how to choose the right tile thickness

average tile thicknesses by type

choosing the right tile thickness depends on 2 primary factors: the type of tile and where you plan to install it. here's an easy-to-follow guide to the most common tile types and their standard thicknesses.

marble tile

this elegant natural stone tile usually measures between 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch (18 mm) thick. thick tiles hold up best for high-traffic flooring. for example, marble slabs for commercial buildings can be up to two inches thick. the quality of the product also depends on the surface design and marble density. thicker usually means higher quality, since it can withstand more wear and tear, but thinner marble is still mostly used in homes.

slate tile

tile made from this metamorphic rock is often used as floor tile and comes in a variety of thicknesses depending on its size. tiles measuring 12x12 inches or smaller are typically 1/4 inch thick. larger tiles, ranging from 12x12 inches up to 18x18 inches, are usually 3/8 inch (10 mm) thick. the thickest tiles, measuring up to 24x24 inches, are commonly 1/2 inch (12 mm) in thickness. (using tiles of varying sizes together in a patterned floor? go wild, but note that all of the tiles must match the thickness of the largest tile within that pattern for consistency and stability.)

travertine tile

standard tile thickness for this type of natural stone surface is 1/2 inch. however, some manufacturers also offer 3/8 inch-thick travertine tiles. both variations are well-suited for indoor and outdoor flooring applications. so, whether you need tile for a bathroom, kitchen, patio, or pool area, either thickness will hold up to everyday use.

subway tile

ah, the classic 3x6-inch subway tiles–so versatile, so much history. they’re usually 1/4 inch thick, which works well for most wall applications in showers, kitchens, and entryways. for floors, look for thicker options, at least 3/8 inch.

zellige tile

these handcrafted Moroccan tiles are about 3/8 inch thick, while the Bejmat variety is thicker, oblong rather than square, and often used for floors. in either case, due to their handmade nature, you should expect some variation in thickness and size from tile to tile. no two zellige tiles will be identical–and that’s what we love about them. they’re beautifully imperfect.

mosaic tile

typically very thin, around 1/4 inch or less, mosaics are best suited for walls, counters and backsplashes. for floors, choose a thickness of at least 3/8 inch and use a high-performance adhesive to prevent cracking. (find out if mosaic is right for your space.)

terracotta tile 

terracotta tiles can be handmade or machine-pressed, so thicknesses vary. aim for at least 3/4 inch for floors and 1/2 inch for walls. thicker tiles, up to 1 1/4 inches, provide extra durability for outdoor use. need design ideas? take a look at clé's wide-ranging collection of glazed and unglazed terracotta.

cement tile

for most concrete tile products, standard thickness is between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch thick. it's important to leave extra space under doors once the tile is installed, and to account for the thinset mortar or adhesive layer beneath the tiles, which is usually around 1/4 inch thick. making these allowances helps ensure a smooth transition between tiled and other flooring surfaces.

that was a lot of info! a quick recap: choose thicker tiles for floors, especially in high-traffic areas. thinner tiles work well for walls. and for outdoor use, thicker is better to withstand weather and temperature changes. although there are ways to adjust tile thickness where needed (more on that later), it’s best to buy the size you need for your project.

choosing tile thickness for floors vs. walls

there’s often a big difference in thickness when selecting floor tiles or wall tiles. as we’ve mentioned, floors typically require thick tiles that can withstand foot traffic and the weight of furniture. for walls, thinner tiles work well since there are fewer stresses on the material.

how to choose tile thickness for floors

for most floor tile, you’ll want a thickness of 3/8 inch or greater. ceramic or porcelain floor tiles in this thickness range tend to be dense and durable. stone tiles like marble, travertine, and slate also come in thicknesses well-suited for flooring. (here’re some tips for selecting the right floor tile.) keep in mind that thicker tiles, especially natural stone, may require floor reinforcement to support the additional weight. 

how to choose tile thickness for walls

for wall tile, thinner types (around 1/4 inch or less) function best for most projects. ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles come in thinner sizes ideal for wall cladding. thinner tiles also tend to be more affordable and lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and install on vertical surfaces. for showers and tub surrounds, a slightly thicker tile (around 3/8 inch) is best for maximum durability.

ultimately, choosing the right tile thickness comes down to where you plan to install the tile and how much stress it will undergo. understanding standard thicknesses for different tile types and materials helps you pick a size that matches your specific needs. 

choosing tile thickness for outdoor applications

for outdoor tile installations (like patios and porches), the thickness of the tile is essential. less prone to cracking and breaking, thicker tiles can better withstand exposure to the elements. here we’ll cover some outdoor tile thickness recommendations. 

natural stone tiles

looking for an earthy and elemental feel for your outdoor space? natural stone tiles like slate, travertine, and granite typically come in thicker sizes, from 3/8 inch up to 1 inch thick. these denser, porous stones fare well outdoors and the added thickness provides extra durability. for commercial exterior applications, which typically have high-traffic areas, opt for slate or granite tiles measuring at least 1/2 inch thick.

porcelain tiles

porcelain tiles make an excellent choice for outdoor use, with their low water absorption and high breaking strength. they can be used in thinner sizes, starting at 1/4 inch, but for most exterior installations, we recommend porcelain tiles measuring at least 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch thick to prevent cracking.

ceramic tiles

glazed ceramic tiles can also work well for outdoor areas, but look for tiles specifically rated for exterior use and measuring at least 1/2 inch thick. unglazed quarry tiles are another great option, since they’re naturally slip-resistant and typically measure 3/4 inch thick or more. bonus: unglazed tiles also develop a rich patina over time.

cement tiles

standard thickness for outdoor cement tile is 3/4 inch. an important note about cement tile: it isn’t freeze/thaw rated, so if you plan to install it outdoors, make sure your climate doesn’t reach freezing temps.

ways to adjust tile thickness

even after you’ve selected the right tile for your project, you may have to adjust the tile thickness in certain installation locations or when using specific tile materials. here’s a quick rundown of key methods for altering tile thickness.

thinsets

thinset mortar is the adhesive used to bond tiles to floors, walls, and counters. to adjust tile thickness, apply multiple layers of thinset. for example, to raise mosaic tiles for easier grouting, apply two layers–let the first layer dry partially, then add the second layer. each layer of thinset adds about 1/8 inch in thickness. (tip: be very careful when applying multiple layers, as too much thinset can prevent tiles from adhering properly.)

backerboards

for floors and walls, your contractor may install cement backerboard or drywall first to provide a stable base and add thickness before tiling. backerboard comes in 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thicknesses. installing multiple layers of backerboard is one of the easiest ways to significantly increase the overall thickness of a tile installation.

spacers

plastic spacers placed between tiles during installation can also adjust thickness. spacers range in size, from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. for natural stone tiles like slate or travertine, use spacers equal in size to the grout joint width for the most natural look. just be sure to remove spacers once tiles have set to avoid gaps in the grout.

sealants

for outdoor tile projects, applying a sealant to the surface below the tiles (like concrete) can increase thickness and provide better adhesion. epoxy sealants and waterproofing membranes come in various thicknesses, from 1/16 inch up to 1/4 inch per coat. multiple coats may be needed for significant thickness. sealants applied on top of the tile also protect outdoor tiles from damage and staining.

a beautiful look that lasts

you probably never realized there’s so much nuance to selecting the right tile thickness! considerations like tile materials, install location, application, and durability all factor into the right tile for your project. still have questions? don't hesitate to ask your contractor or local tile shop, or scroll through our clé education blog for a deeper dive into all things tile. whatever tile you select, a little know-how goes a long way to creating a stunning installation that stands the test of time.