Written by the Stylfixx team · Reviewed by Omar Sharieff, Director, Stylfixx Innovations Pvt. Ltd. · Last updated 7 November 2026
Quick answer: For most floors in Indian homes, vitrified tiles are the best choice. They absorb very little water, resist stains and scratches, and are easy to clean. Use glazed (GVT/PGVT) or double-charged vitrified tiles in living rooms and bedrooms, matt anti-skid tiles rated R10 or higher in bathrooms and balconies, full-body vitrified or heavy-duty tiles for stairs, outdoor areas and parking, and keep ceramic tiles for walls and light-use rooms.
The right tile also depends on the size of the room, how much traffic it gets and whether it gets wet. Below is a room-by-room guide, the four specifications worth checking on any tile box, and what it costs to have floor tiles laid in Bengaluru.
Floor tile types compared
| Tile type | Water absorption | Wear resistance | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Higher (over 3%) | Low to moderate | ₹ | Walls, light-use rooms |
| Polished vitrified (PVT / soluble salt) | Low (vitrified) | Moderate; polish can dull | ₹ | Budget floors in bedrooms |
| Glazed vitrified (GVT) and polished glazed (PGVT) | Low (vitrified) | Good; the printed glaze can wear in heavy traffic | ₹₹ | Living rooms, bedrooms, designer looks |
| Double charge vitrified | Low (vitrified) | Very good; thick colour layer | ₹₹ | Busy living areas, offices |
| Full-body vitrified / porcelain | Very low (0.5% or less) | Excellent; colour runs through the tile | ₹₹–₹₹₹ | Stairs, outdoor, high traffic, commercial |
| Heavy-duty parking tiles | Low | Built for vehicle loads | ₹₹ | Driveways, parking, ramps |
Double charge vs GVT vs PGVT vs full body
All four are vitrified tiles, so they share a dense, low-absorption body. The difference is in the top layer:
- GVT (glazed vitrified tile): a design is digitally printed on a glaze layer on top. This gives the widest choice of looks, such as marble, wood and stone. The glaze is thin, so a deep chip shows the different-coloured body underneath.
- PGVT (polished glazed vitrified tile): a GVT with a polished, high-gloss surface. It looks luxurious but shows scratches and is slippery when wet.
- Double charge: two layers of pigment are pressed into the top few millimetres of the tile. Designs are simpler (speckled and plain patterns), but the thick wear layer makes it very hard-wearing.
- Full body: the colour and pattern run through the whole thickness, so chips and scratches barely show. It is the toughest option and the usual choice for stairs, outdoors and commercial floors.
Double charge vs GVT, in short: pick GVT or PGVT for looks, double charge for durability on a busy floor.
Four specifications to check on the tile box
- Water absorption group. Under the Indian standard IS 15622, tiles absorbing 0.5% or less are group BIa (fully vitrified or porcelain), 0.5–3% are BIb (vitrified), and higher groups are stoneware and ceramic. Group BIII tiles (over 10%) are for walls only. For floors, choose BIa or BIb.
- PEI class (glazed tiles). This rates how well the glaze resists wear, from class 0 to V. Class III or higher suits homes; IV to V suits shops and offices. Full-body and double-charge tiles are tested differently, so they may not show a PEI class.
- Slip rating. Slip resistance is shown as an R-value (R9 to R13) from a ramp test, or as a wet-pendulum value. Use R10 or higher in bathrooms, balconies and entrances; R11 or higher outdoors and on ramps.
- Size and edges. Rectified tiles have machine-cut, straight edges, so they can be laid with narrow 2–3 mm joints. Non-rectified tiles need wider joints.
If the box or catalogue doesn't show these, ask the dealer. A good tile brand publishes all four.
Best tiles room by room
Living room
GVT or PGVT tiles for a marble or stone look, or double-charge tiles if the room takes heavy traffic. Large formats such as 600 × 1200 mm (2 × 4 ft) or 800 × 1600 mm make a room look bigger, with fewer grout lines. Choose glossy for shine or satin and matt to hide dust and footprints, which matters in Bengaluru's dusty months.
Bedrooms
GVT, double charge or wood-look vitrified tiles in 600 × 600 or 600 × 1200 mm. Wood-look tiles give a warm feel without the upkeep of real wood. Matt or satin finishes feel better underfoot than high gloss.
Kitchen
Matt or satin vitrified tiles that resist stains from oil and turmeric, in 600 × 600 mm. Avoid high-gloss floors near the cooking area, where spills make them slippery. Choose a mid-tone colour; very light and very dark floors both show marks.
Bathroom floor
Matt anti-skid vitrified or porcelain tiles rated R10 or R11. Smaller sizes, such as 300 × 300 or 300 × 600 mm, make it easier to slope the floor towards the drain and give more grip through extra grout lines. Large tiles can be used if the installer cuts the slope properly. Use epoxy grout, which doesn't absorb water or stain. Our bathroom renovation page covers waterproofing under the tiles, which matters more than the tile itself.
Balcony and terrace
Outdoor-rated anti-skid tiles (R11 or higher), full-body or double-charge, laid with a slope towards the outlet. Tiles on a terrace are not waterproofing; the slab needs a waterproof layer underneath. See our guide to which waterproofing is best for a terrace.
Stairs
Full-body vitrified tiles or step-and-riser tiles with a grooved anti-skid nosing on the front edge. Avoid glossy tiles on treads. Granite is also common on Bengaluru staircases and is equally hard-wearing.
Parking and driveway
Heavy-duty parking tiles, which are thicker and designed to carry cars, laid on a firm concrete base. Ordinary floor tiles crack under vehicle loads.
Glossy or matt floor tiles?
| Finish | Pros | Cons | Use in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy / polished | Reflects light, looks luxurious, easy to wipe | Slippery when wet, shows scratches, dust and footprints | Living and dining rooms |
| Satin | Some sheen, better grip, hides marks better | Less dramatic shine | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Matt / anti-skid | Best grip, hides dust and stains | Textured surfaces need a little more scrubbing | Bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, outdoors |
Choosing a tile size
| Room | Common sizes |
|---|---|
| Large living room or hall | 600 × 1200 mm, 800 × 1600 mm |
| Bedroom, small living room | 600 × 600 mm, 600 × 1200 mm |
| Kitchen | 600 × 600 mm |
| Bathroom floor | 300 × 300 mm, 300 × 600 mm, 600 × 600 mm |
| Balcony, terrace, parking | 300 × 300 mm, 400 × 400 mm, 600 × 600 mm |
Large-format tiles need a flat base, a polymer adhesive and an experienced tiler. Laid on uneven mortar, they rock and sound hollow.
What does it cost to lay floor tiles?
Typical 2026 Bengaluru labour rates for laying tiles, tiles not included:
| Work | With cement mortar | With polymer adhesive |
|---|---|---|
| Floor tiles up to 2 × 2 ft | ₹25 – ₹40 per sq ft | ₹40 – ₹60 per sq ft |
| Large-format 2 × 4 ft and above | ₹45 – ₹70 per sq ft | ₹60 – ₹90 per sq ft |
| Epoxy grouting (add-on) | ₹15 – ₹30 per sq ft | ₹15 – ₹30 per sq ft |
Buy about 5–10% more tiles than the floor area to cover cutting and breakage, and more for diagonal patterns. Removing old flooring, levelling the base and skirting are extra. Exact prices are fixed after a site visit; see our tile installation page for details.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Glossy tiles in wet areas. The most common cause of falls in bathrooms and on balconies.
- Wall tiles on floors. High-absorption ceramic wall tiles crack and stain underfoot.
- Too little adhesive or mortar under large tiles. Hollow spots crack later. Tap-test the floor after laying.
- No expansion gaps at walls and on large floors, which can make tiles lift in summer heat.
- Mixing batches. Shade varies between production batches; buy all tiles from one batch with spares.
- Skipping the slope in bathrooms, balconies and terraces, so water stands on the floor.
How Stylfixx lays floor tiles
Stylfixx lays floor and wall tiles in homes, offices and outdoor areas across Bengaluru, including Hennur, Kalyan Nagar, HRBR Layout, Thanisandra and Hebbal. We check the base for level and soundness, use polymer adhesive for large formats, keep joints even with spacers and levelling clips, slope wet areas to the drain, and grout with epoxy where you choose it. Tiles can be part of a full home renovation or a single room.
Get a tiling quote: call or WhatsApp +91 98861 66157 with the room size and the tile you like. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm.
FAQs
Which is better, GVT or PVT tiles?
GVT (glazed vitrified) tiles are usually better for homes. They come in far more designs and keep their look longer. PVT (polished vitrified or soluble salt) tiles are cheaper, but their polish can dull and they stain more easily. For heavy traffic, double-charge or full-body tiles beat both.
Which is better, Kajaria or Johnson tiles?
Both are large Indian tile makers with full ranges of vitrified, ceramic and outdoor tiles. Compare the specific tiles rather than the brands: water absorption group, PEI class, slip rating, rectified edges and price for the size you need.
What is the difference between vitrified and porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are a type of fully vitrified tile, absorbing 0.5% water or less (group BIa). In India, "vitrified" also covers tiles absorbing up to 3% (group BIb). Both suit floors; porcelain and full-body tiles are the toughest.
Can new tiles be laid over old floor tiles?
Yes, if the old tiles are firmly bonded and level. New tiles are fixed with polymer adhesive, which costs about ₹50 to ₹80 per sq ft to lay. The floor rises by about 8–12 mm, so doors may need trimming. Hollow or cracked old tiles must come out first.
How long do vitrified floor tiles last?
Well-laid vitrified tiles usually last as long as the floor itself. Most problems, such as hollow or lifting tiles and cracked corners, come from poor bedding, missing expansion gaps or the wrong tile for the room, not from the tile wearing out.
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