Get the Skinny on Thin Tile

Have you heard the skinny? Thin tile is taking off as a popular new option for interior decor.

If you’re not up to speed, don’t worry — we’re reviewing everything you need to know about thin tile here.

First, What Is Thin Tile?

The official term is gauged porcelain tile (GPT). These thin porcelain tiles can be manufactured in panels/slabs (GPTPS) that measure up to 10 x 15 feet, making them perfect to show off unique designs and looks that are mostly uninterrupted by grout lines.

There are two categories of GPT and GPTPS, 3.5-4.9mm thick and 5.0-6.5mm thick. Both are defined by the industry standard ANSI A137.3.

Because of their reduced thickness, gauged porcelain tiles are also lighter than traditional thickness tile, typically less than 4 lbs/ft². The unique combination of large size and thin depth — plus porcelain’s inherent strength and durability — make ultra thin tile uniquely suited for a wide range of residential and commercial projects.

Where to Use Thin Tiles

They’re a great choice for just about every surface, including the following applications.

Countertops

Thin porcelain tile makes a great countertop material because of its stain resistance, scratch resistance, and excellent durability. Not to mention that it comes in attention-grabbing designs and is free of the sustainability concerns associated with sourcing natural stone.

Furniture

Ultra thin porcelain tile makes for gorgeous, durable furniture, including tables, desks, shelving, benches, and more. Plus, with gauged porcelain furniture, you’ve never had so many design options!

Backsplash Tile

This backsplash makes a statement with thin porcelain tile in a gray marble look.

A thin tile backsplash is a great way to make a big impact with a small space — and often with just one XXL tile!

Wall Tiles

Thin wall tile in a dramatic black marble look gives whatever’s on TV some competition.

Not limited to backsplashes, thin porcelain tiles can also span across a wall (or, say, all the walls in your home). Thin wall tile is a popular choice to create statement or accent walls and can also be chosen to match or contrast with your flooring and other surfaces.

[Related: Tile Trend Ideas: XXL Tile]

Floor Tile

The use of large flooring tiles helps create the clean lines of a visually seamless flooring option.

The installation standard for GPT (ANSI A108.19) provides specifications for the installation of tiles 5.0-6.5mm on floors. Gauged porcelain tile flooring can be used for residential and commercial projects, creating a unique style that’s also easy to maintain.

Shower Tiles

White marble-look thin shower tile turns this bathroom from minimalist to maximalist.

While tile mosaics have been the go-to for showers, thin porcelain panels/slabs for shower walls are on the rise. Who wouldn’t want to be immersed in dreamy floor-to-ceiling looks such as the one above?

[Related: 40 Free Shower Tile Ideas]

Tile Facades

White marble-look thin tiles cover every inch of this building’s facade.

Building facades can use gauged porcelain. In addition to offering more design versatility than traditional building materials, thin tile can protect buildings from inclement weather and offers both acoustic and thermal insulation.

Elevate Your Design With the Lightest Tile Out There

For such thin tiles, gauged porcelain certainly makes a weighty design impact.

Do you agree? Visit our Design Gallery and Pinterest board for even more design inspiration.

Where to Buy Tile

Your next steps are simple:

Use the search tool at the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) to find a ceramic tile showroom in your area for a more individual, one-on-one shopping, design and education experience, or visit a home improvement or flooring retailer.

Find a Ceramic Tile Showroom Near You

For specific products and installation-related materials, you can consult the product locator of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

Download our Tile Buying Guide below to share with your contractor or designer or bring with you to the showroom. Having these tips handy will make it that much easier to shop for your tile.