ANSI A137.

1-2008

American National Standard

Specifications for Ceramic Tile

Secretariat
Tile Council of North America, Incorporated

Approved
American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Abstract
This publication presents voluntary standard specifications for ceramic tile. It lists and defines various
types, sizes, physical properties, and grading procedures for ceramic tile, including mosaic tile, quarry
tile, pressed floor tile, glazed wall tile, porcelain tile, trim units, and specialty tile. This standard provides
quality criteria for buyers, specifiers, installers, manufacturers, and the public in general. It is intended
for reference or inclusion in the ceramic tile section of project specifications and contracts.

­
American National Standard

Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the requirements for due process,
consensus, and other criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial agreement
has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more
than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be
considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence does not in any respect
preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or
using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no circumstances give an
interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue
an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute.
Requests for interpretation should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title
page of this standard.

CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. The
procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to
reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive
current information on all standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute.

Published by:

Tile Council of North America, Incorporated

100 Clemson Research Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29625

Copyright © 2008 Tile Council of North America Incorporated.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without
prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America.

100 Clemson Research Blvd. Batallón de San Patricio #109-308. Colonia Valle Oriente
Anderson, SC 29625 San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León. CP 66269
Tel: 864-646-8453 ❒ Fax: 864-646-2821 Tel: 52 (81) 8625-3306 ❒ Fax: 52 (81) 8625-3333
Web Site: www.tileusa.com Sitio en Internet: www.tileusa.com y www.tcna.com.mx
Product Email: literature@tileusa.com Correo electrónico del producto: literatura@tcna.com.mx
Lab Email: testing@tileusa.com
 Production Staff

Eric Astrachan, Executive Director, Tile Council of North America

Dan Brown, Cover Design, Visiontech Studios
Bill Griese, Laboratory Engineer, Tile Council of North America
D.J. Liefer, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Tile Council of North America
Stephanie Samulski, Instructor, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
Kathy Snipes, Industry Relations, Tile Council of North America
Shannon Woodmansee, Director of Membership & Public Relations, Tile Council of North America

NOTICE TO READER

THIS PUBLICATION AND ALL OF THE INFORMATION IT CONTAINS ARE PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ WITHOUT WARRANTY
OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT,
ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

PUBLISHER HAS NOT PERFORMED ANY INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION TO OBTAIN AND INCLUDE
INFORMATION OTHER THAN THAT PRESENTED HEREIN RESULTING FROM THE ANSI ACCREDITED STANDARDS
COMMITTEE A108 PROCESS.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL PUBLISHER BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON OR BUSINESS ENTITY FOR
ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY
DAMAGES, RESULTING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FROM ANY USE OF, REFERENCE TO, OR RELIANCE UPON THIS
PUBLICATION.

Foreword iii
Foreword

This voluntary standard lists and defines various types, sizes, physical properties and grading procedures
for ceramic tile. It is intended as a guide to aid the general public, manufacturers, distributors, specifiers,
architects, tile contractors, and other businesses and professionals in the tile industry.

While the existence of the standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, including those who have
accepted it, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using products, processes or procedures not
conforming to this standard, producers of ceramic tile made in conformance with this standard are encouraged
individually to indicate such conformance in advertising, promotion, and on tags and labels.

These standards were processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards Committee
(ASC) on Ceramic Tile A108. Committee approval of a standard does not necessarily imply that all committee
members voted for its approval. The A108 Committee had the following members at the time it approved these
standards:

Committee Members

Organization Represented......................................................................................... Name of Representative

American Hotel and Motel Association..............................................................................................Kevin Maher
APA The Engineered Wood Association...........................................................................................Fulton Desler
ARCOM, Inc................................................................................................................... Eugene “Buz” Groshong
Artcraft Granite Marble and Tile.....................................................................................................James Woelfel
Atlas Minerals and Chemicals........................................................................................................ Mario Navarro
Bonsal American............................................................................................................................... Tom Cassutt
Bostik, Inc............................................................................................................................................... Sue Isble
Ceramic Tile and Stone Assoc. of Arizona.......................................................................................... Sam Hibbs
Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants............................................................................................. Donato Pompo
Ceramic Tile Distributors Association.............................................................................................. Sam Widener
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation................................................................................................... Dave Gobis
Ceramic Tile Institute of America................................................................................................... Gray Lafortune
Chicago Tile Institute...................................................................................................................... Larry Bourbon
Construction Specifications Institute............................................................................................... Howard Pryor
Crossville, Inc........................................................................................................................................ Tim Bolby
Custom Building Products................................................................................................................ Dave deBear
Dal-Tile International.......................................................................................................................... James Neel
David Allen Company............................................................................................................................ Don Scott
Forensic Tile Consultants.................................................................................................................. Greg Mowat
Great Lakes Ceramic Tile Council.................................................................................................. Gerald Chioini
Gypsum Association.......................................................................................................................Robert Wessel
Huntington Tile.................................................................................................................................David Adams
Interceramic.................................................................................................................... Fernando Lozano Assad
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers................................................................ John Mason
James Hardie Building Products..................................................................................................... Chad Diercks
Marble Institute of America......................................................................................................Chuck Muelbauher
Materials and Methods Standards Association....................................................................................Steve Fine
Metropolitan Ceramics/Ironrock, Inc..............................................................................................Roy Gorton, Jr.
Michael Byrne Associates.............................................................................................................. Michael Byrne
National Association of Home Builders....................................................................................................Jeff Inks
National Tile Contractors Association................................................................................................. Bart Bettiga
Oceanside Glasstile Company........................................................................................................ Scott Fleming
Portland Cement Association............................................................................................................ Jamie Farny
Professional Consultants International, LLC.............................................................................Richard Goldberg
Radiant Panel Association................................................................................................................... Dan Chiles
Schluter Systems............................................................................................................................ Peter Nielsen
Summitville Tiles, Inc................................................................................................................................Joe Dutt
TCA Team, LLC..................................................................................................................... Stephanie Samulski
TCNA Underlayment Committee................................................................................................. Leigh Hightower
Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada.......................................................................... Dale Kempster
Tile and Stone Council of Northern California..................................................................................John Wagner
iv Foreword
Committee Members continued

Organization Represented......................................................................................... Name of Representative

Tile Contractors Association of America............................................................................................Chris Walker
Tile Council of North America, Inc.........................................................................................................Bill Griese
United Brotherhood of Carpenters.....................................................................................................Steve Fuller
US TAG to ISO TC-189 WG3.............................................................................................................Greg Schad
Western States Ceramic Tile Contractors Association.................................................................... William Steed
Wood Construction and Engineering Consultant.............................................................................Frank Woeste

The Tile Council of North America wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the ad hoc A137.1 revision
committee: Terry Adams, Noah Chitty, Silver Cornia, Jim Fox, Keith Doegg, Roy Gorton, Jr., Svend Hovmand,
Felipe Matan, Craig Miller, James Neel, David Reader, Guy Renkert, Eduardo Rios, and Tom Sawyer, and the
many others who also contributed to the development of the draft version submitted to ANSI ASC-A108 for its
consideration.

Foreword v
Standards

The following standards are referred to in the body of this standard by ASTM designation only and by reference
are incorporated in this American National Standard. Dates following ASTM designation indicate date of
publication or latest revision. Dates in parentheses indicate date on which standard was reaffirmed. Current
edition of these standards should be utilized at all times.

Standard Designation Title

ASTM C370-88 (1999) Standard Test Method for Moisture Expansion of Fired Whiteware Products

ASTM C372-94 (2001) Standard Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Porcelain Enamel
and Glaze Frits and Fired Ceramic Whiteware Products by the Dilatometer
Method

ASTM C373-88 (1999) Standard Test Method for Water Absorption, Bulk Density, Apparent Porosity,
and Apparent Specific Gravity of Fired Whiteware Products

ASTM C424-93 (1999) Standard Test Method for Crazing Resistance of Fired Glaze Whitewares by
Autoclave Treatment

ASTM C482-02 Standard Test Method for Bond Strength of Ceramic Tile to Portland Cement

ASTM C484-99 (2003) Standard Test Method for Thermal Shock Resistance of Glazed Ceramic Tile

ASTM C485-83 (2003) Standard Test Method for Measuring Warpage of Ceramic Tile

ASTM C499-78 (2003) Standard Test Method for Facial Dimensions and Thickness of Flat,
Rectangular Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile

ASTM C502-04 Standard Test Method for Wedging of Flat, Rectangular Ceramic Wall and
Floor Tile

ASTM C609-90 (2000) Standard Test Method for Measurement of Small Color Differences Between
Ceramic Wall or Floor Tile

ASTM C648-04 Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength of Ceramic Tile

vi Foreword
 Standard Designation Title

ASTM C650-04 Standard Test Method for Resistance of Ceramic Tile to Chemical
Substances

ASTM C1026-87 (2002) Standard Test Method for Measuring the Resistance of Ceramic Tile to
Freeze-Thaw Cycling

ASTM C1027-99 (2004) Standard Test Method for Determining Visible Abrasion Resistance of Glazed
Ceramic Tile

ASTM C1028-06 Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of
Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-
Meter Method

ASTM C1243-93 (2003) Standard Test Method for Relative Resistance to Deep Abrasive Wear of
Unglazed Ceramic Tile by Rotating Disc

ASTM C1378-04 Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance to Staining

Foreword vii
 Table of Contents
Foreword �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iv

Committee Members��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iv

Standards�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� vi

1.0 Purpose �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

2.0 Scope ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

3.0 Definition of Terms��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

4.0 Tile Classification����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

4.1 Class����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.0 Procedures for Sampling and Testing and Basis for Acceptance���������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.1 Lot Size������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.1.1 Lot Size Units������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.2 Sample Size�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.3 Sampling Plan��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

5.4 General Procedure�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

5.5 Basis for Acceptance����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7

6.0 Ceramic Tile (Field and Trim)���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

6.1 Allowable Properties by Tile Type ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

6.2 Field Tile���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14

6.3 Trim Units ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17

7.0 Specialty Tile��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.1 Freeze-Thaw Cycling�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.2 Moisture Expansion����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.3 Linear Thermal Expansion������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.4 Visible Abrasion Resistance���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.5 Static Coefficient of Friction����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

7.6 Performance of Specialty Tile ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

8.0 Grade Marking and Certification���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

8.1 Grade Marking Distinguishes Various Qualities and Attributes of Ceramic Tiles ������������������������������������������18

8.2 Definition of Grades ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

8.3 Labeling Procedures �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18

8.4 Authorized Use�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19

8.5 Certification����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19
viii Table of Contents
8.6 Pre-Certification����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19

9.0 Applicable Evaluation Procedures �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19

9.1 Procedure for Determining Structural Defects in Field Tile and Trim Units ���������������������������������������������������19

9.2 Procedure for Evaluating Ceramic Tile for Facial Defects������������������������������������������������������������������������������19

9.3 Test Method for Color Difference (Shading) of Monochromatic (Aesthetic Class V0) Glazed Ceramic Field
Tile �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20

9.4 Evaluation of Shade Value of Ceramic Tiles (Aesthetic Classes V1 to V4)����������������������������������������������������20

9.5 Test Method for Mounting Variations �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������21

Tables

Table 1: Class and Corresponding Water Absorption (wa) Ranges�����������������������������������������������������������������������5

Table 2: 2.5% AQL Inspection Level 2 Normal Sampling Plan�������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

Table 3: Aesthetic Classes�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

Table 4: Test Classification�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7

Table 5: Index of Specification Tables��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

Table 6: Mosaic Tile������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9

Table 7: Quarry Tile����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

Table 8: Pressed Floor Tile�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11

Table 9: Glazed Wall Tile��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12

Table 10: Porcelain Tile����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13

Table 11: Deep Abrasion���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15

Table 12: Visible Abrasion Classification��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15

Table 13: Chemical Resistance Classification������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16

Table 14: Stain Resistance Classification�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16

Table 15: Determining Number of Grout Joints for Measurement – Example������������������������������������������������������22

Figures

Figure 1: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Trim....................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 2: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Trim....................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 3: Mosaic Conventional 1x1 Trim.............................................................................................................. 23

Figure 4: Mosaic Conventional 2x2 Trim.............................................................................................................. 23

Figure 5: Mosaic Pool Edge Trim......................................................................................................................... 23

Figure 6: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Flat Top Base........................................................................................................ 23

Figure 7: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Round Top Base, Option 1.................................................................................... 24

Figure 8: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Round Top Base, Option 2.................................................................................... 24

Table of Contents ix
Figure 9: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Round Top Base, Option 3.................................................................................... 24

Figure 10: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Flat Top Base, Option 1...................................................................................... 24

Figure 11: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Flat Top Base, Option 2...................................................................................... 24

Figure 12: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Round Top Base................................................................................................. 24

Figure 13: Quarry 4x8 Bullnose............................................................................................................................ 25

Figure 14: Quarry 6x6 Bullnose............................................................................................................................ 25

Figure 15: Quarry 6x8 Round Top Base............................................................................................................... 25

Figure 16: Quarry 4x8 Round Top Base............................................................................................................... 25

Figure 17: Quarry 6x6 Round Top Base............................................................................................................... 25

Figure 18: Quarry 6x6 Flat Top Base.................................................................................................................... 25

Figure 19: Quarry 6x8 Flat Top Base.................................................................................................................... 26

Figure 20: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 8x8 Trim, Option 1....................................................................................... 26

Figure 21: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 8x8 Trim, Option 2....................................................................................... 26

Figure 22: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 8x8 Trim, Option 3....................................................................................... 26

Figure 23: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 12x12 Trim................................................................................................... 26

Figure 24: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 6x8 Round Top Base.................................................................................... 27

Figure 25: Glazed Wall 4x4 Surface Trim............................................................................................................. 27

Figure 26: Glazed Wall 6x8 Surface Trim............................................................................................................. 27

Figure 27: Glazed Wall 4x4 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 27

Figure 28: Glazed Wall 6x6 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 27

Figure 29: Glazed Wall 2x6 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 28

Figure 30: Glazed Wall 2x4 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 28

Figure 31: Glazed Wall 4x6 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 28

Figure 32: Glazed Wall 6x4 Surface Bullnose...................................................................................................... 28

Figure 33: Glazed Wall 4x4 Base......................................................................................................................... 28

Figure 34: Glazed Wall 4x4 Sanitary Base............................................................................................................28

Figure 35: Glazed Wall 4x6 Sanitary Base............................................................................................................28

Figure 36: Glazed Wall 6x6 Sanitary Base............................................................................................................28

Figure 37: Glazed Wall Counter Rail (Sink Rail)...................................................................................................29

Figure 38: Glazed Wall 4x4 Conventional Trim.....................................................................................................29

Figure 39: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Trim.....................................................................................................29

Figure 40: Glazed Wall 4x6 Conventional Trim.....................................................................................................29

Figure 41: Glazed Wall 6x4 Conventional Trim.....................................................................................................30

Figure 42: Glazed Wall 2x6 Conventional Bullnose..............................................................................................30

x Table of Contents
Figure 43: Glazed Wall 4x4 Conventional Bullnose..............................................................................................30

Figure 44: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Bullnose..............................................................................................30

Figure 45: Glazed Wall 2x6 Conventional Base....................................................................................................30

Figure 46: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Base, Option 1....................................................................................31

Figure 47: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Base, Option 2....................................................................................31

Figure 48: Glazed Wall 4x6 Conventional Base....................................................................................................31

Figure 49: Glazed Wall Quarter Round Trim.........................................................................................................31

Figure 50: Glazed Wall Double Return Trim..........................................................................................................31

Figure 51: Master Grade Certificate......................................................................................................................32

Figure 52: Letter of Compliance Certificate...........................................................................................................33

Table of Contents xi
American National Standard Specifications for Ceramic Tile
ANSI A137.1 – 2008 [Revised]

1.0 Purpose

These specifications serve as a reference standard for buyers and specifiers of Standard Grade and Second
Grade ceramic tile, Decorative Tile, and Specialty Tile. These specifications are also a guide to producers in
maintaining quality control of the manufacture of such ceramic tile.

2.0 Scope

These Specifications describe the normally available sizes and shapes of ceramic tile: the physical properties of
Standard Grade and Second Grade Ceramic Tile, Decorative Tile and Specialty Tile; the basis for acceptance
and methods of testing prior to installation; the marking and certification of ceramic tile; and the definitions of
terms employed in these specifications.

3.0 Definition of Terms

Aesthetic Class: A value assigned by the producer to a tile series (V0, V1, V2, V3, or V4). The letter ‘V’
indicates “variation,” with the numbers quantifying the degree of variation of overall color and/or texture. The
color can vary in intensity, brightness, hue, and saturation, or by pattern variation. This value is intended to give
an indication of what a consumer can visually expect for a specific product. See Table 3.

Basis for Acceptance: The method of determining whether a lot of ceramic tile is acceptable under these
specifications.

Caliber Range: An acceptable size range for tiles to be used in the same installation.

Calibrated Tile: Tiles that have been sorted to meet a manufacturer’s stated caliber range.

Ceramic Mosaic Tile: Tile, usually ¼ inch (6.35 mm) to 3/8 inch thick (9.53 mm), and having a facial area of
less than 9 inch2 (228.6 mm2). Such tiles are typically mounted in sheets or strips with other mosaic tiles.

Ceramic Tile: See definition for Tile.

Commercial: Flooring areas that are subjected to considerable traffic and abrasive soil. Some examples of
these would be: entrances, workrooms, inns, exhibition halls, and salesrooms.

Decorative Tile: A tile that is suitable for decorative use where the aesthetic value may outweigh one or more
physical properties including, but not limited to: breaking strength, chemical resistance, or crazing resistance.
Such a tile is generally used for interior decorative wall applications.

Edge-bonded Tile: See definition for Pre-grouted Tile.

Facial Defect: The portion of the facial surface of the tile which is readily observed to be nonconforming and
which will detract from the appearance or serviceability of the installed tile. Examples of such defects include,
but are not limited to: pinholes, contaminants, chips, cracks, scratches, and glaze application errors.

Field Tile: A general term for the tile used in the majority of an installation.

Floor Tile: A manufacturer specified ceramic tile primarily for use on floors, but also suitable for use on walls
and countertops, and having a facial area of 9 inch2 or more.

Floor-Wall Coordinating Tile: Wall tile designed to the same basic visual characteristics as corresponding
floor tile, intended for use in the same installation.

Gloss: Reflectivity of the tile surface.

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Glazed Tile: Tile with a fused impervious facial finish composed of ceramic materials, fused to the body of the
tile. There are two basic types of glazed tile:

Fully Glazed Tile: Ceramic tile where the facial surface is fully covered with glaze.

Partially Glazed Tile: Ceramic tile where the facial surface is partially covered with glaze.

Glazed Wall Tile: A glazed tile with a body that is suitable for interior use and which is usually non-vitreous, and
is not required nor expected to withstand excessive impact or be subjected to freezing and thawing conditions.

Ground Edge Tile: Tile that has had each of its four sides mechanically finished to provide a uniform, square
edge.

Heavy Commercial: A flooring area that is subjected to heavy traffic with very abrasive soil. An example of this
would be the floor of a manufacturing facility.

Heavy Residential: See Light Commercial.

Honed Tile: Tile that have had the surface mechanically altered to a uniform, matte finish.

Impervious Tile: Tile with water absorption of 0.5% or less (Class P1, E1, or O1).

Light Commercial: Non-industrial flooring areas that are subject to normal footwear traffic with occasional
amounts of abrasive soil. Some examples of these would be: halls, kitchens, and corridors.

Light Residential: Residential flooring areas subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic without
heavy dirt. Some examples would be: interior rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms without exterior
access.

Loading: Putting material into a die prior to pressing. This can be done multiple times for a single piece of tile.
Single, double, and triple loaded products are possible.

Module Size: The actual tile dimension plus the manufacturer’s recommended joint width. The module
dimension is measured from center to center of the joints.

Modular Tile: See System Modularity.

Mounted Tile: Tile assembled into units, sheets, or strips by suitable material to facilitate handling and
installation. Tile may be face-mounted, back-mounted, or edge-mounted. NOTE: Tile manufacturers must
specify whether back-mounted or edge-mounted tile assemblies are suitable for installation in swimming pools,
on exteriors and/or in wet areas. Back-mounted tile with paper on the back side shall not be installed in wet
areas.

Back (or edge) -mounted tile assemblies may have perforated paper, fiber mesh, resin,
or other suitable material applied to the back and/or edges of each tile which becomes an
integral part of the tile installation. Back-mounted and edge-mounted tile assemblies shall
have a sufficient exposure of tile and joints surrounding each tile to comply with bond strength
requirements.

Face-mounted tile assemblies may have paper or other suitable material bonded to the face of
all tiles in a sheet or strip.

Natural Clay Tile: A ceramic mosaic tile or a floor tile made by either the pressed, extrusion or the plastic
method, from clays that produce a dense body having a distinctive slightly textured appearance.

Natural Tile: Tile that is not sized nor sorted mechanically, as referred to in Table 8.

Nominal Size: This is the approximate facial size or thickness of tile, expressed in inches or fractions of an
inch (or in centimeters or millimeters) for general reference.

Non-ceramic Tile: Tile, decorative tile, or trim units composed of material(s) other than ceramic. Some
examples would be cement, resin, or metallic tiles. Units such as these may be used in conjunction with
ceramic tile, but are not subject to this specification.

2 A137.1
Non-vitreous Tile: Tile with water absorption of more than 7.0%, but not more than 20% (Class P4, E4, or O4).

Paver Tile: A general term for floor tile.

Physical Properties of Ceramic Tile: Those properties as measured by the ASTM or ANSI tests referred to
herein. Copies of the ASTM test procedures may be obtained from:

ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
(610) 832-9500
www.astm.org

When no standard test is available from ASTM, the test procedure required is included within this specification.

Polished Tile: A ceramic tile that has had the surface mechanically finished to provide a flat, smooth, reflective
surface over more than 90% of the surface area.

Porcelain Tile: A ceramic tile that has a water absorption of 0.5% or less that is generally made by the pressed
or extruded method. Does not include materials with very little or no crystallinity, such as glass tile (Class P1,
E1, or O1).

Precision Tile: See Rectified Tile.

Pre-grouted Tile: A surfacing unit consisting of an assembly of ceramic tiles bonded together at their edges
by a material, generally elastomeric, which seals the joints completely. Such material (grout) may fill the joint
completely or partially and may cover all, a portion, or none of the back surfaces of the tiles in the sheets. The
perimeter of these factory pre-grouted sheets may include the entire or part of the joint between the sheets or
none at all. The term “edge-bonded tile” is sometimes used to designate a particular type of pre-grouted tile
sheets having the front and back surfaces completely exposed.

Pressed Ceramic Tile: Tiles manufactured by having the body formed by pressing.

Pressed Floor Tile: Floor tile (see definition) manufactured by having the body of the tile formed by pressing.

Punch Texture: The texture of the die used to form a ceramic tile using the pressed method.

Flat: Uniform, smooth surface.

Textured: Raised or depressed features present on the surface.

Quarry Tile: Glazed or unglazed tile, made by the extrusion process from natural clay or shale.

Rectified Tile: A tile that has had all edges mechanically finished to achieve a more precise facial dimension.

Residential: Non-commercial floor areas that are subject to soft-soled footwear or normal footwear traffic with
small amounts of abrasive soil. Some examples of these would be: living or dining rooms.

Sampling: The method of obtaining tile for testing from an agreed-upon lot.

Self-spacing Tile: Tile with lugs or spacers on the sides which automatically space the tile for grout joints.

Semi-polished Tile: A textured tile that has 1% to 90% of the surface mechanically finished to a gloss sheen.

Semi-vitreous Tile: Tile with water absorption of more than 3.0%, but not more than 7.0% (Class P3,
E3, or O3).

Shade or Shade Value: A manufacturer designation (normally a number(s) or letter(s)) printed on the box
or label that signifies that particular box of tile is visually suitable for use with other boxes having an identical
shade value. This property can be influenced by glaze application, punch texture, firing conditions, gloss level,
and lighting conditions.

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Slip-resistant Tile: Tile usually having greater slip-resistant characteristics due to an abrasive admixture,
abrasive particles in the surface, grooves or patterns in the surface, or a glaze specifically designed for
increased coefficient of friction.

Specialty Tile: Tile, either glazed or unglazed, made to meet or have special physical design or appearance
characteristics such as size, thickness, shade, color, or decoration; keys or lugs on backs or sides; pre-grouted
assemblies or sheets; special resistance to staining, frost, alkalis, acids, thermal shock, and/or physical impact;
or high coefficient of friction.

Standard Shade Tile: At least one tile, per shade, kept by the producer, and is considered to be the benchmark
for a specific tile color and shade combination. Depending on the aesthetic value, more than one tile may be
needed to adequately represent a particular color (See Table 3).

Surface Texture: The pattern left by the punch or mold used to form a tile body.

Structural Defects: Cracks or laminations in the body of the tile that detract from the appearance and/or the
structural soundness of the tile installation.

System Modularity: Tiles of various nominal dimensions are sized so that they may be installed together in
patterns with a common specified joint width.

Testing of Ceramic Tile: The act of determining whether ceramic tile are acceptable; see Physical Properties
of Ceramic Tile.

Tile: A ceramic surfacing unit, usually relatively thin in relation to facial area, having either a glazed or unglazed
face and fired above red heat in the course of manufacture to a temperature sufficiently high to produce specific
physical properties and characteristics.

Tile Assemblies: See definition for Mounted Tile.

Tile Edge: The tile edge has the following classifications:

Beveled: An edge that has multiple angles.

Cushioned: A rounded edge.

Ground: Mechanically finished.

Rustic: Edges that have been intentionally given the characteristics of chipped or scalloped
features.

Square: A 90 degree angle.

Tone: See Shade Value.

Trim Units: Units of various shapes consisting of such items as bases, caps, corners, moldings, angles, etc.,
necessary to achieve an installation of the desired sanitary and/or architectural design. Common trim unit
shapes and designations are provided in Figures 1-50.

Unglazed Tile: A tile having no glaze present, deriving color and texture from the materials of which the body is
made and/or processes performed on the surface of the tile such as polishing, honing, or staining.

Vitreous Tile: Tile with water absorption of more than 0.5%, but not more than 3.0% (Class P2, E2, or O2).

Wall Tile: A glazed or unglazed tile with a body that is suitable for interior wall use and which is usually non-
vitreous (Class P4) for improved adhesion to vertical surfaces. Unless noted otherwise, these tiles will have
attached spacing lugs. These tiles are also not required or expected to withstand excessive impact, abrasion,
or be subjected to freeze/thaw cycling.

4 A137.1
4.0 Tile Classification

4.1 Class
Class based on water absorption and forming method is given in Table 1.

Table 1: Class and Corresponding Water Absorption (wa) Ranges

Forming Impervious (Porcelain) Vitreous Semi-Vitreous Non-Vitreous

Method wa < 0.5% 0.5% < wa < 3.0% 3.0% < wa < 7.0% 7.0% < wa < 20.0%
Pressed P1 P2 P3 P4
Extruded E1 E2 E3 E4
Other O1 O2 O3 O4

5.0 Procedures for Sampling and Testing and Basis for Acceptance

5.1 Lot Size

The lot size shall be that specified by the seller of the ceramic tile. In event the seller does not specify the lot
size, the lot size shall be a single shipment of tile to the installation.

5.1.1 Lot Size Units

The unit of measure can vary based on the size, type, and quantity of tiles in a shipment. For example,
the basic lot size unit may be an individual piece of tile, square foot of product, or a full sheet of mosaics.
The manufacturer/seller shall specify the lot size basic unit definition prior to sampling. In the event the
manufacturer seller does not define the lot size unit, the default shall be a single piece of tile.

5.2 Sample Size

The number of samples (in lot size units) pulled from the lot.

5.3 Sampling Plan

The sampling plan is based on acceptance numbers as indicated in ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003 (Normal Sampling
Plan, Level 2). An example of the standard sampling plan is provided as Table 2. For example, AQL 2.5% for a
sample size of 80 pieces means accept the lot if five or less fail; reject the lot if six or more fail.

Table 2 Acceptance Numbers - Acceptance numbers (Ac) for sample size for use in determining acceptance of
ceramic tile and ceramic tile trim units. Based on 2.5% AQL (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003).

Table 2: 2.5% AQL Inspection Level 2 Normal Sampling Plan

Number of Defective Units

Lot Size Units Sample Size Accept Lot (Ac) Reject Lot
2 to 8 2 0 1
9 to 15 3 0 1
16 to 25 5 0 1
26 to 50 8 0 1
51 to 90 13 1 2
91 to 150 20 1 2
151 to 280 32 2 3
281 to 500 50 3 4
501 to 1,200 80 5 6
1,201 to 3,200 125 7 8
3,201 to 10,000 200 10 11
10,001 to 35,000 315 14 15
35,001 to 150,000 500 21 22

A137.1 5
5.4 General Procedure

5.4.1 Facial and Structural Defects

5.4.1.1 The tiles in the sample shall be examined for facial and structural defects before performing any other
testing. Note that if one tile has several defects, it is counted as one defective tile.

5.4.1.2 For mosaic sheets, a sub sample is examined. (See section 5.4.3.2.)

5.4.1.3 For individual mosaic pieces, the face side shall be examined for facial defects and structural defects.

5.4.2 Aesthetic Classification and Shade Variations

5.4.2.1 Aesthetic Classification. Tiles may vary in color, texture, or appearance according to the
manufacturer’s design for that particular tile series or product line. The following aesthetic class designations
have been provided in Table 3, so that the manufacturer may communicate the aesthetic characteristics of a
particular tile product.

Table 3: Aesthetic Classes

V0 = Very Uniform Pieces of the same shade value are very uniform and smooth in texture. They can be
Appearance measured for small color differences and are in compliance with the color uniformity
requirements of Tables 6—10.
V1 = Uniform Differences among pieces from the same production run are minimal.
Appearance
V2 = Slight Variation Clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors.
V3 = Moderate While the colors and/or texture present on a single piece of tile will be indicative of
Variation the colors and/or texture to be expected on the other tiles, the amount of colors and/
or texture on each piece may vary significantly. It is recommended that the range be
viewed before selection.
V4 = Substantial Random color and/or texture differences from tile to tile, so that one tile may
Variation have totally different colors and/or texture from that on other tiles. Thus, the final
installation will be unique. It is recommended that the range be viewed before
selection.

5.4.2.2 For aesthetic Classes V0, V1, and V2, there should be minimal visible box-to-box variation present
between boxes labeled with identical shade values.

5.4.2.3 Tiles with a V3 or V4 aesthetic class may exhibit box-to-box variations. However, these products shall
have a continuous natural blend.

5.4.3 Examination for Facial and Structural Defects (Sections 9.1 and 9.2); Destructive and Non-
Destructive Testing (Table 4)

5.4.3.1 Sample Selection. For each test, pieces are selected according to Table 2 (unless more are required by
the testing procedure), and the acceptance shall be determined as specified.

5.4.3.2 Mounted Mosaic Tiles. Mosaic sheets shall be sampled according to Section 5.4.1.3. When a lot size
unit is not specified, a single sheet shall be used to represent a single unit. Additionally, a sub-sample shall be
selected from each sheet of the sample. Using the number of mosaics in the sheet as the total number of lot
size units, the sub-sample shall be the sample size from Table 2 that corresponds to the appropriate lot size

6 A137.1
unit. The sheets are then accepted or rejected as whole sheets, based on the number of defective tile in the
sub-sample of the sheet, using the acceptance number for the sub-sample from Table 2.

5.4.3.2.1 Example: A lot size of 2,000 square feet of 1 foot x 2 foot sheets of 2 inch x 2 inch tiles contains 1,000
sheets of mosaics or 1,000 lot size units. Based on Table 2, a sample size of 80 sheets should be selected, at
random, for evaluation.

Each of these sheets contains 72 mosaics. Based on Table 2, a sub-sample of 13 mosaics would be selected,
at random, for evaluation. The acceptance number, from Table 2, for this sub-sample size (13 mosaics) is one.
Therefore, one or fewer defective tiles will permit acceptance of the sheet, while two or more defective tiles will
cause the sheet to be rejected.

For the 80 sheets sampled from the 2,000 square foot lot, the acceptance number, from Table 2, for this sample
size (80 sheets) is five. Therefore, five or fewer defective sheets will permit acceptance of the lot, while six or
more defective sheets will cause the entire lot to be rejected.

5.4.3.3 All Tiles, Excluding Mounted Mosaics. The entire sample of tile shall be examined.

Table 4: Test Classification

Destructive Non-Destructive
Property Method Property Method
Bond Strength ASTM C482 Coefficient of Friction ASTM C1028
Breaking Strength ASTM C648 Color Uniformity ASTM C609 and Section 9.3
Chemical ASTM C650 Facial Dimensions ASTM C499
Resistance
Crazing Resistance ASTM C424 Mounting Section 9.5
Deep Abrasion ASTM C1243 Evaluation of Shade Value Section 9.4
Stain Resistance ASTM C1378 Thickness ASTM C499
Visual Abrasion ASTM C1027 Evaluation for Facial and Sections 9.1 and 9.2
Resistance Structural Defects
Thermal Shock ASTM C484 Warpage ASTM C485
Resistance
Moisture Expansion ASTM C370 Wedging ASTM C502
Thermal Expansion ASTM C372
Water Absorption ASTM C373
Resistance to ASTM C1026
Freeze/Thaw
Cycling

5.5 Basis for Acceptance

A decision of whether or not to accept the sample is made by the aid of Table 2.

5.5.1 Facial and Structural Defects

The number of facially and structurally defective tile in the sample is the sum of those facially defective and
those structurally defective. However, if one tile has several defects, it is counted as one defective tile. See
sections 9.1 and 9.2 for test methodology.

5.5.1.1 Example: For a lot size of 501 to 1,200 tiles (where a unit is a single tile): The sample size = 80 tiles
and five or fewer defective tiles permits acceptance of the lot, and six or more defective tiles causes rejection of
the lot. (For mounted mosaics, see section 5.4.3.2.)

5.5.2 Destructive and Non-Destructive Tests (see Table 4)

The acceptance number for a tile sample shall conform to Table 2. Acceptance criteria apply separately for each
characteristic under test, and acceptance shall be determined as specified in the applicable table
Tables 6—10) that describes the test method and requirement.

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5.5.3 Test Methods
The test methods to be used for determining specifications are presented in Table 4.

6.0 Ceramic Tile (Field and Trim)

6.1 Allowable Properties by Tile Type

These are presented in Tables 6—10.

Table 5: Index of Specification Tables

Tile Type Table Number

Mosaic 6
Quarry 7
Pressed Floor 8
Glazed Wall 9
Porcelain 10

8 A137.1
 Table 6: Mosaic Tile

Mosaic Tile Specification Mosaic Tile Trim

Property Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -10.00% 10.00% -10.00% 10.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from average
facial dimension of sample, tested per -5.00% 5.00% -5.00% 5.00%
ASTM C499)
Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -1.00% 1.00% -1.50% 1.50%
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.75% 0.75% N/A N/A
Wedging (ASTM C502) -2.00% 2.00% -3.00% 3.00%
Mounting/Crooked Tiles (Section 9.5) Individual joint range <30% of the average joint width of the sheet
Mounting/Wide & Narrow Joints Average joint widths for each tile must be within +/- 25% of the
(Section 9.5) average joint width of the sheet
Thickness3 (ASTM C499) N/A Range: 0.030 in N/A Range: 0.040 in
(0.76 mm) (1.02 mm)
Visible Abrasion Resistance1 As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1027)
Deep Abrasion (ASTM C1243) N/A See Table 11 N/A N/A
Bond Strength (ASTM C482) > 50 psi > 50 psi
Water Absorption (ASTM C373) As class As class As class As class
Color Uniformity (ASTM C609 and
2
N/A 3.0 Judds N/A 3.0 Judds
Section 9.3)
Crazing Resistance1 (ASTM C424) Pass Pass
Thermal Shock1 (ASTM C484) Pass N/A N/A
Chemical Resistance (ASTM C650) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
SCOF (ASTM C1028) As Reported As Reported N/A N/A
Stain Resistance (ASTM C1378) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Breaking Strength (ASTM C648) Average > 250 lbf. N/A N/A
Individual > 225 lbf.
Resistance to Freeze/Thaw Cycling4 As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1026)
Glazed Tile Only
1

2
Class V0 Tile Only
3
May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with uneven back patterns
4
When installation subject to freeze/thaw conditions

FOR REQUIREMENTS ON WORKMANSHIP, CUTTING, FITTING, AND GROUT JOINT SIZE, REFER TO ANSI A108.02 SECTION 4.3

A137.1 9
 Table 7: Quarry Tile

Quarry Tile Specification Quarry Tile Trim

Property Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -2.00% 2.00% -2.00% 2.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in
average facial dimension of (-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm)1 (-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm) 1
sample, tested per
ASTM C499)
Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -1.50% or -0.18 in 1.50% or 0.18 in -1.50% or -0.18 in 1.50% or 0.18 in
(-4.6 mm)1 (4.6 mm)1 (-4.6 mm)1 (4.6 mm)1
Warpage Diagonal -1.00% or -0.17 in 1.00% or 0.17 in N/A N/A
(ASTM C485) (-4.3 mm)1 (4.3 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in
(-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Mounting (Section 9.5) Pass Pass Pass Pass
Thickness4 (ASTM C499) N/A Range: 0.050 in N/A Range: 0.050 in
(1.27 mm) (1.27 mm)
Visible Abrasion Resistance2 As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1027)
Deep Abrasion (ASTM C1243) See Table 11 N/A N/A
Bond Strength (ASTM C482) > 50 psi > 50 psi
Water Absorption (ASTM C373) As class 5.00% As class 5.00%
Color Uniformity3 (ASTM C609 N/A V0 - 3.0 Judds N/A V0 - 3.0 Judds
and Section 9.3)
Crazing Resistance2 Pass Pass
(ASTM C424)
Thermal Shock2 (ASTM C484) Pass N/A N/A
Chemical Resistance As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C650)
SCOF (ASTM C1028) As Reported As Reported N/A N/A
Stain Resistance As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1378)
Breaking Strength Average > 250 lbf. N/A N/A
(ASTM C648) Individual > 225 lbf.
Resistance to Freeze/Thaw As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Cycling5 (ASTM C1026)
1
Whichever is less
2
Glazed Tile Only
3
Class V0 Tile Only
4
May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with uneven back patterns
5
When installation subject to freeze/thaw conditions

FOR REQUIREMENTS ON WORKMANSHIP, CUTTING, FITTING, AND GROUT JOINT SIZE, REFER TO ANSI A108.02 SECTION 4.3

10 A137.1
 Table 8: Pressed Floor Tile

Pressed Floor Tile Specification

(does not include porcelain) Pressed Floor Tile Trim
Property Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -4.00% 4.00% -4.00% 4.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from average facial -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in
dimension of sample, tested per ASTM C499) (-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in -1.50% or -0.18 in 1.50% or 0.18 in
Natural

(-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1 (-4.6 mm)1 (4.6 mm)1

Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.75% or -0.13 in 0.75% or 0.13 in N/A N/A
(-3.3 mm)1 (3.3 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in -1.50% or -0.18 in 1.50% or 0.18 in
(-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1 (-4.6 mm)1 (4.6 mm)1
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -3.00% 3.00% -3.00% 3.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from average facial -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in
dimension of sample, tested per ASTM C499) (-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1 (-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm)1
Calibrated

Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -0.75% or -0.08 in 0.75% or 0.08 in -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in
(-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in N/A N/A
(-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in -1.00% or -0.16 in 1.00% or 0.16 in
(-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -3.00% 2.00% N/A N/A
Caliber Range (Variation from average facial -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
dimension of sample, tested per ASTM C499) (-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -0.40% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.05 in N/A N/A
Rectified

(-1.3 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1

Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.40% or -0.07 in 0.40% or 0.07 in N/A N/A
(-1.8 mm)1 (1.8 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
(-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
Thickness4 (ASTM C499) N/A Range: 0.040 in N/A Range: 0.040 in
(1.02 mm) (1.02 mm)
Visible Abrasion Resistance2 (ASTM C1027) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Deep Abrasion (ASTM C1243) See Table 11 N/A N/A
Bond Strength (ASTM C482) > 50 psi > 50 psi
All pressed floor tile

Water Absorption (ASTM C373) As class5 As class5 As class5 As class5

Color Uniformity3 (ASTM C609 and Section 9.3) N/A V0 - 3 Judds N/A V0 - 3 Judds
Crazing Resistance (ASTM C424)
2
Pass Pass
Thermal Shock2 (ASTM C484) Pass N/A N/A
Chemical Resistance (ASTM C650) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
SCOF (ASTM C1028) As Reported As Reported N/A N/A
Stain Resistance (ASTM C1378) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Breaking Strength (ASTM C648) Average > 250 lbf./Individual > 225 lbf. N/A N/A
Resistance to Freeze/Thaw Cycling 6
As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1026)
1
Whichever is less
2
Glazed Tile Only
3
Class V0 Tile Only
4
May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with uneven back patterns
5
Does not include type P1 - See Porcelain Table 10
6
When installation subject to freeze/thaw conditions

FOR REQUIREMENTS ON WORKMANSHIP, CUTTING, FITTING, AND GROUT JOINT SIZE, REFER TO ANSI A108.02 SECTION 4.3

A137.1 11
 Table 9: Glazed Wall Tile

Glazed Wall Tile Specification5 Glazed Wall Tile Trim

Property Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -2.00% 2.00% -2.00% 2.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from -0.30% or -0.04 in 0.30% or 0.04 in -0.40% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.05 in
average facial dimension of sample, (-1.0 mm)1 (1.0 mm)1 (-1.3 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1
tested per ASTM C499)
Calibrated

Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -0.30% or -0.04 in 0.40% or 0.05 in -0.30% or -0.04 in 0.40% or 0.05 in
(-1.0 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1 (-1.0 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.30% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.07 in N/A N/A
(-1.3 mm)1 (1.8 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.40% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.05 in N/A N/A
(-1.3 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -2.00% 2.00% N/A N/A
Caliber Range (Variation from -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
average facial dimension of sample, (-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
tested per ASTM C499)
Rectified

Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -0.30% or -0.04 in 0.40% or 0.05 in N/A N/A
(-1.0 mm)1 (1.3 mm)1
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.30% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.07 in N/A N/A
(-1.3 mm)1 (1.8 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
(-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
Mounting (Section 9.5) Pass Pass N/A N/A
Thickness (ASTM C499)
3
N/A Range: 0.031 in N/A Range: 0.031 in
(0.79 mm) (0.79 mm)
Bond Strength (ASTM C482) > 50 psi > 50 psi
Water Absorption (ASTM C373) P4 P4 P4 P4
All glazed wall tile

Color Uniformity (ASTM C609 and

2
N/A V0 - 3 Judds N/A V0 - 3 Judds
Section 9.3)
Crazing Resistance (ASTM C424) Pass Pass
Thermal Shock (ASTM C484) Pass N/A N/A
Chemical Resistance (ASTM C650) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Stain Resistance (ASTM C1378) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Breaking Strength (ASTM C648) Average > 125 lbf./Individual > 100 lbf. N/A N/A
Resistance to Freeze/Thaw Cycling4 As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1026)
1
Whichever is less
2
Class V0 Tile Only
3
May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with uneven back patterns
4
When installation subject to freeze/thaw conditions
5
These specifications do not include pressed floor tile, porcelain tile, quarry tile, nor mosaics, when used on walls

FOR REQUIREMENTS ON WORKMANSHIP, CUTTING, FITTING, AND GROUT JOINT SIZE, REFER TO ANSI A108.02 SECTION 4.3

12 A137.1
 Table 10: Porcelain Tile

Porcelain Tile Specification Porcelain Trim

Property Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -3.00% 3.00% -3.00% 3.00%
Caliber Range (Variation from -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in
average facial dimension of sample, (-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1 (-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm)1
tested per ASTM C499)
Calibrated

Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) -0.75% or -0.09 in 0.75% or 0.09 in -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in
(-2.3 mm)1 (2.3 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in N/A N/A
(-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.50% or -0.08 in 0.50% or 0.08 in -1.00% or -0.12 in 1.00% or 0.12 in
(-2.0 mm)1 (2.0 mm)1 (-3.1 mm)1 (3.1 mm)1
Nominal Size (ASTM C499) -3.00% 2.00% N/A N/A
Caliber Range (Variation from -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
average facial dimension of sample, (-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
tested per ASTM C499)
-0.40% or -0.05 in 0.40% or 0.05 in N/A N/A
Rectified

Warpage Edge (ASTM C485) (-1.3 mm)+ or (1.3 mm)+ or

-1.8 mm++ 1.8 mm++
Warpage Diagonal (ASTM C485) -0.40% or -0.07 in 0.40% or 0.07 in N/A N/A
(-1.8 mm)1 (1.8 mm)1
Wedging (ASTM C502) -0.25% or -0.03 in 0.25% or 0.03 in N/A N/A
(-0.8 mm)1 (0.8 mm)1
Thickness4 (ASTM C499) N/A Range: 0.040 in N/A Range: 0.040 in
(1.02 mm) (1.02 mm)
Visible Abrasion Resistance2 As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
(ASTM C1027)
Deep Abrasion (ASTM C1243) See Table 11 See Table 11
Bond Strength (ASTM C482) > 50 psi > 50 psi
Water Absorption (ASTM C373) 0.00% 0.50% N/A N/A
All porcelain tile

Color Uniformity (ASTM C609 and

3
N/A V0 - 3 Judds N/A V0 - 3 Judds
Section 9.3)
Crazing Resistance2 (ASTM C424) Pass Pass
Thermal Shock (ASTM C484)
2
Pass N/A
Chemical Resistance (ASTM C650) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
SCOF (ASTM C1028) As Reported As Reported N/A N/A
Stain Resistance (ASTM C1378) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported
Breaking Strength (ASTM C648) Average > 250 lbf./Individual > 225 lbf. N/A N/A
Resistance to Freeze/Thaw Cycling 5

(ASTM C1026) As Reported As Reported As Reported As Reported

1
Whichever is less
+
Whichever is less, for tiles up to 24” x 24”
++
Applies to tiles larger than 24” x 24”
2
Glazed Tile Only
3
Class V0 Tile Only
4
May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with uneven back patterns
5
When installation subject to freeze/thaw conditions

FOR REQUIREMENTS ON WORKMANSHIP, CUTTING, FITTING, AND GROUT JOINT SIZE, REFER TO ANSI A108.02 SECTION 4.3

A137.1 13
6.2 Field Tile

6.2.1 Nominal Sizes and Shapes

Field tile are manufactured in many shapes and sizes. Consult manufacturer for actual dimensions. Any of
these may be ordered as Standard Grade.

6.2.2 Non-Destructive Testing

Characteristics of ceramic tile shall conform to the following requirements when tested according to Table 4.

6.2.2.1 Characteristics determined by non-destructive testing of ceramic tile shall conform to requirements
when tested according to the appropriate table for that specific tile type. An index of these tables is given as
Table 5.

6.2.2.1.1 Visual Evaluation. The sample shall be within tolerance for structural defects when examined
according to 9.1 and within tolerance for facial defects when examined according to 9.2 for Standard Grade
(8.2.1) and as described in 8.2.2 for Second Grade. The tolerances of defects shall be as described in sections
5.5 and 5.5.1.

6.2.2.1.2 Edges may be square, cushioned, ground, beveled, or rustic.

6.2.2.1.3 Face. The face of the tile may be textured or smooth.

6.2.2.1.4 Back. The back of the tile may be plain or have some type of raised or depressed pattern.

6.2.2.1.5 Thickness. The range of individual major thickness measurements shall fall within the specification
listed in the appropriate table for that specific tile type. (May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with an
uneven back pattern.)

6.2.2.1.6 Facial Dimensions. The average facial dimension of each tile in the sample, when compared to the
average facial dimension of all samples measured, shall fall within the specifications listed for nominal size and
caliber range in the appropriate table for that specific tile type.

6.2.2.1.7 Warpage. The warpage of each tile in the sample shall conform to the value listed in the appropriate
table for that specific tile type.

6.2.2.1.8 Wedging. The wedging of each tile in the sample shall conform to the value listed in the appropriate
table for that specific tile type.

6.2.2.1.9 Static Coefficient of Friction. When static coefficient of friction (SCOF) data are required for a
specific project, testing shall conform to ASTM C1028. However, because area of use and maintenance by
the owner of installed tile directly affect coefficient of friction, the SCOF of the manufactured product shall be
as agreed upon by manufacturer and purchaser. Water (especially standing water), oil, grease, etc., create
slippery conditions. Floor applications with exposure to these elements require extra caution in product
selection.

6.2.2.1.10 Mounting. The method for measuring mounting variation is provided in Section 9.5. The tile shall
be uniformly mounted and in patterns specified. Joints between tile shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications. For all mounted mosaics, the range of an individual grout joint shall be no more than 30% of the
average joint width for the sheet. For sheets containing mosaics of the same color, the individual average joint
widths shall also be within +/– 25% of the average joint width for the sheet. Sheets shall be accepted or rejected
(for grout joint variations) based on the number of grout joints in the sheet.

EXAMPLE: A 1 foot x 2 foot sheet of 2 inch x 2 inch square mosaic tile has 126 grout joints.
The acceptance number, from Table 2, for such a sample size is seven. No more than seven
joints out of the 126 should be outside of the above criteria.

NOTE: Tile manufacturers must specify whether back-mounted and edge-mounted tile
assemblies are suitable for installation in swimming pools, on exteriors, and/or in wet areas.
Back-mounted tile with paper on the back side shall not be installed in wet areas.

6.2.2.1.11 Abrasive Body Content. (Only when specified.) The body of the tile shall have a content of
7.5 +/- 0.5% by weight of abrasive grains. Abrasive grains shall be silicon carbide, aluminum oxide (fused

14 A137.1
alumina), or other rustproof abrasive of comparable hardness. All abrasive grains shall pass a Tyler 14-mesh
(U.S. equivalent: 16 mesh), and at least 95% shall be retained on a Tyler 65-mesh screen (U.S. equivalent: 70-
mesh).

6.2.3 Destructive Testing Characteristics of ceramic tile shall conform to the following requirements when
tested in accordance with Table 4.

6.2.3.1 Water Absorption. When tested per ASTM C373, the tile in the sample shall conform to their specific
type as listed in Table 1.

6.2.3.2 Bond Strength. When tested per ASTM C482, the average bond strength of the tile in the sample shall
conform to the value listed in the appropriate table for that specific tile type.

6.2.3.3 Breaking Strength. When tested per ASTM C648, the average breaking strength shall conform to the
values listed in the appropriate table for that specific tile type. The minimum breaking strength for tiles in the
sample shall conform to the value listed in the appropriate table for that specific tile type.

6.2.3.4 Deep Abrasion. This value applies only to unglazed tile. Requirements are presented in Table 11
(tested per ASTM C1243).

Table 11: Deep Abrasion

Class Maximum Value (loss in mm3)

P1, E1, O1 175
P2 225
E2, O2 275
P3 345
E3, O3 393
E4, O4 2365
P4 no requirement

6.2.3.5 Visible Abrasion Resistance. This value applies only to glazed floor, glazed quarry, glazed mosaic, or
glazed porcelain tiles. Classes are defined in Table 12 (tested per ASTM C1027).

Table 12: Visible Abrasion Classification

Class Maximum Recommended Use

O Not recommended for floors
I Light Residential
II Residential
III Heavy Residential or Light Commercial
IV Commercial
V Heavy Commercial

6.2.3.5.1 Visible Abrasion Classifications. The following definitions shall be construed as a general guideline
relating to the amount and type of traffic expected in a given class under typical conditions.

Final selection for all applications should take into account expected traffic, conditions, and maintenance. Final
selection should also consider whether there is exposure to water (especially standing water), oil, grease, etc.,
which create slippery conditions. Floor applications with exposure to these elements require extra caution in
product selection.

6.2.3.5.1.1 Class O. Tile in this class should not be exposed to wear/traffic or aggressive maintenance practices
and is generally used on walls.

A137.1 15
6.2.3.5.1.2 Class I. Tile in this class may withstand soft-soled foot traffic provided that dirt and/or other
abrasives are not present on the wear surface. Class I tile should not be used in areas with direct access to the
outside or large amounts of foot traffic.

6.2.3.5.1.3 Class II. Tile in this class may withstand soft-soled and some normal foot traffic provided the dirt
and/or other abrasives are kept to a minimum. Class II tile should not be used in areas with direct access to the
outside, large amounts of foot traffic, or areas exposed to abnormal footwear.

6.2.3.5.1.4 Class III. Tile in this class may withstand normal footwear and regular traffic with some dirt and/or
other abrasives present in limited quantities. Tile in this class may be used in light commercial installations with
limited foot traffic and with no direct access to the outside. Examples of such areas may include residential
kitchens and hallways with limited traffic from the outside.

6.2.3.5.1.5 Class IV. Tile in this class may withstand heavier amounts of traffic with greater amounts of dirt and/
or other abrasives present. Examples of such areas may include commercial kitchens and areas with regular
traffic from the outside.

6.2.3.5.1.6 Class V. Tiles in this class may withstand constant foot traffic with larger amounts of dirt and/or other
abrasives. Examples of such areas may include airports, malls, and other commercial walkways subject to high
volumes of foot traffic and constant traffic from the outside.

6.2.3.6 Crazing Resistance. When tested as described in ASTM C424 using 150 psi steam pressure for one
cycle, the tile shall show no evidence of crazing. Tiles shall pass one cycle of steam pressure at 150 psi and
shall show no evidence of crazing.

6.2.3.7 Thermal Shock. When tested as described in ASTM C484, the glaze shall show no failure and the body
shall show no evidence of disintegration.

6.2.3.8 Chemical Resistance classifications shall conform to Table 13 (tested per ASTM C650). The number of
chemical agents the tile fails to pass shall be used for classification purposes.

Table 13: Chemical Resistance Classification

Chemical Resistance Class Maximum Number of Affected Samples

A 0
B 1
C 2
D 3
E 4 or More

6.2.3.9 Stain Resistance classifications shall conform to Table 14 (tested per ASTM C1378). The test used
shall conform to Table 4. The number of staining agents the tile fails to pass shall be used for classification
purposes. Any clean up techniques present in the test method may be utilized prior to determining the number
of failures.

Table 14: Stain Resistance Classification

Stain Resistance Class Maximum Number of Samples

that Retain a Stain
A 0
B 1
C 2
D 3
E 4 or More

16 A137.1
6.3 Trim Units

6.3.1 Sizes and Shapes of trim units generally available are shown in Figures 1 to 50. Other sizes and shapes
of trim units may be available from individual manufacturers.

6.3.2 Non-Destructive Testing

Characteristics of ceramic tile shall conform to the following requirements when tested according to Table 4.

6.3.2.1 Characteristics determined by non-destructive testing of ceramic tile shall conform to requirements
when tested according to the appropriate table for that specific tile type. An index of these tables is given in
Table 5.

6.3.2.1.1 Visual Evaluation. The sample shall be within tolerance for structural defects when examined
according to 9.1.1 and within tolerance for facial defects when examined according to 8.2.1 for Standard Grade
and as described in 8.2.2 for Second Grade. The tolerances of defects shall be as described in 5.5.2.

6.3.2.1.2 Edges. The edges may be square, cushioned, ground, or beveled.

6.3.2.1.3 Face. The face of the tile may be textured or smooth.

6.3.2.1.4 Back. The backs of the tile may be plain or have some type of raised or depressed pattern.

6.3.2.1.5 Thickness. The range of individual major thickness measurements shall fall within the specification
listed in the appropriate table for that specific tile type. (May not apply to textured surfaces or tiles with an
uneven back pattern.) Thickness is applicable only to flat portions of trim units and shall be measured at a
distance of ½ inch from the edges or ½ inch from the line of tangency between flat and curved surfaces.

6.3.2.1.6 Facial Dimensions. The average facial dimension of each tile in the sample, when compared to the
average facial dimension of all samples measured, shall fall within the specifications listed for nominal size and
caliber range in the appropriate table for that specific tile type. Facial dimensions are applicable only to sides
that are perpendicular to the curved edges.

6.3.2.1.7 Warpage. The warpage of each tile in the sample shall conform to the value listed in the appropriate
table for that specific tile type. Edge warpage is applicable only to the flat portions of the face 3/8 inch from the
edges or ½ inch from the line of tangency between flat and curved surfaces. Diagonal warpage is not applicable
to trim units.

6.3.2.1.8 Wedging. The wedging of each tile in the sample shall conform to the value listed in the appropriate
table for that specific tile type. Only wedging of sides perpendicular to the curved side is applicable.

6.3.3 Destructive testing characteristics of ceramic tile trim units shall conform to the following requirements
when tested according to Table 4.

6.3.3.1 Water Absorption. The tile in the sample shall conform to their specific type as listed in Table 1.

6.3.3.2 Bond Strength. The average bond strength of the tile in the sample shall conform to the value listed in
the appropriate table for that specific tile type. Remove curved portions of trim unit and test flat portion only.

6.3.3.3 Visible Abrasion Resistance. This value applies only to glazed floor, glazed quarry, glazed mosaic,
or glazed porcelain floor trim. Values are defined in Table 12. This test is applicable on trim units only if there is
enough flat, glazed surface area to conduct the test.

6.3.3.4 Crazing Resistance. When tested as described in ASTM C424 using 150 psi steam pressure for one
cycle, the trim shall show no evidence of crazing.

6.3.3.5 Chemical Resistance. Classifications shall conform to Table 13. This test is valid only if there is
enough smooth, flat surface to conduct the test. The test used shall conform to Table 4. The number of chemical
agents the tile fails to pass shall be used for classification purposes.

6.3.3.6 Stain Resistance. Classifications shall conform to Table 14. This test is valid only if there is enough
smooth, flat surface to conduct the test. The test used shall conform to Table 4. The number of staining agents
the tile fails to pass shall be used for classification purposes. Any clean up techniques present in the test
method may be utilized prior to determining the number of failures.

A137.1 17
7.0 Specialty Tile

This is a class of ceramic tile as defined in Section 3.0 of these specifications and contains tile not properly
classified in Tables 6—10. These tiles are produced, graded, and packed to the manufacturer’s specifications
for specific and/or aesthetic uses. When requested by purchaser before shipment, a Master Grade Certificate
may be issued certifying compliance with published specifications of the manufacturer or compliance with
properties mutually agreed upon by manufacturer and owner or his designated representative.

Compliance shall be determined following the procedure in Section 5.0 employing whatever possible test
methods referred to in these specifications. Additional test methods for Specialty Tile that is utilitarian (for
example: industrial floor tile, exterior tile, and tunnel tile) shall be in accordance with applicable paragraphs 7.1,
7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5. Specialty Tile that is primarily decorative may require no certification by the manufacturer.

7.1 Freeze-Thaw Cycling

Test as described in ASTM C1026.

7.2 Moisture Expansion

Test as described in ASTM C370.

7.3 Linear Thermal Expansion

Test as described in ASTM C372.

7.4 Visible Abrasion Resistance

Test as described in ASTM C1027.

7.5 Static Coefficient of Friction

Test as described in ASTM C1028.

7.6 Performance of Specialty Tile

It is dependent on and related to area of use, method of installation, and proper maintenance by the owner after
installation.

8.0 Grade Marking and Certification

8.1 Grade Marking Distinguishes Various Qualities and Attributes of Ceramic Tiles
It is used to designate first quality/grade (Standard Grade) and second quality (Second Grade) products.
Products claiming to meet the ANSI A137.1 established criteria should indicate this on their packaging (in
English) and have sufficient documentation to verify that the products do, in fact, meet the minimum standards
as set forth in this document.

8.2 Definition of Grades

8.2.1 Standard Grade (First Grade)

Tiles that meet the requirements of all specifications set forth in this document.

8.2.2 Second Grade

Tiles that meet the requirements of all specifications set forth in this document with the exception of evaluation
for facial defects. Evaluation for facial defects for Second Grade tile will be performed from a distance of 10
feet instead of 3 feet.

8.3 Labeling Procedures

8.3.1 Glazed Wall Tile, Mosaic Tile, Quarry Tile, Pressed Floor Tile, Porcelain Tile, and Specialty Tile
All tile required to be in conformity to this standard shall be shipped in sealed packages with the claim of grade
and type of tile (Glazed Wall Tile, Mosaic Tile, Quarry Tile, Pressed Floor Tile, Porcelain Tile, and Specialty Tile)
imprinted on the package or on a label permanently attached to the package located on the same panel or side
as the product identification label. The printed information shall be at least 1/8 inch tall and shall state: “This tile
complies with recommended standard specifications for ceramic tile ANSI A137.1.” The claim of “SECONDS”
shall be made in a minimum 1/8 inch tall and bold print located on the same panel or side as the product
identification label for products meeting the “seconds” quality but not meeting the Standard Grade criteria. This
claim must be made legible and easily read by a person with 20/20 to 20/40 vision from a distance of three feet.

18 A137.1
8.3.2 Name and Address
The name and address of the tile producer will be printed above the claim of grade. It shall be imprinted on the
package or on the same label as the claim of grade. This information shall be made in a minimum 1/8 inch tall
print and must be legible and easily read by a person with 20/20 to 20/40 vision from a distance of three feet.

8.3.3 Country of Origin

The country of origin of the manufacturing facility will be printed above the claim of grade. It shall be imprinted
on the package or on the same label as the claim of grade. This information shall be made in a minimum 1/8
inch tall print and must be easily read and legible to a person with 20/20 to 20/40 vision from a distance of three
feet.

8.4 Authorized Use

Grade claims used in this manner may be used by the manufacturer of ceramic tile provided that the material is
graded in compliance with this standard.

8.5 Certification
Certification of each shipment of tile shall be in accordance with the Master Grade Certificate as shown in
Figure 51. A Master Grade Certificate is issued by the tile manufacturer to the tile contractor only upon the
tile contractor’s request, before shipment is made, and is used for certifying a particular shipment. These
certificates shall give adequate information to identify the specific shipment for which they apply.

8.6 Pre-Certification
Pre-certification of each shipment of tile shall be in accordance with the Letter of Compliance Certificate as
shown in Figure 52. A Letter of Compliance Certificate is issued by the tile manufacturer to the tile contractor
only upon the tile contractor’s request, and is used for certifying a particular shipment will be manufactured
according to these specifications. These certificates shall give adequate information to identify the specific
product for which they apply.

9.0 Applicable Evaluation Procedures

9.1 Procedure for Determining Structural Defects in Field Tile and Trim Units

9.1.1 Field Tile

Stack eight pieces of field tile face to back. Turn the stack with one edge up on a table, and straighten the stack
so that no tile protrudes vertically or horizontally from the stack.

At a viewing distance approximately 2 feet from the tile, inspect the upright edges of the stack for cracks running
in the direction of the length or thickness of the edges.

Remove any tile showing one or more of such defects. Turn the stack 90 degrees and repeat the evaluation.
Continue rotating the stack until all four edges have been evaluated. Cracks emanating from the back and
progressing in the direction of the face shall not be considered defects if they do not exceed in length one-third
of the thickness of the tile. Also, small cracks parallel to both tile faces, less than 1/8 inch in length for ceramic
mosaic tile and less than ½ inch for all other tile, are permissible. Defects on the backs of ceramic tile are
permitted if they do not affect the appearance or permanence of the installed surface. Repeat this procedure
until all tile in the sample have been examined.

9.1.2 Trim Units

Follow the same procedure for trim units. Two opposite edges of trim units can be evaluated while on the table
in the same manner as field tile. The edge which forms a radius and its opposite edge must be evaluated by
moving the stack from the table and holding it firmly at a distance of about 2 feet from the eyes.

9.1.3 Recording
Keep a record of the number of pieces which have to be removed because of defects.

Chips on the back of the tile shall not be considered defects unless they extend to the face of the tile.

9.2 Procedure for Evaluating Ceramic Tile for Facial Defects

9.2.1 Viewing Board Size: At least 36 inches (914 mm) high x 48 inches (1219 mm) long.

A137.1 19
9.2.2 Viewing Board Color: Light Grey: L* = 65.35, a* = -0.45, b* = 1.19, or a grey within a ΔE ≤ 2.0 of this
target.

9.2.3 Viewing Board Support: Any sturdy framework which will hold the viewing board angled 70 +/- 10
degrees from the horizontal, while supporting the tile with the top edge of the tile array not above the level of the
evaluator’s eyes.

9.2.4 The Array: Set the tiles sampled (per section 5.0) in an array.

9.2.5 Light Source: The center of the light source shall be positioned 8–9 feet (2.44 to 2.74 meters) above the
floor and 2–3 feet (0.61 to 0.91 meters) from the front edge of the viewing board.

9.2.6 Lamp: A white fluorescent lamp providing enough illumination for 250 to 300 foot candles on the tile
without glare.

Example: A fixture consisting of 4 GE T8Wsp41 48-inch tubes will provide sufficient light for a
length, along the viewing board, of about 5 feet (1.5 meters).

9.2.7 Evaluator’s Position: Draw a line ¼ inch wide on the floor at a distance of 36 inches (914 mm) from a
vertical plane through the bottom edge of the viewing board. Evaluator is to stand erect without leaning and
having his feet positioned behind the line, but as close to the line as practical, and centered left to right in front
of this board while viewing the tile array.

9.2.8 Vision of Evaluator: Not color blind and 20/20 to 20/40 or corrected to 20/20 to 20/40.

9.2.9 Viewing Time: 60 seconds per tile array or 6 seconds per square foot of tile array.

9.2.10 Helper: Helper should set up the tile array, and wipe the tiles from top toward the bottom of array with a
clean non-linting cloth just before evaluator views the tile array. Any tile chipped in setting up the array should
be marked and not counted as a defect during evaluation.

9.2.11 Viewing Procedure: Evaluator positions himself as described above. Helper gives start signal and a
stop signal to the evaluator corresponding to the viewing time. Evaluator calls out “mark” for each visual defect
observed on the tile array during the observation period, and the helper keeps count of the “marks”.

9.3 Test Method for Color Difference (Shading) of Monochromatic (Aesthetic Class V0) Glazed Ceramic
Field Tile

9.3.1 The test is applicable only to glazed ceramic field tile (or trim tile with adequate flat surface for measuring),
which have an aesthetic Class of V0 as stated by the manufacturer.

9.3.2 Select tile according to the sampling plan in Section 5.0. Measure these according to ASTM C609.
Record the results in three columns, one each for the L*, a*, and b* values, and determine the maximum and
minimum value in each column.

9.3.3 Calculate the maximum values of each column, and use these values for a theoretical tile called MAX.

9.3.4 Calculate the minimum values of each column, and use these values for a theoretical tile called MIN.

9.3.5 Use the formula given in ASTM C609 to calculate the color difference between MAX and MIN. This will be
the color difference for the lot.

9.4 Evaluation of Shade Value of Ceramic Tiles (Aesthetic Classes V1 to V4)

This procedure allows a producer to visually evaluate a tile sample for shade value.

9.4.1 Viewing Board Criteria

9.4.1.1 Viewing Board Size: At least 36 inches (914 mm) high x 48 inches (1219 mm) long.

9.4.1.2 Viewing Board Color: Light Grey: L* = 65.35, a* = -0.45, b* = 1.19, or a grey within a ΔE ≤ 2.0 of this
target.

20 A137.1
9.4.1.3 Viewing Board Support: Any sturdy framework that will hold the viewing board angled 70 +/- 10
degrees from the horizontal, while supporting the tile with the top edge of the tile array not above the level of the
evaluator’s eyes.

9.4.1.4 Light Source: The center of the light source shall have a vertical distance of 8–9 feet (2.44–2.74
meters) above the floor and a horizontal distance of 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 meters) from the front edge of the
viewing board.

9.4.1.5 Lamp: A white fluorescent lamp providing enough illumination for 250 to 300 foot candles on the tile
without glare.

Example: A fixture consisting of 4 GE T8Wsp41 48-inch tubes will provide sufficient light for a
length, along the viewing board, of about 5 feet (1.5 meters).

9.4.2 Evaluator Criteria

9.4.2.1 Vision of Evaluator: Not color blind and 20/20 to 20/40 or corrected to 20/20 to 20/40.

9.4.3 Procedure for Visual Evaluation of Ceramic Tile

9.4.3.1 Place the standard shade tile(s) at eye level. If necessary, support it with sample tiles. It should be
located near the center of the viewing area.

9.4.3.2 Place samples for evaluation on the board around the standard shade tile(s):

a. This sample should be at least three boxes of a single shade value.

b. Each box of tile should be placed on the board in a continuous subgroup.

c. Each box of tile should take up an equal amount of space on the viewing board.

d. If trim pieces are to be viewed with a standard shade field tile(s), place the trim units around
the standard in the same manner as they would be installed.

9.4.3.3 The evaluator stands 1 meter away from the bottom edge of the viewing board for a viewing time of
6 seconds per 1 foot2 (0.3 meters2) of tile sampled. The evaluator may move parallel to the board to properly
evaluate larger arrays, and the standard shade tile(s) may be moved throughout the array if necessary.

9.5 Test Method for Mounting Variations

9.5.1 This method is only valid for mosaic tiles with the following characteristics:

• Nominally square
• Nominal sizes of 1 inch x 1 inch to 3 inches x 3 inches
• With straight edges
• Not mixed in a pattern
• Fixed in sheets

9.5.2 Select sheets at random from the lot according to the sampling plan in Section 5.0.

9.5.3 Visually evaluate the grout joints.

A137.1 21
9.5.4 Select the visually ‘worst’ joints so that the number is at least the rejection number + 2. This is the
minimum number of joints to measure. An example is provided below.

Table 15: Determining Number of Grout Joints for Measurement – Example

Mosaic Size Sheet Size # Joints in Min. # of # of ‘Worst’

Sheet Defective Joints Joints to
to Reject Sheet Measure
1x1 1 ft. x 2 ft. 540 22 24
2x2 1 ft. x 2 ft. 126 8 10
3x3 1 ft. x 2 ft. 52 4 6

9.5.5 Mark the joints to be measured with a marker or felt pen.

9.5.6 Use appropriate calipers for the distance to be measured, accurate to 0.1 mm.

9.5.7 Place the sheet on a firm horizontal surface so that the face side is up.

9.5.8 Measure the left and right side (5 mm from each corner) of the marked joints.

9.5.9 The maximum side minus the minimum side is the range for that particular joint.

9.5.10 The average of both sides for a single joint is the average width for that joint.

9.5.11 The average of all of the average joint widths is the average joint width for the sheet.

22 A137.1
Figure 1: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Trim Figure 2: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Trim

Figure 3: Mosaic Conventional 1x1 Trim Figure 4: Mosaic Conventional 2x2 Trim

Figure 5: Mosaic Pool Edge Trim Figure 6: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Flat Top Base

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

A137.1 23
Figure 7: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Figure 8: Mosaic Surface 1x1
Round Top Base, Option 1 Round Top Base, Option 2

Figure 9: Mosaic Surface 1x1 Figure 10: Mosaic Surface 2x2

Round Top Base, Option 3 Flat Top Base, Option 1

Figure 11: Mosaic Surface 2x2 Figure 12: Mosaic Surface 2x2
Flat Top Base, Option 2 Round Top Base

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

24 A137.1
Figure 13: Quarry 4x8 Bullnose Figure 14: Quarry 6x6 Bullnose

Figure 15: Quarry 6x8 Round Top Base Figure 16: Quarry 4x8 Round Top Base

Figure 17: Quarry 6x6 Round Top Base Figure 18: Quarry 6x6 Flat Top Base

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

A137.1 25
Figure 19: Quarry 6x8 Flat Top Base Figure 20: Pressed Floor/Porcelain
8x8 Trim, Option 1

Figure 21: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 8x8 Trim, Option 2

Figure 22: Pressed Floor/Porcelain

8x8 Trim, Option 3

Figure 23: Pressed Floor/Porcelain 12x12 Trim

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

26 A137.1
Figure 24: Pressed Floor/Porcelain Figure 25: Glazed Wall 4x4 Surface Trim
6x8 Round Top Base

Figure 26: Glazed Wall 6x6 Surface Trim

Figure 27: Glazed Wall 4x4 Surface Bullnose

Figure 28: Glazed Wall 6x6 Surface Bullnose

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

A137.1 27
Figure 29: Glazed Wall 2x6 Surface Bullnose Figure 30: Glazed Wall 2x4 Surface Bullnose

Figure 31: Glazed Wall 4x6 Surface Bullnose Figure 32: Glazed Wall 6x4 Surface Bullnose

Figure 33: Glazed Wall 4x4 Base Figure 34: Glazed Wall 4x4 Sanitary Base

Figure 35: Glazed Wall 4x6 Sanitary Base Figure 36: Glazed Wall 6x6 Sanitary Base

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

28 A137.1
Figure 37: Glazed Wall Counter Rail Figure 38: Glazed Wall 4x4 Conventional Trim
(Sink Rail)

Figure 39: Glazed Wall 6x6

Conventional Trim

Figure 40: Glazed Wall 4x6 Conventional Trim

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

A137.1 29
Figure 41: Glazed Wall 6x4 Figure 42: Glazed Wall 2x6 Conventional Bullnose
Conventional Trim

Figure 43: Glazed Wall 4x4 Conventional Bullnose

Figure 44: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Bullnose

Figure 45: Glazed Wall 2x6 Conventional Base

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

30 A137.1
Figure 46: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Base, Option 1

Figure 47: Glazed Wall 6x6 Conventional Base, Option 2

Figure 48: Glazed Wall 4x6 Conventional Base

Figure 49: Glazed Wall Quarter Round Trim

Figure 50: Glazed Wall Double Return Trim

NOTE: Measurements given reflect general dimensions. Check with manufacturer for exact dimensions and availability.

A137.1 31
 Figure 51: Master Grade Certificate

Manufacturer’s Name
Manufacturer’s Address and Phone

MASTER GRADE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the quality of the tiles packaged to order for the specific job listed below are of
Standard Grade, and all such packages bear the Standard Grade mark in accordance with the practices of
the ceramic tile industry.

It is further certified that the tiles manufactured by ______________________ and marked Standard Grade
are graded to equal or exceed the recommended Standard specifications for ceramic tile,
ANSI A137.1-2008.

L E
JOB NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________

M P
A
LOCATION: ___________________________________________________________________________

S
SOLD TO: ____________________________________________________________________________

PURCHASE ORDER: ___________________________________________________________________

PURCHASE ORDER DATE: ______________________________________________________________

DATE SHIPPED: _______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________
MANUFACTURER’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

TILE CONTRACTOR’S CERTIFICATE

THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the tiles designated on this certificate have been used for the tilework

in ___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Date ______________________ Contractor’s Signature ________________________________________

32 A137.1
 Figure 52: Letter of Compliance Certificate

LETTER OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the quality of the tiles that will be packaged to order for the specific job listed below will
be of Standard Grade, and all such packages will bear the Standard Grade mark in accordance with the
practices of the ceramic tile industry.

E
It is further certified that the tiles manufactured by ___________________________ and marked Standard

L
Grade will be graded to equal or exceed the recommended standard specifications for ceramic tile,

P
ANSI A137.1-2008.

A M
JOB NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________

S
LOCATION: ___________________________________________________________________________

SOLD TO: _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________
MANUFACTURER’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

A137.1 33
34 A137.1
A137.1 35
36 A137.1