what is gauged porcelain tile and how is it used?

what is gauged porcelain tile?

sometimes abbreviated gpt (yes, like the chatbot) gauged porcelain tile is a tile — usually large in size — that has been manufactured to a uniform thickness. why is this important? well, when tiles are consistently even, they are generally easier to install. the result is also a more polished and seamless finish akin to what large slabs offer.

something to keep in mind: this is only one approach to creating tile. at clé, we love the perfect imperfections, such as size variation, that come with handmade artisanal tiles like zellige and raw terracotta. if your goal is to create a smooth and consistent look, however, you might prefer a gauged tile.

how is gauged porcelain tile made?

the process for making gauged porcelain tile is similar to that of any porcelain tile. first, a mixture of fine clay, sand, and water is pressed into a dense, compact form. then, the tile is fired at extremely high temperatures to create a hard and durable tile.

the key factor here: when manufacturing gauged porcelain tile, each tile must be carefully calibrated and ground to achieve a uniform thickness. this precise calibration ensures that each tile is consistent in size and thickness, resulting in a smoother, more even surface.

that isn’t to say that other types of tile can’t be consistent in size and thickness. many look to clé classics, for example, when searching for uniform looking tile. these are manufactured with more consistency and therefore tend to have little variation from tile to tile.

characteristics of gauged porcelain tile

many homeowners (and installers) appreciate gauged porcelain tile for its durability, versatility, and thin profile. it also tends to be larger in size, not to mention easier to maintain. (more on all of these characteristics below.)

large format

tile gauging is most commonly associated with large format tile. this type of tile is ideal for creating expansive surfaces, whether on a living room floor, bathroom wall, or kitchen countertop. the reason: large tiles mean fewer grout lines — and often, a more seamless, modern look. depending on the room, this may even have the effect of making your space look more expansive.

thin profile

gauged porcelain tiles tend to have a thin, consistent thickness, often around 3.5 to 6 millimeters. this thin profile reduces the load on the subfloor or wall structure while also making them lighter and easier to handle. the lighter weight of thin porcelain tile is especially useful for creative tile applications.

durability

despite their thinness, gauged porcelain tiles are incredibly strong and resistant to wear, scratches, and impacts. (this is true of almost all porcelain tile, in fact) gauged porcelain tiles are made to withstand heavy foot traffic and other stresses, meaning they’re suitable for residential projects and commercial spaces alike.

versatility

gauged porcelain tiles can be used in a variety of settings — often on both walls and floors. their wide range of styles, colors, and finishes makes them adaptable to a wild array of design aesthetics as well. and because porcelain tends to be heat resistant and freeze-thaw rated, there’s a good chance it’s suitable for, say, a fireplace surround or exterior wall.

low maintenance

this type of tile also happens to be non-porous and resistant to stains — thanks to its glazed surface — so it’s beautifully easy to clean and maintain. thanks to porcelain’s strength, it doesn’t require frequent repairs or replacements. think: long-lasting tile with minimal upkeep.

ways to use gauged porcelain tile

gauged porcelain tile is never going to offer the kind of bespoke aesthetic that handmade tile will. (and that’s why we are firmly team artisanal tile.) but there are those who value uniformity in a tile installation. when that is an important factor, gauged porcelain tile plays into a wide variety of applications.

bathrooms

the bathroom is one space where many people fancy a look that’s sleek and modern. gauged porcelain tile’s large size can offer just that, with fewer grout lines creating fewer visual interruptions. this type of bathroom tile also tends to be immensely versatile, meaning it could be an option for the bathroom floor, shower surround, or vanity backsplash.

then, there’s the durability of gauged porcelain tile. when you factor in how water-resistant and easy to clean these tiles are, choosing it for a high-moisture area can make a lot of sense. just be sure that you are using a slip-resistant tile on floors.

favor tile uniformity but would rather not go with gauged porcelain? penny rounds and subway tiles are two popular (and consistent looking) options.

kitchens

the same characteristics that make gauged porcelain tile a popular choice for the bathroom make it a worthy pick for the kitchen. it’s water-resistant and easy to clean, two traits that come in handy in the kitchen. it’s also built to endure heavy use with minimal scratching and staining — also major advantages in a high-traffic kitchen.

as in the bathroom, gauged porcelain tile can grace a number of surfaces in the kitchen. most common among them are the floor and backsplash. (as in the bathroom, kitchen floors also call for slip-resistant tile.)

the kitchen is another area where clé classics like subway tiles, marble, and slate shine — should you decide not to go for gauged porcelain, of course.

outdoor spaces

because gauged porcelain tile is often suitable for outdoor use — meaning: durable, uv resistant, and freeze-thaw rated — you’ll also see it in exterior spaces. gauged porcelain tile could be just the thing if you are planning an outdoor kitchen or pool deck.

one note to keep in mind here: slip resistance is of the utmost importance if you are tiling a patio floor, garden walkway, or the aforementioned pool deck. should gauged tile not offer the kind of slip resistance or aesthetic you are looking for, there is a whole world of options to explore over at OUTERclé.

fireplace surrounds

gauged porcelain tile has the advantage of being heat-resistant, so it can be an excellent candidate for a fireplace surround. this is especially true if a sleek and cohesive look is what you’re after.

there are a number of ways to use gauged porcelain tile for a fireplace surround — in contrast to surrounding walls, as a hearth, or as part of a floor-to-ceiling installation, to name a few. but gauged porcelain is just one of so many fireplace surround tile options.

feature walls

the larger format of gauged porcelain tiles can mimic the look of a large natural stone slab — something many people value when planning feature wall installations. using this type of tile on a wall can set the wall apart from the rest of the room by creating contrast in color, texture, or both.

if you ask us though, we absolutely treasure using natural stone to highlight an architectural feature in a room, be it built-in shelving or (again) a fireplace. while gauged porcelain does often win out in terms of affordability, natural stone tiles — and other types of perfectly imperfect tile, for that matter — are what really elevate a space and create that sought-after wabi-sabi aesthetic.