How to Identify Genuine Full Body Porcelain Tiles (Before It’s Too Late)
Full body porcelain tiles are one of the most trusted surfaces in Dubai. Architects and interior designers choose them because they stay beautiful for years, even in busy spaces. But popular products always get copied, and full body tiles are no different.
Many tiles on the market look like full body but aren’t. Some are so convincing that even professionals can’t tell the difference in the showroom. The truth usually comes out after installation, when a chip shows a different color underneath. By then, the money is spent and the floor is already laid.
Here's how to make sure you're getting the real thing.
What Are Full Body Tiles?
A full body tile has the same color and material all the way through. If you cut it or chip it, the inside looks exactly like the top.
Glazed vs Full Body Tiles
A glazed tile has its design printed on a thin top layer. Underneath, the base is a different color.
Double Charge vs Full Body Tiles
A double charge tile has a thicker top layer, usually a few millimetres. It lasts longer than glazed, but once you go below that layer, the color changes.
Why It Matters
In high traffic areas like hotel lobbies, malls, offices, and villa entrances, tiles get chipped and worn over time. With full body porcelain, small chips are hard to notice because the color is the same inside. That’s why full body tiles are one of the best tiles for high traffic areas.
How to Identify Full Body Tiles: 5 Simple Checks
1. Check the edge and back. Turn the tile over. On a genuine full body tile, the sides and back match the color of the face. A different base color is the easiest sign it’s not full body.
2. Ask for a cut sample. A good supplier will happily give you an offcut. Scratch or chip the edge. If a different color shows a few millimetres down, it’s a double charge tile.
3. Feel the weight. Real porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, so it feels dense and solid. Weight alone isn’t proof, but a tile that feels light for its size is worth a second look.
4. Do the water drop test. Put a few drops of water on the back of the tile. Porcelain tile water absorption should be 0.5% or less by international standards, so the water should sit on top. If it soaks in quickly, the tile is too porous.
5. Read the technical data sheet. Ask for the porcelain tile technical data sheet (TDS) and test reports. Check the water absorption, breaking strength, and product classification. Trusted suppliers share these easily. If the paperwork is missing or unclear, be careful.
If a supplier hesitates on any of these checks, that tells you everything.
Why Architects and Designers Choose SANSAM
SANSAM Ceramics is a premium porcelain tile supplier in the UAE. We source our tiles from trusted manufacturers in Italy and Iran, and we stand behind every product we sell. No shortcuts, no surprises after handover.
We share cut samples, technical data sheets, and test reports for any product you’re considering. We believe architects and interior designers should know exactly what they’re specifying.
When you choose SANSAM, you get porcelain tiles that perform the way they promise, for years to come.
Looking for Premium Tiles in Dubai?
Visit our tile showroom in Al Quoz to see and feel our full body porcelain tiles in person. You can also reach our team at Info@sansamco.com or +971 4 267 5040. We’ll send you samples and technical details so you can choose with confidence.