How to Choose Tiles Properly? Standards, Formats, Uses and Prices
Choosing tiles is a key step in any construction or renovation project. Today, recognized references such as Spanish tiles, Italian tiles, and Portuguese tiles are well established on the market. However, Turkish tiles have become a major player, widely used in France, Africa, and overseas territories, thanks to their diversity, compliance with standards, and excellent value for money.
UPEC TILES: an essential criterion for making the right choice
The UPEC tile classification defines tile use according to resistance:
• U: wear resistance
• P: resistance to indentation
• E: water resistance
• C: resistance to chemical agents
A U4P4 tile is recommended for high-traffic areas (retail spaces, public buildings, common areas), while a U3P3 tile is perfectly suitable for housing. Turkish UPEC tiles now meet French standards requirements.
NF Tiles and compliance with French standards
NF tiles, compliant with French standards, guarantee product reliability and durability. Turkish NF tiles are now recognized in French and overseas markets, both for interior floors and professional uses.
Full-body or glazed: choosing according to use
Turkish full-body tiles are especially valued in high-use areas. Their color is consistent through the full thickness, which reduces visible wear.
Turkish glazed tiles offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and effects (concrete, stone, wood), while remaining perfectly suitable for residential and tertiary uses.
Colors, finishes, and slip resistance
Choosing Turkish floor tiles also depends on:
• Color (light for brightness, dark for a contemporary result)
• Finish (matte, satin, textured)
• Slip-resistance ratings (R9, R10, R11), essential for wet, outdoor, or high-traffic areas
Tile formats: from classic to large format
Tile format strongly impacts both aesthetics and tile pricing. Current ranges include:
• 33x33, 45x45, 50x50
• 60x60, 60x120
• 120x120, 120x240, 120x280
• 30x60, 15x15, 20x20, and many other dimensions
These formats provide broad design freedom for both floors and walls.
Wood, marble, and concrete tile effects: the strengths of each finish
Wood-effect tiles
• Warm and natural look, close to real wood
• Resistant to moisture and temperature changes
• Easy to maintain, ideal for floors and wet rooms
• Suitable for both modern and traditional interiors
Marble-effect tiles
• Elegant and high-end appearance
• Brings brightness and refinement to spaces
• Durable alternative to natural marble
• Suitable for residential and professional projects
Concrete-effect tiles
• Contemporary and minimalist style
• Highly appreciated for modern and industrial atmospheres
• Available in multiple shades and finishes
• Easy to combine with other materials (wood, metal, aluminum)
Tile prices: quality at the right cost
Tile prices vary according to format, rating (U3P3, U4P4), finish, and product type. Thanks to a high-performing ceramics industry, Turkish tiles make it possible to access good-value tiles, even budget tiles, while still complying with French standards.
Compared to Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese tiles, Turkish floor tiles stand out for competitiveness, variety, and availability.
Wall tiles: aesthetics with cost control
For walls, affordable Turkish wall tiles offer a wide range of colors and formats, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and decorative spaces.
Why choose Turkish tiles?
Whether full-body or glazed, Turkish tiles are now a credible alternative to Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese production, especially for projects in France, Africa, and overseas territories, thanks to:
• U4P4 and U3P3 tiles
• Availability of Turkish NF tiles
• A wide choice of formats, colors, and finishes
• Competitive tile pricing
Current ranges also include highly sought-after decorative finishes such as wood-effect tiles for a warm and natural look, marble-effect tiles for elegant high-end rendering, and concrete-effect tiles for modern contemporary atmospheres. These effects combine aesthetics, durability, and easy maintenance while meeting the technical requirements of residential and professional projects.
