Complete tile guide for Pakistani construction. Ceramic vs porcelain vs vitrified. Master, Sonex, imported brands. Cost, installation, sourcing.
Most common. Fired clay with glazed surface. Water absorption 3-7%. Good for residential walls + low-traffic floors. Cheaper but less durable than porcelain.
Denser, lower water absorption (<0.5%). More durable. Premium choice for floors. Cost 30-60% more than ceramic but lasts 2x longer.
Similar to porcelain but higher quartz content. Very durable, low maintenance. Common for commercial floors + premium residential.
Decorative accent tiles. Used for backsplashes, bathroom features. Reflects light. Premium aesthetic.
Small tiles (5x5cm or smaller) mounted on mesh. Used for accent walls, swimming pools, decorative borders.
| Brand | Cost/sqft (basic) | Cost/sqft (premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Master Tiles | Rs 80-130 | Rs 180-280 |
| Sonex Tiles | Rs 80-130 | Rs 170-260 |
| Stockist Tiles | Rs 90-140 | Rs 190-300 |
| Karam Ceramics | Rs 70-110 | Rs 150-220 |
| Origin | Brands | Cost/sqft |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Marazzi, Florim, Mirage, Atlas Concorde | Rs 400-1,800 |
| Spain | Porcelanosa, Saloni, Tau | Rs 350-1,400 |
| Turkey | Vitra, Kale, Seranit | Rs 300-900 |
| India | Kajaria, Somany, Nitco | Rs 180-600 |
| China (premium) | Marco Polo, Dongpeng | Rs 200-700 |
Master excellent at 30-40% of Italian price. Visual difference noticeable in large format (60x120+) and high-end finishes. For standard 60x60 floor — Master delivers premium look.
R9 minimum for interior dry areas. R10 for kitchens. R11+ for bathrooms + wet areas. R12-13 for pool decks, outdoor.
Porcelain 60x60 cm with R10+ anti-slip. Avoid polished tiles (slip hazard). Wood-look porcelain trending 2026.
Box markings should have country of origin + brand. Authentic Italian tiles have detailed batch info. Lab testing for water absorption confirms grade.