Why “A Grade” Porcelain Tile Matters

Shopping for porcelain tile is a juggling act. Quality, aesthetics, and other details are usually the focus in the beginning, but the price tag is an important metric that some customers use to compare tiles and make a decision. What many people don’t realize is that not all porcelain tile leaving a factory is classified the same way and this can reflect in the price. 

At Bosphorus Imports, we purchase A Grade, first quality porcelain from our manufacturing partners because we believe your installation should look just as beautiful years from now as it does on its first day ofinstallation. 

So, what exactly does  A Grade or first quality mean? During manufacturing, every tile passes through multiple quality inspections. Both automated scanners and trained inspectors evaluate each piece for dimensional accuracy, flatness, surface appearance, glazing consistency, color, and overall finish. The tiles that meet the factory’s highest standards become First Quality, or A Grade products. 

Not every tile makes that cut. Pieces with cosmetic imperfections may be sorted into categories commonly referred to as B Grade, Factory Seconds, or Builder Grade, depending on the manufacturer. These tiles are often structurally sound but may have noticeable shade differences, glazing irregularities, chipped edges, or dimensional inconsistencies that prevent them from qualifying as first-quality material.  

Will every B-grade tile cause problems? Not necessarily. But over the course of an entire installation, small inconsistencies can become much more noticeable and/or problematic. Slight size differences may create uneven grout joints. Edge variations can affect lippage.  Color differences may stand out once the floor is complete. 

That is why we choose to start with the best material available. At Bosphorus Imports, we know your tile is a long-term investment. Whether it’s for the home, a commercial project, or a designer installation, we believe the foundation of a beautiful project begins before the tile ever reaches the job site. 

When quality starts at the factory, it shows up in every finished floor.