CHARACTERISTICS IN STANDARD EN 14411

European standard EN 14411 establishes a set of physico-chemical

characteristics that need to be taken into account in ceramic tile as a function of the
tile’s intended use as flooring or wall cladding, and for interior or exterior applications.
In this sense, standard EN 14411 does not differ from the one it replaces, except for the
inclusion of some new characteristics or modification of the requirements, test method
or classification of results envisaged in EN 67-087-85. Chart 1 presents these
characteristics, the new characteristics or in-depth modifications being displayed in red.

The physico-chemical characteristics of ceramic tile, the obligatory or voluntary

nature of their consideration, and the minimum requirable values for each product group
have been summarised in Chart 2 (parts I, II, and II). The dimensional tolerances
envisaged for each product group are presented in Chart 3 (length and width) and in
Chart 4 (thickness, straightness of sides, rectangularity, and flatness). reviews these
characteristics and notes their effect on tile installation and durability.

Another interpretation of the foregoing charts may be made in relation to the

relative effect of the features they describe on tile installation and tiling durability. In
Chart 5 (parts I, II, III, and IV), we have included a number of new charts, in which the
last column notes the connection between these features and the tile installation mode
and/or effect on durability.

Physico-chemical characteristics 1
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO APPLICATIONS IN STANDARD EN 14411
APPLICATION TEST
CHARACTERISTIC FLOORS WALLS METHOD
ISO 10.545(3)
INTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR EXTERIOR Part
Dimensions and surface quality
■ Length and width 2
■ Thickness 2
■ Straightness of sides 2
■ Rectangularity 2
■ Surface flatness (curvature and warpage) 2
■ Surface quality 2
Physical properties
■ Water absorption 3
■ Modulus of rupture 4
■ Breaking strength 4
■ Resistance to deep abrasion (unglazed
6
tiles UGL)
■ Resistance to surface abrasion (glazed
7
tiles GL)
■ Slip resistance -(4)
■ Crazing resistance (glazed tiles) 11
■ Frost resistance (1) 12
■ Resistance to thermal shock (2) 9
(2)
■ Moisture expansion 10
■ Linear thermal expansion (2) 8
■ Small colour differences (2) 16
■ Impact resistance (2) 5
Chemical properties
■ Resistance to low concentrations of acids
13
and alkalis
■ Resistance to high concentrations of acids
13
and alkalis
■ Resistance to household chemicals and
13
swimming pool salts
■ Lead and cadmium release (2) (glazed tiles) 15
■ Stain resistance
- Glazed tiles 14
- Unglazed tiles (2) 14

NOTE: For the characteristics in red, the test method in standard EN 14411 constitutes a modification or a new contribution
compared with the previous European standards
(1) For tiles to be used in exteriors subject to frost/thaw cycles
(2) Test method available
(3) The test methods shall be conducted by laboratories recognised by the national standardisation organisations (ISO members)
and/or accredited organisations of the respective countries. Accreditation under ISO 9000 and/or ISO/IEC Guide 25 is
preferred.
(4) Slip resistance shall be measured according to the test method available in the tile country of destination, whenever this is
required by the national regulations. In Spain, document SUA 1 of the Technical Building Code shall be applied in tiles
intended for private flooring subject to common use or floorings in publicly trafficked architecture. Slip coefficient Rd is
measured by the friction pendulum method [UNE-ENV 12633].

Chart 1

Physico-chemical characteristics 2
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CLASS OR PRODUCT GROUP
CHARACTERISTIC UNIT OF
AND TEST METHOD MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII

DIMENSIONS The maximum allowable tolerances are shown in Charts 3 and 4

ISO 10545-2 mm or % • The maximum length and width tolerances in modular tiles shall allow a tile-to-tile joint between 3 and 11 mm wide.
• Straightness of sides and rectangularity are not envisaged for tiles with curved sides.
SURFACE QUALITY
% 95% of the tiles shall be free of visible defects that might adversely affect the appearance of the ceramic tiling
ISO 10545-2
WATER ABSORPTION (E)
• Average ≤0,5 ≤3 3<E≤6 6<E≤10 >10 ≤0.5 0.5<E≤3 3<E≤6 6<E≤10 >10
% by mass (5)
• Individual max. value 0,6 3.3 6.5 11 0.6 3.3 6.5 11
ISO 10545-3
BREAKING STRENGTH N
• Thickness ≥ 7.5 mm ≥1300 ≥1100 ≥950 ≥800 ≥900 ≥750 ≥600 ≥1300 ≥1100 ≥1000 ≥800 ≥600
• Thickness < 7.5 mm ≥600 ≥600 ≥600 ≥600 ≥900 ≥750 ≥600 ≥700 ≥700 ≥600 ≥500 ≥200
MODULUS OF RUPTURE (0) N/mm2 28/21 23/18 20/18 13/11 17,5/15 9/8 8/7 35/32 30/27 22/20 18/16 15/12 (6)
ISO 10545-4
• ABRASION RESISTANCE
• Deep for UGL tiles mm3 (max.) 275 393 541 649 1062 2365 175 175 345 540
ISO 10545-6
• Surface for GL tiles (1) PEI class and
STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES
ISO 10545-7 no. of cycles
COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR
ºC-1
THERMAL EXPANSION (2) TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
(K-1)
ISO 10545-8
Chart 2 (I)

Physico-chemical characteristics 3
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CLASS OR PRODUCT GROUP
CHARACTERISTIC UNIT OF
AND TEST METHOD
MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII

THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE

(2)
Yes/No TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-9
(3)
CRAZING RESISTANCE
GL TILES Yes/No YES YES
ISO 10545-11
FROST RESISTANCE (2)
Yes/No STATE RESULT TEST METHOD AVAILABLE YES YES TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-12
SLIP RESISTANCE THE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS
THE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS SHALL BE
SHALL BE SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE
SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL STANDARD
NATIONAL STANDARD OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF
OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF DESTINATION
DESTINATION

MOISTURE EXPANSION (2)

mm/m TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-10
SMALL COLOUR DIFFERENCES
(2)
TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-16
(2)
IMPACT RESISTANCE Coefficient
ISO 10545-5 of TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
restitution
STAIN RESISTANCE
Classes
• GL tiles MINIMUM CLASS 3 MINIMUM CLASS 3
5, 4, 3, 2,
• UGL tiles (2) and 1
TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-14
Chart 2 (II)

Physico-chemical characteristics 4
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CLASS OR PRODUCT GROUP
CHARACTERISTIC UNIT OF
AND TEST METHOD MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE THE
• To low concentrations of
THE CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED
acids and alkalis
• To high concentrations TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
Classes
• To household chemicals A, B, and C
and swimming pool salts
• In GL tiles
• In UGL tiles (4) MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB
ISO 10545-13 MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB

LEAD AND CADMIUM RELEASE

mg/dm2 TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
ISO 10545-15
(0)
This is not applied to tiles with breaking load F≥3000 N
(1)
For GL tiles intended for flooring, EN 14411 refers the user to Annex N (of an informative character) to suggest the surface abrasion resistance class according to level of traffic and
abrasive material involved [The section on resistance to surface abrasion, tile classification according to Annex N of EN 14411, may be consulted]
(2)
EN 14411 refers the user to Annex P (of an informative character) on the recommendation of levels according to intended tile use, with a view to clarifying the lack of definition involved in
this table by the indication ‘Test method available’ as sole ‘requirement’ for the corresponding product group
(3)
EN 14411 warns that some decorative effects trend to craze. If the manufacturer states this ‘effect’, the tile need not pass the test
(4)
If the colour, understood as shade or hue, ‘differs slightly’, chemical attack has not occurred
(5)
If the average water absorption capacity exceeds 20%, the manufacturer shall state the value. The minimum individual value of each tile shall not be below 9%
(6)
For BIII tiles, the standard proposes certain minimum values for the modulus of rupture according to nominal tile thickness: 12 N/mm2 for tiles with e≥7.5 mm and 15 N/mm2 for e<7.5 mm

Chart 2 (III)

Physico-chemical characteristics 5
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DEVIATIONS FROM LENGTH AND WIDTH ACCORDING TO EN 14411

TYPE OF PRODUCT DIMENSION M DIMENSION W AVERAGE COMMENTS

MEASUREMENT OF
10 TILES

AIa P, AIb P 3–11 mm joint ±1%/max. ±2 mm ±1% W-N ≤ ± 3 MM

AIa N, AIb N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”

AIIa-1 P “ ” ±1.25%/max. ±2 mm ±1% “ ”

AIIa-1 N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”

AIIa-2 P “ ” ±1.5%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”

AIIa-2 N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”

AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P “ ” ±2%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIII P
AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIII N
W-N ≤ 2%
S≤90 2-5 mm joint ± 1.2 % ± 0.75 %
max. ± 5 mm
BIa
BIb 90<S≤190 “ ” ±1% ± 0.5 % “ ”
BIIa
BIIb 190<S≤410 “ ” ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % “ ”

S>410 “ ” ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % “ ”

S: tile surface in cm2

BIII WITHOUT
SPACER LUGS
L ≤ 12 cm “ ” ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % W-N ≤ 2 mm

L > 12 cm “ ” ± 0.50 % ± 0.3 % “ ”

BIII WITH
SPACER LUGS
L ≤ 12 cm “ ” --- --- “ ”

L > 12 cm “ ” + 0.6 % // - 0.3 % ± 0.25 % “ ”

Only for GL tiles

M refers to the modular size (multiples and divisors of 100). It is not used in Europe
W is the work size, expressed as length x width x thickness, expressed in millimetres
P: we have introduced this to designate precision tiles
N: we have introduced this to designate natural tiles
P and N are not identified by codes in the standard
N also designates tile nominal size, in centimetres

Chart 3

Physico-chemical characteristics 6
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 MAXIMUM DEVIATIONS FROM THICKNESS, STRAIGHTNESS OF SIDES,
RECTANGULARITY, AND SURFACE FLATNESS ACCORDING TO EN 14411
Surface flatness
Straightness Curvature
Type of product Thickness of sides Rectangularity Centre Side Warpage
AIa P, AIb P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ±1% ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 %

AIa N, AIb N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ±1% ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %

AIIa-1 P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ±1% ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 %

AIIa-1 N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ±1% ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %

AIIa-2 P ± 10 % ±1% ±1% ±1% ±1% ± 1.5 %

AIIa-2 N ± 10 % ±1% ±1% ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %

AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P ± 10 % ±1% ±1% ±1% ±1% ± 1.5 %
AIII P

AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N ± 10 % ±1% ±1% ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %
AIII N

S≤90(1) ± 10 % ± 0.75 % ±1% ±1% ±1% ±1%

BIa
BIb 90<S≤190 ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %
BIIa 190<S≤410 ±5% ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %
BIIb
S>410 ±5% ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %

BIII (2) WITHOUT + 0.5 % + 0.5 %

± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 %
SPACER LUGS - 0.3 % - 0.3 %

BIII (2) S ≤ 250 + 0.8 % + 0.8 mm

± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.5 mm
WITH SPACER LUGS - 0.2 % - 0.2 mm

BIII (2) S > 250 + 0.8 % + 0.8 mm

± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.75 mm
WITH SPACER LUGS - 0.2 % - 0.2 mm
(1)
S: tile surface in cm2
(2)
Only for GL tiles

Chart 4

Physico-chemical characteristics 7
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411

REFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OF
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
EN 14411 RESULTS
DIMENSIONS Compulsory ► Fundamental to the tile installation process because they condition the
► Length and width ► For all tile types selection of the materials and the technique, as well as the quality of the
Tolerances
► Thickness ► For all service tiling finish (alignment of the joint pattern and flatness). They condition
ISO 10545-2 in
► Straightness of sides applications the tile installation mode (joint width, joint layout, etc.)
% or mm
► Rectangularity
► Flatness

SURFACE First quality ► This affects the quality of the tiling finish in regard to uniform appearance
ISO 10545-2 Idem ‘dimensions’
QUALITY max. 5% defective and absence of surface defects
► Boiling method is ► Fundamental to foreseeing the type of adhesion and, hence, selection of
E in %
WATER ABSORPTION compulsory the materials and tile installation technique
ISO 10545-3 DEFINES THE
CAPACITY ► Defines the product ► Directly related to other characteristics and to durability (frost resistance)
PRODUCT GROUPS
Group
► The maximum temperature swings in a tiling and this coefficient allow the
LINEAR THERMAL Voluntary characteristic C-1 or K-1 maximum lengthening and shortening per linear metre to be established.
ISO 10545-8
EXPANSION for the manufacturer (e.g.: 4.8x10-6K-1) Together with moisture expansion, this characteristic helps plan the
position of the movement joints
► Essential coefficient for establishing the position and width of the
Voluntary characteristic
MOISTURE EXPANSION ISO 10545-10 % or mm/m movement joints, in some cases with an influence 10 times greater than
for the manufacturer
that of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion
► Idem ‘dimensions’ ► Allows the ceramic tiles intended for wall tiling to be distinguished from
► Expression of force(S) those intended for flooring
S in newton (N)
BENDING STRENGTH ISO 10545-4 and modulus of rupture ► A high value of S (e.g. S>2000 N) will assure good performance in
R in N/mm2
(R) flooring intended for not exclusively pedestrian traffic
[1]
► CЄ mark
[1]
The CЄ mark requires statement of the breaking strength for all tiles intended for flooring or roofing, whatever their commercial class
Chart 5 (I)

Physico-chemical characteristics 8
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411

REFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OF
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
EN 14411 RESULTS
► Linked to the mechanical strength of the ceramic body. The smaller the
RESISTANCE TO DEEP Compulsory for all types
3 removed volume in mm3, the greater the toughness
ABRASION ISO 10545-6 of UGL tiles intended for mm
► It identifies UGL ceramic tile resistance to impairment of appearance by
(UGL tiles) flooring
mechanical action (scratching and abrasion)
To be stated: ► Linked to the mechanical resistance to impairment of appearance (surface
Class: abrasion of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring
RESISTANCE TO Compulsory for all types
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 ► Together with scratch resistance, loss of gloss, and stain resistance after the
SURFACE ABRASION ISO 10545-7 of GL tiles intended for
Number of cycles: visible stage of surface abrasion, it helps select the tile for the intended
(GL tiles) flooring
100, 150, 600,... location and foreseeable type of traffic
6000, 12000
► Provides information on the resistance to impairment of appearance by
gouging or scratching of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring
Mohs scale
SCRATCH RESISTANCE EN 67-101-92 Not envisaged ► Should be taken into account when a tile is to be selected for flooring with
from 1 to 10
a low level of traffic (hardness 4) or intermediate or high level of traffic
(minimum hardness 6)
► Provides information on gloss loss by surface abrasion in GL tiles. In UGL
tiles, the mirror gloss achieved by mechanical polishing is lost (>15) with
Adimensional
LOSS OF GLOSS ISO 2813 Not envisaged surface abrasion of 600 cycles
number
► Gloss loss above 15 involves visually perceivable surface deterioration,
based on the contrasting, altered surface
► Provides information on ceramic tile performance (especially GL tiles)
Adimensional
when impacted by blunt objects. Interesting information for the
Voluntary for the number from 0 to 1
IMPACT RESISTANCE ISO 10545-5 specifications writer and designer.
manufacturer (Coefficient of
► In UGL tiles it may be of interest to know the result of the heavy impact
restitution)
test (Annexe 7 of Cahier 2998 of the French CSTB)
Chart 5 (II)

Physico-chemical characteristics 9
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411

REFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OF
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
EN 14411 RESULTS
► Characteristic related to UGL ceramic tiles intended for flooring subject to
Annexe 6,
RESISTANCE TO Passes or does not live loads (rolling actions)
Cahier 2898 Not envisaged
ROLLING ACTION pass the test ► Competence of the designer or specifications writer for industrial flooring
CSTB (France)
or publicly trafficked architecture
► Compulsory for AIa, ► BIa and BIb shall ► Fundamental characteristic of ceramic tiles intended for exteriors in
AIb, BIa and BIb pass the test climates with frost risk
FROST RESISTANCE ISO 10545-12
► Voluntary for the ► For AIa, AIb state ► Selection of tiles that at least pass the test or, for greater safety, tiles AIa or
remaining groups result BIa in exteriors with greater risk (areas Y and Z) according to NBE-CT-79
► Passing the test does not assure absence of delayed crazing, which is
Compulsory for all GL Passes or does not
CRAZING RESISTANCE ISO 10545-11 related to the coefficient of moisture expansion, dimensional stability of
tiles pass the test
the fixing background, and tile installation technique
► Linked to the chemical resistance to impairment of appearance as a result
Compulsory or voluntary Codes in PDF on of attack by products that alter the ceramic tile surface (discoloration, loss
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE ISO 10545-13 depending on type of tile Chemical of gloss and/or surface corrosion)
and test resistance (I) ► Knowing the resistance to chemical attack of a wall tile or floor tile helps
select a tile for an intended use
► Compulsory for GL ► Linked to tile cleanability before the tile installation
tiles Classes ► Related to performance with time of tiles intended for flooring, in regard to
STAIN RESISTANCE ISO 10545-14
► Voluntary for UGL 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 their cleanability after processes of mechanical and/or chemical aggression
tiles
LEAD AND CADMIUM Voluntary for the ► Characteristic only to be envisaged for GL tiles that will be in direct
ISO 10545-15 mg/dm2
RELEASE manufacturer contact with food. In this case, they shall bear the CЄ mark
Chart 5 (III)

Physico-chemical characteristics 10
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS ENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411

REFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OF
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
EN 14411 RESULTS
COF. CLASS 2 ► Essential characteristic for evaluating safety in regard to the slip risk of
ISO/DIS 10545-17 Not envisaged
COF. CLASS 1 tiles intended for flooring
► Greater or lesser slip resistance shall be assessed as a function of slip risk
SLIP RESISTANCE (presence of water and/or substances that foster slipping)
CLASSES [2] ► There are also national standards that delimit the anti-slip capacity of
UNE-ENV 12633 Not envisaged
3, 2, 1 ceramic tiles, and tables that relate that capacity to the type of flooring
(location and traffic)
[2]
According to document SUA 1 of the new Spanish Technical Building Code

Chart 5 (IV)

Physico-chemical characteristics 11
Characteristics in standard EN 14411