What is porcelain tile?
Porcelain is a denser, more vitrified type of ceramic tile, produced from a finer clay body and fired at a higher temperature than standard ceramic. This process reduces the tile's porosity, which generally translates into lower water absorption and higher mechanical strength than standard ceramic bodies. Porcelain is typically classified by industry standards (such as ISO 13006) as having very low water absorption, though exact figures vary by design and should always be confirmed against the specific product's datasheet before ordering.
Porcelain vs. ceramic: what's the difference?
Both are fired clay tiles, but porcelain uses a denser, more refined clay body and a higher firing temperature, which is what gives it lower porosity and greater durability. In practice, this means porcelain is generally better suited to higher-traffic commercial floors, exterior applications, and settings where moisture resistance matters -- while standard ceramic remains a cost-effective, reliable choice for residential floors and walls with lighter use. Neither is strictly "better" -- the right choice depends on the project's traffic level, location (interior vs. exterior) and budget. We manufacture and export both bodies, so we can help match the right one to your project.
Why choose porcelain tiles for your project?
Porcelain is a common specification for projects where long-term durability and low maintenance matter as much as appearance: hotel lobbies and hospitality floors, retail and commercial interiors, high-footfall public areas, and exterior applications such as facades or outdoor flooring (subject to the specific design's slip rating and frost resistance, which should be confirmed against its datasheet). It's also increasingly requested by residential buyers who want a premium, low-porosity floor without the fragility concerns sometimes associated with natural stone.
Technical specifications
Confirmed details for our porcelain range. The items below vary by individual design and production run and should be confirmed against the factory datasheet before ordering:
- Sizes: 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm
- Finish: Matte, Polished or Textured, depending on model
- Water absorption: available on request
- Thickness: available on request
- Slip resistance / frost resistance (for exterior use): available on request
- Packaging (pieces per carton, weight, pallet): available on request
- MOQ: available on request
- Lead time: available on request
We're glad to confirm any of the above for a specific design as part of a quotation, including per-container or per-truckload quantities for bulk export orders.
Application areas
Our porcelain tiles are commonly specified for hotel and hospitality interiors, retail and office floors, high-traffic public areas, and residential projects looking for a premium, low-maintenance floor. Depending on the specific design's slip rating and frost resistance, some models are also suitable for exterior use such as facades, courtyards and outdoor walkways -- if your project requires exterior-grade performance, let us know so we can confirm which designs qualify based on the datasheet.
Export markets we serve
Khatam Ardakan / ir-build exports porcelain and ceramic tiles to GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain), Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia and the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan). Our export team is familiar with the shipping documentation and logistics for these markets and can advise on the right shipping method for a given order size and destination, including standard container and truckload quantities.
Why source porcelain tiles from Iran?
Iran has an established, competitive porcelain and ceramic manufacturing base, and sourcing factory-direct removes a layer of trading-company markup from the supply chain. Khatam Ardakan has been manufacturing tiles since 2000 and has built up real, multi-year export experience -- including handling the documentation, customs and shipping questions that come up on a first order. Iran's geographic position also gives a shipping-distance advantage into several of these regional markets compared with more distant manufacturing hubs, and order handling is flexible enough to work with both established importers and first-time buyers.
Quality assurance & export readiness
Shade and calibration consistency is checked before tiles are packed, and orders go through quality control ahead of shipment. Khatam Ardakan holds the Iran National Standard mark and ISO 9001 certification, and is a member of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. Our export team can support you with the documentation an import typically requires, and can discuss samples and customization questions as part of the quotation process -- specific packaging, sample and customization options depend on the individual design, so ask your export contact for details on the item you're interested in.
FAQ
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature from a denser clay body, giving it lower water absorption and higher mechanical strength than standard ceramic -- making it a common choice for higher-traffic and exterior applications. Exact figures vary by design and should be confirmed against the datasheet.
What sizes are available in porcelain?
Our porcelain range is manufactured in 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm. Contact us to confirm which specific designs and finishes are currently in stock.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for porcelain tile exports?
MOQ is available on request and is typically discussed in terms of container or truckload quantities -- share your destination country and approximate order size and we can confirm.
Can I request a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes, samples can typically be arranged as part of the quotation process -- ask your export contact when you request a quote.
Is your porcelain suitable for exterior use?
Some designs are suitable for exterior applications depending on their slip resistance and frost resistance rating. Let us know your project requirements and we'll confirm which designs qualify based on the datasheet.
