI Class | Wear Rating | Recommended Use |
|---|
| PEI Class 1 | Very Light | Walls only, no foot traffic |
| PEI Class 2 | Light | Bedrooms, bathrooms (light traffic) |
| PEI Class 3 | Medium | All residential rooms |
| PEI Class 4 | Heavy | Light commercial, residential entrance |
| PEI Class 5 | Extra Heavy | Heavy commercial (malls, airports, hotels) |
Manufacturing Process
- Raw Material Mixing: Ball clay + kaolin + feldspar + quartz + dolomite ground to fine slurry
- Spray Drying: Slurry sprayed into hot chamber, produces dust granules (5% moisture)
- Pressing: Granules hydraulically pressed at 350–450 kg/cm² into mould
- Drying: Green tile dried in vertical / roller dryer
- Glazing / Pigment Application:
- SST: Soluble salt sprayed on surface
- DCT: Two pigment layers pressed simultaneously
- GVT: Digital print + glaze layer applied
- FBV: Full-body uniform colour, no top layer
- Drying & Pre-Heating: 150–200°C for moisture removal
- Firing: Roller kiln at 1180–1250°C for 40–60 minutes
- Polishing: Multi-head polishing line (for polished tiles)
- Rectification (Edge Trimming): Diamond saw cuts to exact size
- Nano-Sealing: Nano-silica sealer for stain protection
- Quality Check: Visual + dimensional + colour matching
- Sorting & Packing: By shade-batch + calibration code
Top Indian Manufacturers
- Kajaria Ceramics — Market leader, KajariaPro, Eternity range
- Somany Ceramics — Duragres, Slimtek, Vintage
- RAK Ceramics — Maximus, Slim, large-format slabs
- Asian Granito India (AGL) — AGL, Asian Tile
- Johnson (H&R Johnson) — Marbonite, Endura
- Orient Bell — OrientBell, Inspired Surfaces
- Nitco Tiles — Sentina, Vario
- Cera Sanitaryware — Cera Tiles
- Simpolo Ceramics — Premium GVT / PGVT
- Varmora Granito — Vitrified, ceramic
- Lavish Granito — Premium GVT
- Coral Granito — Affordable GVT
Step-by-Step Installation
- Sub-floor Preparation: Lay PCC base 50–75 mm, level with screed. Check for cracks.
- Surface Cleaning: Remove dust, oil, debris
- Tile Selection: Check shade / batch / calibration code — use same lot
- Dry Layout: Pre-arrange tiles for pattern, centre alignment
- Adhesive Mixing: Mix C2 / C2TE tile adhesive (water + powder) to creamy paste
- Spread Adhesive: Apply 6–10 mm bed with notched trowel (3-side combing for large tiles)
- Tile Laying: Press tile firmly, twist slightly to bed, beat with rubber mallet
- Spacers: Use 2–3 mm tile spacers for uniform joints
- Levelling System: Use lippage clips / wedges for level surface
- Cleaning: Wipe adhesive smudges with damp cloth immediately
- Curing: Allow 24–48 hr for adhesive set, no traffic
- Grouting: Apply epoxy / cement grout (24 hr after laying)
- Final Cleaning: Acid wash (mild) + neutral cleaner
- Sealer (Optional): For grout, apply silicone sealer
- Cure 7 days before regular use
Tile Adhesive vs Cement Mortar
| Parameter | Tile Adhesive (C2 / C2TE) | Cement-Sand Mortar (1:3) |
|---|
| Thickness | 3–10 mm | 20–30 mm |
| Bond Strength | 1.0–1.5 MPa | 0.3–0.5 MPa |
| Suitability for Vitrified Tile | Required (low absorption) | Poor (delamination risk) |
| Suitability for Walls (above 1.5 m) | Excellent | Poor |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Yes (polymer modified) | No |
| Open Time | 20–30 min | 1–2 hr |
| Setting Time | 24 hr | 24–72 hr |
| Cost (Rs / 20 kg) | 400 – 1,200 | ~150 (cement + sand) |
| Cost per sqft | Rs 15 – 30 | Rs 8 – 15 |
Vitrified tiles MUST be laid with C2 / C2TE tile adhesive — cement-sand mortar bond is too weak for low-absorption vitrified tiles and causes delamination / hollow sound within 2–5 years.
| Parameter | Vitrified Tile | Ceramic Tile | Natural Marble |
|---|
| Water Absorption | < 0.5% | 3 – 10% | 0.2 – 0.6% |
| Strength | 35+ MPa | 15–30 MPa | 70–140 MPa |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 – 7 | 4 – 6 | 3 – 4 |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Good (glazed) | Poor (etches) |
| Suitable for Floor | Yes (any room) | Light traffic only | Yes (premium) |
| Suitable for Wall | Yes | Excellent | Yes (premium) |
| Polish Retention | Excellent | Glaze can wear | Needs re-polishing |
| Lifespan | 30 – 50 yr | 15 – 25 yr | 100+ yr |
| Look | Uniform, designer | Glazed surface | Natural veining |
| Cost (Rs / sqft) | 30 – 250 | 20 – 80 | 90 – 1,500+ |
| Best for | Living, hall, kitchen | Walls, bathroom | Luxury interior |
Where to Use Vitrified Tiles
Excellent For:
- Living room, dining room (popular choice)
- Bedroom floors
- Kitchen floors and walls (back-splash)
- Bathroom floors (anti-slip variants) and walls
- Balcony, terrace (frost-resistant)
- Office floors
- Shop, showroom, mall floors
- Hotel rooms and lobbies
- Hospital corridors
- School floors and classrooms
- Restaurant floors
- Outdoor patio (anti-slip)
- Swimming pool decks (anti-slip)
- Industrial floors (Class 5 PEI)
- External wall cladding (large format)
Avoid In:
- Areas with rapid temperature change (use frost-resistant)
- Heavy industrial use without correct grade
- Areas needing soft / warm underfoot feel (use wood)
- Heritage / traditional aesthetic (use mosaic or marble)
Advantages
- Water absorption < 0.5% — virtually waterproof
- Stain-resistant — cleaning easy
- Frost-resistant (suitable for outdoor)
- Very high strength (35+ MPa)
- Wide variety of designs (marble, wood, stone, fabric, metal)
- Dimensional accuracy ± 0.5%
- 30–50 year lifespan
- UV stable — doesn’t fade indoors
- Wide size range (300x300 to 1200x2400 mm)
- Polishable / mirror finish available
- Anti-slip variants for wet areas
- Easy to clean (just water + mild detergent)
- Termite-proof, fire-resistant
- Hygienic (non-porous surface)
- Acid / alkali resistant
- Manufacturer warranty (5–25 years)
- Suitable for underfloor heating
- Recyclable
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than ceramic tiles
- Cold underfoot in winter
- Heavy — needs strong sub-floor
- Slippery when wet (polished variants)
- Requires tile adhesive (extra cost)
- Difficult to cut (diamond blade needed)
- Visible joints (grout lines)
- Repair difficult — replace whole tile
- Glossy finish shows scratches over years
- Cannot bend or curve (rigid)
- Higher install labour cost
- Hollow sound if poorly bedded
- Lippage between tiles if not levelled correctly
- Colour batches vary — must use same lot
- Damaged by heavy impact (sharp pointed)
Quantity & Cost Estimation
| Step | Per sqft |
|---|
| Vitrified Tile (basic GVT 600x600) | Rs 30 – 60 |
| Vitrified Tile (premium GVT/PGVT 600x1200) | Rs 60 – 120 |
| Vitrified Tile (slab 800x1600 / 1200x2400) | Rs 120 – 350 |
| Tile Adhesive (C2 / C2TE) | Rs 12 – 25 |
| Epoxy Grout | Rs 4 – 12 |
| Cleaning & Sealing | Rs 3 – 6 |
| Labour (cutting, installation) | Rs 25 – 60 |
| Lippage Levelling System | Rs 4 – 8 |
| Total (Material + Labour) | Rs 80 – 200+ / sqft |
| Wastage allowance | 5 – 12% |
Tile Quantity = Floor Area (sqft) × (1 + Wastage %) — round to nearest box (1 box = ~20–30 sqft)
Tests on Vitrified Tiles (IS 15622)
- Dimensional & Surface Quality — ISO 10545-2
- Water Absorption Test — ISO 10545-3
- Modulus of Rupture / Breaking Strength — ISO 10545-4
- Surface Abrasion Resistance (PEI) — ISO 10545-7
- Thermal Expansion Coefficient — ISO 10545-8
- Thermal Shock Resistance — ISO 10545-9
- Frost Resistance — ISO 10545-12
- Chemical Resistance (Acid, Alkali, Cleaner) — ISO 10545-13
- Stain Resistance — ISO 10545-14
- Slip Resistance (DCOF) — ANSI A137.1 / DIN 51130
- Mohs Hardness — EN 101
- Surface Hardness — EN 102
- Bulk Density / Apparent Porosity
- Colour Fastness
- Glaze Crazing Test
Best Practices
- Always check shade / batch / calibration code — mix lots and pattern looks uneven
- Use only C2 / C2TE tile adhesive (never cement-sand mortar)
- Maintain 2–3 mm joints (use spacers)
- Use lippage clips for level uniformity
- Apply 5 mm notched trowel for small tiles, 10 mm for large tiles
- Comb adhesive in one direction; back-butter large tiles (≥ 600x1200 mm)
- Tap tile with rubber mallet for full mortar contact
- Maintain 5 mm expansion gap at walls / corners
- Provide control joints every 6–8 m for long floors
- Don’t walk on tile for 24–48 hr
- Grout 24–48 hr after laying
- Use epoxy grout in wet areas (kitchen, bathroom)
- Clean tiles before grouting to prevent staining
- Apply grout sealer for cement grout (not epoxy)
- Don’t use acid-based cleaners on polished tiles (etches)
- Buy 10–12% extra for cutting and future replacement
- Store 1 box extra for future repairs
- Use anti-slip (R10 / R11) tiles in bathroom, balcony, kitchen
- Use rectified tiles for minimal grout lines (premium look)
- For polished tiles, mop with neutral pH cleaner only
- Use slip-resistant matting in entrances during rain
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture (scratches polished surface)
Common Defects & Solutions
| Defect | Cause | Remedy |
|---|
| Hollow sound | Insufficient adhesive contact | Re-lay with full back coverage |
| Lippage (uneven edges) | Poor levelling, varying tile thickness | Use levelling clips, calibrated tiles |
| Grout cracking | Wrong grout, no expansion joints | Use flexible epoxy grout, provide joints |
| Tile pop-out | Mortar bond failure (cement-sand) | Use proper tile adhesive |
| Pattern misalignment | Different batches mixed | Use same shade-batch code |
| Scratches on polished | Furniture / sand abrasion | Use felt pads, sweep before mopping |
| Stained grout | Cement grout absorbs spills | Use epoxy grout in kitchen / bath |
| Cracked tiles | Heavy impact, substrate cracks | Repair substrate, use crack isolation |
| Visible cuts at edges | Poor planning | Plan layout from centre, cuts at perimeter |
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 15622:2017 | Pressed Ceramic Tiles — Specification (Vitrified, BIa Group) |
| IS 13753 | Wall Tiles — Specification |
| IS 13754 | Floor Tiles — Specification |
| IS 13630 (Parts 1–16) | Methods of Test for Ceramic Tiles |
| ISO 10545 (Parts 1–16) | Ceramic Tiles — Test Methods |
| EN 14411 | Ceramic Tiles — Specification |
| ANSI A137.1 | American National Standard for Ceramic Tiles |
| IS 15477 | Tile Adhesive — Specification (C1, C2, C2TE) |
| EN 12004 | Adhesives for ceramic tiles |
| IS 13755 | Joint Compound / Tile Grout — Specification |
Conclusion
Vitrified tiles are the most popular premium flooring material in modern Indian homes — offering unmatched durability, water resistance, design variety and value. With water absorption below 0.5%, breaking strength over 1300 N, and lifespan of 30–50 years, vitrified tiles outperform every other flooring at their price point.
For premium homes, use rectified GVT / PGVT 600x1200 mm tiles laid with C2TE tile adhesive and epoxy grout (Rs 100–200/sqft total). For budget homes, use 600x600 mm Soluble Salt or basic GVT (Rs 60–120/sqft). For bathrooms and kitchens, use anti-slip R10/R11 grade. For wood / stone aesthetics without the cost, use wood-look or marble-look vitrified planks — check ceramic tiles for walls and budget areas, natural marble & granite for luxury, engineered wood for warm feel, or vinyl LVT for easy install.