Tile Classification

EN 14411 and ISO 13006 classify ceramic tiles by two things: how they are shaped and how much water they absorb. The letter gives the shaping method, A for extruded and B for dry-pressed.

• Group Ia: absorption of 0.5% or less.
• Group Ib: above 0.5% and up to 3%.
• Group IIa: above 3% and up to 6%.
• Group IIb: above 6% and up to 10%.
• Group III: above 10%.

A dry-pressed porcelain tile is therefore BIa, and a typical wall tile is BIII. Each group has its own requirements for dimensions, strength and surface properties.