Technical Guide
Everything you need to know about tile specifications, installation standards, and material science curated by Bhawani’s expert team.
Tiles come in a remarkable variety of materials, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. At Bhawani, we stock the finest examples of every category.
Clay-based, kiln-fired at 1000-1200°C. Ideal for walls and light-traffic floors.
Dense, low-porosity body fired at 1200-1400°C. Superior durability for all applications.
Glass-fused surface with near-zero water absorption. Perfect for high-traffic commercial spaces.
Marble, granite, slate, travertine – each piece unique. Timeless luxury for premium interiors.
When choosing between ceramic and porcelain, consider the location. Porcelain’s low water absorption makes it the better choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
Understanding tile specifications helps you make informed decisions. Here are the critical parameters every buyer should know:
< 0.5% (Porcelain) | 3-6% (Ceramic)
Lower is better for wet areas. Porcelain's near-zero absorption makes it frost-proof too.
> 2000N (Standard) | > 8000N (Heavy Duty)
Measures how much force can a tile can withstand.
Dimensional Tolerance
± 0.5% for rectified | ± 1% standard
Essential for underfloor heating systems. All Bhawani porcelain tiles are heat-compatible.
± 0.5% for rectified | ± 1% standard
Rectified tiles have precision-cut edges for minimal grout lines and modern aesthetics.
Water absorption is arguably the most important specification. It determines where a tile can be safely used and how it will perform over time.
BIa
BIb
BII
BIII
< 0.5%
0.5 – 3%
3 – 6%
6 – 10%
Porcelain / Vitrified
Stoneware
Earthenware
Ceramic
Outdoor
Bedroom
Interior floors
Wall Tiles
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating measures a tile’s resistance to surface wear. This is critical for choosing floor tiles that will last.
Wall use only. Decorative applications.
Bathrooms, bedrooms. Soft-soled shoes only.
All residential rooms except kitchens & entryways.
All residential + light commercial (offices, shops).
Commercial, industrial, airports, malls. Maximum durability.
Safety first! The R-rating system classifies tiles by their slip resistance — critical for wet areas, ramps, and commercial spaces.
Living rooms, bedrooms, dry corridors
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms
Pool decks, industrial kitchens, ramps
Modern tiles come in an incredible range of sizes. The right size can make a small room feel spacious or add dramatic scale to a large area.
300×300mm
400×400mm
600×600mm
600×1200mm
800×800mm
800×1600mm
1200×1200mm
200×300mm
250×375mm
300×450mm
300×600mm
300×900mm
400×800mm
Large format tiles (600×1200mm and above) create fewer grout lines, giving spaces a seamless, luxurious feel. They’re our #1 recommendation for modern living rooms.
Proper installation is just as important as choosing the right tile. Here are the standards Bhawani recommends:
Subfloor must be level within 3mm per 3m. Clean, dry, and free of dust. Apply primer on porous substrates.
Use C2 grade adhesive for porcelain, C1 for ceramic walls. White adhesive for translucent/light-colored natural stone.
Dry-lay tiles first. Use 2mm spacers for rectified, 3-5mm for non-rectified. Start from center of room.
Wait 24 hours before grouting. Use epoxy grout for wet areas. Seal natural stone within 48 hours of installation.
Bhawani tiles are built to last — but proper care ensures they stay beautiful for decades.
India’s trusted name in premium tiles since 2000. 25+ years, 10,000+ happy clients.