The core composition of a tile plays a crucial role in its appearance, durability, and suitability for different applications. The two main types of tile bodies are colour body and plain body (also known as white body) tiles.
- Colour Body Tilesare manufactured using clay and pigments that match the tile’s surface design. This means that if the tile is ever chipped, the colour underneath will be similar to the surface, making damage far less noticeable. These tiles are generally used in commercial spaces or high-traffic areas where durability is key. They’re also common in large-format porcelain ranges where edge visibility can be an issue.
- Plain Body Tiles, often made from lighter clays with a printed surface glaze, are typically more cost-effective. While they perform very well in everyday use, any surface chips can expose the white or off-white base, making them less forgiving in demanding environments.
While both are strong and suitable for most residential applications, colour body tiles offer an aesthetic and practical edge in areas where longevity and appearance matter — like public venues, lobbies, and kitchens. For everyday home use, however, plain body tiles offer great value with almost indistinguishable results once installed.
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