Sebarindo Architect – The real difference between ceramic and “granite” floor tiles is how much water they absorb. Denser tiles soak up less, stain less and suit wet areas better, and that number is printed on the box if you know where to look.
This guide is for owners choosing floor tiles for a house in Indonesia. It explains the national standard and what the labels mean; prices, brands and stock vary by shop, so they are left out.
The Standard Behind the Box
Ceramic tiles sold in Indonesia must meet SNI ISO 13006:2010, made mandatory by Minister of Industry Regulation 84/M-IND/PER/8/2012. The regulation covers glazed and unglazed tiles used mainly on floors and walls.
The standard sorts tiles by how they are made and how much water they absorb. “A” means extruded, “B” means dry-pressed, and the group code after it tells you the absorption range.
Water Absorption Groups Explained
| Group (pressed tiles) | Water absorption | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| BIa | 0.5% or less | Very dense; best for wet areas and terraces |
| BIb | Above 0.5% to 3% | Dense; suits most floors |
| BIIa | Above 3% to 6% | Medium; dry indoor floors |
| BIIb | Above 6% to 10% | More porous; check that it is rated for floors |
| BIII | Above 10% | Most porous; check the maker’s recommended use |
Lower absorption usually means a harder, less porous body. Spilled coffee or oil has fewer pores to sink into, and the tile copes better with constant moisture.
What Shops Call “Granite”
In Indonesian tile shops, granit usually refers to a factory-made porcelain tile, not quarried natural stone. It is sold as a premium, dense product by tile manufacturers.
Do not rely on the name. Look for the group code, such as BIa, on the box or the product data sheet, and ask the seller for it if it is missing.
Say two tiles look identical in the showroom. If one is BIa and the other is BIII, they will behave very differently on a bathroom floor.
Pick Tiles Room by Room
Bathrooms, kitchens and terraces get wet daily. Choose a low-absorption group and a textured or matte finish, because a glossy surface becomes slippery when wet.
Living rooms and bedrooms stay dry. Here, a medium-absorption ceramic tile can be a sensible, cheaper choice, and polished finishes are less of a risk.
Covered outdoor areas in the tropics face rain, sun and mold. A dense tile with a rough surface is easier to keep safe and clean.
Installation Matters as Much as the Tile
A good tile laid badly still fails. Hollow spots under tiles, often found by tapping, can crack when furniture or people press on them.
Large, dense tiles are heavier and flatter, so they need a level base and careful setting. Ask your contractor how they will bed the tiles and where they will leave movement joints, especially across large rooms.
Mistakes to Avoid
Most tile regrets come from a few choices made in the showroom. They are easy to avoid once you know them.
- Choosing a polished tile for a bathroom or terrace because it looked good under shop lights.
- Buying the exact quantity with no extra for cuts and breakage.
- Mixing boxes from different batches in one room.
- Picking a very large tile for a small or uneven floor, where it will rock or crack.
Check the SNI Mark Before You Buy
Because the standard is mandatory, ceramic tiles on the Indonesian market should carry the SNI mark. A box with no SNI mark, no group code and no manufacturer details is a reason to ask questions.
Keep one spare box from the same batch. Colors vary slightly between batches, and a matching tile is hard to find years later when one cracks.
A good floor starts with one small number on the box. Find it, and the rest of the choice gets much easier.
Construction costs and material prices vary by region, supplier, design and date. Ask a licensed contractor for a written itemized estimate (RAB) before you set your budget.
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