What is Tile Shade Variation?

​When searching for the perfect new tile for your home, you will come across a wide variety of shades, tones and styles. You may have noticed a rating called “variation” listed on some tile series.

This is “shade variation” and that rating is determined by the manufacturer. In some tile series each tile looks more or less the same as the others, whereas other tile series have a wide difference of colour or pattern between each tile. Tile printing has become much more detailed and sophisticated compared to the porcelain tiles of the 1980’s; these variations are not an accident, but are intentionally designed.

To help the customer make sense of the shade variation rating, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) created a rating system. The shade variation rating shows the degree to which a tile may vary in colour, tone and texture within a series. The rating system applies to porcelain and ceramic tiles and consists of four categories.

 V1 - Uniform appearancE

 V1 tiles have an overall uniform appearance with little to no variation between tiles. If you are looking for a monochromatic or minimalist look, V1 is a good choice.
Some tile series we carry that have a V1 rating are:

• Basic Hex
• Classic
• Star & Cross​
• Provenzal

V2 - Slight VariatioN

V2 tiles will have slight variation in colour, texture and pattern. These tiles are generally similar to give a cohesive look, but there are small differences that add depth and interest. Each tile is not a cookie cutter copy of the others, but will have some soft gradation and tonal difference to make the tiles look more natural, yet still without high contrast.
Some tile series we carry that have a V2 rating are:

• Marmi
• Energy
• Caila
• Taku​ ​

V3 - Moderate Variation​

V3 tiles have noticeable variation in shade and pattern between tiles. The colours, textures and patterns coordinate with each other, but the degree that the colours or textures vary between each piece may be significant. Each tile is distinct. Each tile may contain a larger or smaller amount of each colour, but they will still blend together, once installed, to create a balanced look. Many wood-look and stone-look tiles have more variation, because stone and wood have a wide range of colour and pattern naturally.
Some tile series we carry that have a V3 rating are:

• Antique Marble
• Clay
• Urban Hexagon
• Frammenti ​​

V4 - Substantial VariatioN

V4 tiles have a high variation from tile to tile with random colour and texture differences. One tile may contain completely different colors from another in the same box. The differences between each tile are more random, and the final installation may result in a “patchwork quilt” effect. The final installation will be completely unique and highly varied. You can see this effect clearly in series mimicking slate; a stone which naturally has a high level of colour and contrast.  
Some tile series we carry that have a V4 rating are:

• Mustang Slate
• New York
• Scot
• Unicom Natural Slate​ ​

So, are you looking for a cohesive and minimalist look for your space, or are you wanting to mix things up with pattern and colour? There is no right or wrong answer, but now that you understand the shade variation rating, you’ll be able to narrow your search to make the right choice for you. 
And don’t forget to look at installation pictures or in person displays that will more accurately show you what a tile looks like installed before you buy. That small tile sample might not be telling you the whole story! ​