Porcelain tile is a popular flooring choice due to its durability and water resistance, but porcelain tile weight can be a concern. This article is a guide to covering everything you should know about the weight of porcelain tiles and how to estimate or accurately calculate that weight.
Porcelain tiles are made from fine clay fired at extremely high temperatures. The result is a dense, durable material that can be made into floor or wall tiles with any imaginable surface design, often natural stone or wood.
The weight of porcelain tile is measured in pounds per square foot (PSF) or kilograms per square meter (Kg/m2), and weight varies widely depending on the thickness, size, and density of the tile. Keep this information in mind as a starting point:
● Thickness: Porcelain tiles typically range in thickness from 3 mm to 12 mm. It stands to reason, the thicker the tile, the heavier it will be.
● Size: Larger sizes generally equate to more weight, although the thickness or density of the tile can add or subtract weight.
● Density: Some porcelain tiles are made with higher density, meaning more material is packed into the same space. Higher density tiles of the same size weigh more than lower density tiles.
Importance of wall and floor tile weight and how heavy is porcelain?
The weight of wall and floor tile affects many facets of a porcelain tile installation. Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a porcelain tile.
● Structural integrity can be compromised when floor tiles are too heavy, putting a strain on the subfloor and potentially causing cracks or even structural issues. It’s important to choose tiles that don’t exceed the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
● Just like subfloors, the wall material dictates how much tile weight is appropriate. A gypsum wall will tolerate less tile weight than a cement board wall, for example. Too much weight on the wrong type of wall material may cause a project to fail.
● Installation can also be affected significantly by tile weight. Heavy tiles are more difficult to handle and may slow down the installation process. Heavier tiles on walls may require more labor and stronger adhesives as well.
● Transportation costs rise proportionately to weight. Heavier tiles usually cost more to package as well as to ship, adding to the project’s bottom line.
Is porcelain heavier than ceramic?
Because porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles, they tend to be heavier as well. This density makes porcelain better suited for high traffic areas and outdoor applications, since it is less likely to crack, chip, or break. On average, a 12 x 12 inch porcelain tile with a thickness of 3/8 inch weighs over 1.8 pounds, so a box of 15 porcelain tiles might weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.
How much weight can porcelain tile support?
The density of porcelain also allows the tiles to support a significant amount of weight. How much depends on the thickness and quality of the tile as well as the supporting surface underneath.
Typically, a porcelain tile of 3/8 to 1/2 inch thickness can withstand loads of 200 to 300 pounds per square inch. However, the actual weight a porcelain tile can support may vary from one brand to the next, due to differences in composition and the manufacturing process.
Also, the method of installation, along with the quality and type of subfloor, play a crucial role in determining a tile’s load-bearing capacity. Consult the product instructions and warranty or speak with a professional to determine how much weight your porcelain tile can support.
How to calculate porcelain tile weight
When planning a tile installation project, you may need to know the weight of the finished floor in order to meet building codes or to ensure the subfloor offers sufficient support. It’s important to consult with a professional for large projects involving significant weight loads.
The weight of the tiles, mortar, and grout should be listed in the manufacturers’ product specifications. For a quick estimation, you can use the following instructions.
● First calculate the weight of the tiles. The individual tile weight should be listed on the box, or it can be determined by dividing the total weight of the box by the number of tiles. Multiply the single tile weight by the number of tiles you plan to use.
● To determine the weight of a finished porcelain floor, you will also need to include the mortar and grout weight. The type and thickness of the mortar will affect the weight, but typically, mortar density ranges from 130 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. To determine mortar weight, first calculate the volume by measuring the area you plan to tile and multiplying by the thickness of the mortar layer. Then multiply the volume by the density of the mortar to arrive at the mortar weight.
● Grout density usually ranges from 120 to 130 pounds per cubic foot. Calculate the volume of grout needed based on the thickness and total length of the grout lines, then multiply by the density to determine the grout weight. Finally, add the weights of the tiles, mortar and grout to find the total weight of the finished floor.
Porcelain tile size weight
The following chart provides typical weights for common porcelain tile sizes. Keep in mind, these weights can vary widely depending on thickness, density, and raw materials. For precise weight information, refer to the manufacturer specifications.
| Tile Size | Typical Weight per Tile (lb) |
| 12 x 12 | 5 – 8 |
| 12 x 24 | 10 – 15 |
| 24 x 24 | 20 – 30 |
| 24 x 48 | 40 – 60 |
| 600 x 600 (slabs) | 90 – 130 |
Porcelain tile size weight
The following chart provides typical weights for common thicknesses of porcelain tile. Again, these weights may vary widely depending on density and raw materials.
| Thickness | Typical Weight per Square Foot (lb) |
| 2 mm slab | 11 -14 |
| 3 mm tile | 0.7 – 1.0 |
| 6 mm tile | 1.3 – 1.8 |
| 8 mm tile | 1.7 – 2.3 |
| 20 mm tile | 4.4 – 5.5 |
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LX Hausys offers a wide variety of porcelain tile appropriate for any project. Luxurious looks, organic ingredients and versatile applications make TERACANTO ideal for premium residential and commercial environments.
For more details about porcelain tile weight and calculations for LX Hausys large slab porcelain tiles, please visit our website at lxhausys.com or contact us today.