Homeowners and contractors often face massive financial setbacks because of choosing the wrong tiles for a particular project. While they give adequate attention to the tile’s design, colours, and texture, they unknowingly overlook one of the most important technical factors – the tile’s water absorption qualities. This costly mistake often stems from the misunderstanding spread by prevalent tile-related myths. While few believe that all tiles are naturally waterproof, some think that thicker tiles have lower water absorption. These are all tile myths that lead to poor material choices and costly failures. If you’re planning to renovate your indoor or outdoor spaces with tilework, you should first read this blog. It debunks top myths about tiles and water absorption so you can choose the right tiles for lasting performance.
Myth #1 – All Tiles are Waterproof
Many believe that all tiles are completely waterproof and perfect for installation in wet environments, such as bathrooms, kitchen sink areas, and swimming pool areas. In reality, it depends on the tile’s porosity. Lower tile porosity leads to lower water absorption rates. While lower porosity translates to greater water resistance, it doesn’t guarantee waterproofing. Everyone should be aware of this fact because assuming complete waterproofing leads to inadequate installation practices. Proper waterproofing requires comprehensive systems, including appropriate substrates, membranes, and sealed joints. Tiles will only serve as the final protective layer, not the waterproofing solution itself. If you cannot afford to fit full systems, then use tiles with water absorption of less than 0.5%, such as porcelain tiles, as they're very water-resistant but not 100% waterproof. Good installation and sealing of grout also prevent water damage.
Myth #2 – Glazed Tiles Don’t Absorb Water
Another common myth around water absorption in tiles is that tiles with glazed surfaces don’t absorb water. Glazing (a tile finishing process) is often mistaken for creating an impermeable barrier that eliminates water absorption. While glazing reduces surface permeability, it doesn’t eliminate fluid absorption. The glaze protects the tile’s surface and simplifies maintenance; however, water can still penetrate through microscopic imperfections in the glaze. Thermal expansion cracks and exposed edges during installation can also facilitate water absorption. Hence, no one should rely entirely on glazing for moisture protection. A better option would be to invest in proper tile installation practices, edging sealing, and selecting material based on the actual tile absorption rating, rather than relying on surface treatments.
Myth #3 - Thicker Tiles Have Lower Water Absorption
Few people believe that thicker tiles are naturally water-resistant. In reality, a tile’s thickness has no relationship to its water absorption rates. Water absorption depends entirely on the material density, firing temperature, etc., rather than dimensional characteristics. Hence, in many cases, thin porcelain tiles can outperform thick ceramic tiles in terms of water resistance. If you have limited tile knowledge, focus on the published absorption ratings and certification data of the tiles rather than their physical dimensions. Technical specifications, such as tile’s water absorption ratings, are more accurate performance indicators. Thickness should be prioritised for structural requirements and installation considerations.Water Absorption Classifications (per ANSI standards):
Type
Absorption Rate
Use Case
Impervious
< 0.5%
Showers, pools, exteriors
Vitreous
0.5–3%
Kitchens, bathrooms
Semi-Vitreous
3-7%
Low-moisture indoor areas
Non-Vitreous
> 7%
Dry areas only (walls, décor)
Myth #4 – Tile Water Absorption Rates Only Matter in Bathroom Installations
People exploring outdoor tiles may hear that they shouldn’t worry about water absorption rates, as it only matters for bathroom installations. It’s a flawed notion that shouldn’t be followed. The quality of water absorption in tiles will always matter, regardless of the location you intend to install them. It directly influences tile performance across diverse applications.For instance, kitchen tiles face regular spills, steam, and moisture whereas entryways in residential or commercial spaces encounter wet weather conditions. Even interior spaces may experience humidity fluctuations if there aren’t adequate ventilation arrangements.Almost all spaces present some degree of moisture challenges, so installing tiles based on their water absorption ratings is significantly beneficial.
Myth #5 – Sealing Eliminates Water Absorption
One of the most common myths about tile water absorption is that applying sealers will eliminate absorption concerns, making any tile suitable for wet applications. While sealers reduce water penetration, they don’t eliminate the tile’s underlying absorption characteristics. You can invest in sealers for temporary protection, but you’ll have to keep reapplying them periodically for continued effectiveness. Even some high-absorption tiles remain vulnerable to moisture infiltration even when sealed, especially at cut edges. Anyone who wants to ensure full waterproofing should use sealers as a supplementary protection measure, rather than relying solely on them.
Myth #6 – Water Absorption Only Affects Tiles’ Longevity
With so many myths circulating around tiles and their water absorption qualities, it’s normal for many people to believe that water absorption rates only influence how long tiles last. In reality, water absorption in tiles has a significant impact on the tile’s daily performance and maintenance requirements.Higher water absorption rates increase the tile’s susceptibility to staining from spills, oils, and cleaning products. It makes tile maintenance more challenging and expensive. If tiles absorb more moisture, they can develop visible colour variations and efflorescence, which will compromise the tile’s aesthetic appeal over time.If you don’t have the time and resources to invest in frequent deep cleaning, specialised maintenance products, and professional restoration services, then choose tiles with low water absorption. Impervious and vitreous tiles are better suited for wet environments due to their comparatively lower water absorption rates.
Conclusion
Correct tile selection requires factoring in various aspects, with the tile’s water absorption characteristics being quite important. It provides objective criteria for matching materials to specific applications and environmental conditions. Anyone undertaking a space renovation project involving tilework should separate tile myths from technical realities.It will help you prevent costly structural and design mistakes while ensuring optimal long-term tile performance. At Orientbell Tiles, we offer a diverse range of tiles for residential and commercial spaces, featuring low water absorption ratings. You can browse our tile collection to find the correct tiles for your bathrooms, parking area, porch, terrace, and other spaces. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices and cannot make the right selection, contact our team at Orientbell Tiles, and one of our experts will be in touch with you for professional guidance.Also Read- Tile Popping: Causes & Prevention Tips
Prerna Sharma boasts 12 years of comprehensive experience in content creation and marketing strategies. For the past two years, she has served as the Content Website Editor at Orientbell Tiles, where she has been instrumental in shaping engaging online narratives. Prerna's expertise has been honed through impactful roles at CyberMedia, HT Media, and NIIT University. She holds an MBA in International Business from Amity International Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Asia Pacific Institute of Management.
600×1200 mm
